The Blackdown Beast, Honiton Running Clubs’ sold out charity fundraiser, took place on Saturday and Sidmouth Running Club were there.  All ten Mighty Greens chose to run the full 17 mile route over the 10 mile option and for most it was their first time.

First wave runners David, Clive and Kyle sync their watches

Starting from Dunkeswell airfield the runners had to self-navigate their way around the picturesque landscape by looking for white drawing pins on posts and gateways, using written instructions or a GPX file. The Mighty Green ladies ran together and were grateful that Rachel Barnard had downloaded the GPX file as it got them back on track when they realised they hadn’t seen a drawing pin for a while!

Rachel keeps the directions firmly in her grip.

The first leg was 7.5 miles on seldom used footpaths through the countryside complete with farmyard smells and muck which took you to the first refreshment stop at Smeatharpe.  Pre-ordered hot pasties and mulled cider hit the spot and made the next 2.5 mile leg along lanes and boggy fields to Upottery very enjoyable.

The ladies enjoying mulled cider and hot pasties.

Ignoring the fact that The Sidmouth Arms was the pick up point for the 10 mile option the Mighty Greens continued to Rawridge then climbed to Luppitt before heading back to Dunkeswell Airfield. This stretch was mainly on quiet roads with many uphill sections and perhaps not quite as enjoyable as the first section but all good training for the upcoming Four Trigs, Grizzly and JP’s Exe to Axe.

Beccy going her own way through the mud

Run leader Clive Gilbert appreciated the relaxed and friendly run with the lack of official timing and results making it an informal, social event around some truly beautiful countryside.  Another positive for Clive was the £4,000 raised for HRC’s chosen charity, Macmillan, a charity who provided extraordinary palliative care and support for both his parents.

The Mighty Green Beasties

Although MG’s Colin Ryan, David Wright, Kyle Baker and Clive were all home and showered by the time the ladies returned to the airfield meeting Charlie Fawell leaving The Aviator café they weren’t the last to finish! Although tired Kerry Salter, Beccy Johnson, Kathy Jordan, Alexa Baker and Rachel valued the time on legs experience as they look to next weekend and the Four Trigs!

Saturdays’ Haldon Night Run was postponed from before Christmas due to a yellow wind weather warning where the forest had to be closed to the public for safety reasons.  How lucky were organisers Sportiva Events that this weekends’ yellow wind weather warning came into effect on Sunday; the only amendment was the start times as the nights are drawing out!  Sidmouth Running Club were represented by two juniors taking part in the 2k event and they did their club proud!

Donna, Amelia and Christopher flying the flag

Christopher Witkowski had an exceptional run finishing in 12 minutes earning him a podium finish-2^nd in the 10-11 year old boys’ category.  Amelia Womersley-Westlake ran with her mum/junior coach Donna Womersley-Westlake and finished the hilly route in a respectable 17 minutes.  The club is very grateful to their parents for supporting and encouraging the Mighty Greens.

2nd place for Christopher

Not to miss out on the running action, Amelias’ dad, Grahame Womersley-Westlake took on his toughest challenge to date, the Pagan Trails. This was a brand new event organised by Outer Edge which started in Chagford and took in stone circles and pagan sites of north Dartmoor which is steeped in ancient history and legends. For Junior coach Grahame it meant 28 miles through wind, mud, ice, rain, sleet, rivers, bogs and lots of hills; the first 1.3km was over 300m of elevation! But weeks of training combined with sessions at SidmouthFit paid off as he hit his sub 6 hour target finishing in 5:54:00, 39^th in a field of 97.  The Mighty Green said although it was brutal the stunning scenery made up for it and he will return to Dartmoor for more races in the future!

Grahame taking a moment to enjoy the stunning views

This weeks’ Sunday runners had a coach trip to look forward to thanks to run leader Richard King and chairman Terry Bewes for organising it.  With a choice of 3 distances the coach picked the runners up at Newton Poppleford (21 miles), Budleigh Salterton (16 miles) and Exmouth (10 miles) before dropping them off at the incinerator in Exeter.

