Haytor Heller

Four Sidmouth Running Club members took on the Haytor Heller on Saturday 21st of July. This event is in its 33rd year. It is a tough 6 mile hilly off-road event and is not for the faint hearted or inexperienced runner! This is a popular moorland race which starts below Haytor Rock and follows a rugged and hilly single lap route. It is generally runs through open moorland with two sections of woodland and includes the crossing of one stream. Returning back once again to Haytor Rock there is a fast descent to the finish line which is opposite the middle car park at Haytor.

By some fluke Jo got a second in her age group winning a trophy and a bottle of wine. She was pacing it out most of the race with an Erme Valley Harrier lady, who, as it turned out, was in the same age group. She’d pass Jo on the uphills, and Jo would pass her on the downs. Fortunately it ends on a down and Jo ended up with a 30 second lead.

In order of finishing: Jo Earlam 1:12:59, Don Cawthera 1:16:33. Debbie Marriott 1:16:40, Helen Palmer 1:20:03. 229 finished.

The group’s verdict of the event… a big thumbs up and a smiley face.