The Sunday Runners

Enjoying the settled part of the weather system the MG’s ran alongside the river, through the marshes to Topsham, following the train line through Lympstone and into Exmouth.

Coach organiser Terry Bewes at Topsham

Running the flat, dry route compared to all the previous hilly, muddy Sunday runs was a revelation and instead of returning to their cars at Exmouth Mighty Greens Sarah Clapham and Carol Hounsell decided to carry on to Budleigh Salterton.   The group followed the old railway line to Knowle before heading into Budleigh where Louise Dalton, Amanda Stokes and Richard King carried on to Newton Poppleford and Charlie Fawell gave Sarah and Carol a lift back to Exmouth.

The 21 milers, Amanda, Louise and Richard

Sidmouth Running Club Junior Amelia Womersley-Westlake was not content with running the Axmouth Challenge 1 mile fun run on Sunday and chose to run the 3 mile race aimed at 12+ years!  Permission was given from race organisers Axe Valley Runners for the Mighty Green 8 year old to run with her dad (and SRC Junior leader) Grahame Womersley-Westlake, alongside her.  Despite a hill climb to start, Amelia finished in an impressive 40:42 and enjoyed every moment.

Amelia Womersley-Westlake enjoying her 5k run

Four Mighty Greens also faced the hill start too as they took part in the 9 mile race.  First timer Nikita Kay had been pre-warned about the hills and mud but found the event very enjoyable and said it was challenging in the best way and would recommend the race.  The Mighty Green finished in 1:39:41. Christine and Karen Farnham also enjoyed the multi terrain route along quiet lanes and off road trails and finished in 1:31:54 and 1:37:05 respectively.  First SRC runner to finish was head coach Kyle Baker who was very pleased to learn he had knocked 9 minutes of his previous time finishing 42^nd out of a field of 116 in 1:19:19.

The MG Axmouth Challengers

All the Mighty Greens who took part agreed the refreshments; hot soup, bacon butties, flapjacks, cakes etc were amazing and would like to thank organiser Jane Calvert and her team for a great value for money, friendly local event.

Chairman Terry Bewes welcomed new members to the first Wednesday club run of 2024 including those joining the Beginners group. Under Terry’s guidance they ran over 2 miles and are all keen to return next week.

Mighty Green Niall Hawkins took part in Climb South Wests’ The Walter Raleigh Round half marathon starting and finishing in Budleigh Salterton.  The muddy, challenging route took in High Peak, the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and surrounding countryside where he spent time as a child.  Niall had a great race finishing 16^th out of a field of 146 in 1:51:54.

Adrian with his medal and friend

Junior run leader Adrian Gripper Horne took part in the 3^rd of a marathon option, running 8.6 miles in 1:39:35 finishing 16^th out of a field of 22.  Both Mighty Greens were impressed with the weighty medal!

The First Chance 10k organised by SW Road Runners also had two Mighty Greens enter who enjoyed the flat course around Exeter Riverside Valley Park on Sunday.  MG David King finished in 47:26, 231^st out of a field of 447 and despite chip problems MG Sam Ingram finished in 49:06 knocking 5 minutes off last years’ time!

The first Sunday run of 2024 saw run leader Rachel Barnard inundated with club runners keen to continue upping their mileage in preparation for upcoming events including the Blackdown Beast, Four Trigs, Grizzly and Exe to Axe.

Very ‘Clamourous’ Sunday runners

The change in the weather didn’t catch them out as everyone layered up and enjoyed cracking the ice on the frozen puddles, although there was a lot of mud around too.

Richard and Colin went to see the new bridge

The route took them along the coastal path towards Budleigh where everyone enjoyed the stunning scenery and there were options to break off at Otterton to run 10, 11 or 12 miles.

Stunning scenery towards Budleigh

Winding Paths chose Sidmouth for their Final Countdown 10k this year, perfect for members of Sidmouth Running Club to kick start New Years Eve.

The rain stopped just before the race started from the Watersports Hub at 10am but with the wind whipping the waves onto the promenade getting wet was unavoidable as the runners headed for Peak Hill.

Raring to celebrate The Final Countdown!

The early elevation did not put the 257 entrants off nor did the mud, though it might have slowed them down a bit; not the case for Niall Hawkins, first Mighty Green to finish in 11^th place in 47:57!

Niall Hawkins had a cracking run

No sooner were you on top of the hill that you were being sent down the other side ready for the delight of running up Bottle Lane, notoriously tricky underfoot at the best of times. A slighty less muddy but very watery loop of Muttersmoor followed before the daunting descent down the grassy slope to the finish line at Connaught Gardens.  MG Scott Chown styled his skid out right in front of the photographer and managed to stay upright (ish!), no mean feat as it was a mud bath.

Scott Chown sliding his way to the finish line

Everyone received a very impressive medal before heading home to clean up, ready to bring in 2024.

Results: Niall Hawkins 47:57; Don Cawthera 57:58; Deb Cawthera 1:01:57; Sarah Ginsberg 1:06:58; Christine Farnham 1:07:23; Alexa Baker 1:08:33; Beccy Johnson 1:09:04; Karen Farnham 1:09:31; Scott Chown 1:10:16; Nikita Kay 1:10:20; Judith Jeeves 1:18:31; Christie Ward 1:18:49; Carol Hounsell 1:29:05; Sarah Watkins 1:25:06; Ann Cole 1:31:28

You can still join the beginner’s course which started on Wednesday 3^rd January and SRC Juniors which start back on Wednesday 10^th January.

See www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for further details.

Not to be out done by the SRC Juniors who enjoyed a 12 days of Christmas challenge run with cake and chocolate to finish for their last session before Christmas over 40 Sidmouth Running Club members joined the last club run before Christmas to make it a very festive evening and all the more special having the company of Jo Pavey MBE.

The Juniors enjoyed The 12 Days Of Christmas challenge

With a prize for the best fancy dress up for grabs there were many colourful outfits on display as they headed up from St Johns School to Bennetts Hill, the best light display in Sidmouth.

Chairman Terry with Jo

The Mighty Green choir sang Silent Night and popped donations in the collecting box for Sidmouth Independent Lifeboat before continuing round the cul-de-sac to The Volley who were treated to a rousing rendition of We Wish You A Merry Christmas!

The MG Choir at Bennetts Hill

Not for the first time Radway cinema goers were entertained with a festive run through the aisles before another burst of We Wish You A Merry Christmas for the Radway pub revellers.

On return the Mighty Greens were treated to mulled wine and mince pies (thanks to Nikki King) and Jo presented the best fancy dress prize to Leeann Thomson who ran like an angel, her gossamer wings twinkling all the way.

Jo Pavey MBE with fancy dress winner Leeann Thomson

You or any of your visiting family and friends are very welcome to join the Boxing day run starting at 9am from Sidmouth Sailing club.

There are a few spaces left on the beginners course which starts on Wednesday 3^rd January and SRC Juniors start back on Wednesday 10^th January.

See www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for further details.

Saturday saw the welcome return of The Otterton Reindeer Run after a four year break thanks to the Jubilee playpark committee and the very frosty conditions transformed the route into a Winter wonderland.

David dressing very appropriately

Four SRC juniors donned their festive gear and took part in the junior reindeer calf run with junior leaders Grahame and Donna Womersley-Westlake who were also suitably dressed. They all enjoyed the 3k route with Christopher, his first time representing the Mighty Greens, being the first SRC junior to cross the finish line with Marcus, Jack and Amelia not far behind.  They all received a fantastic medal which the MG 10k runners were very envious of!

Jack, Amelia, Christopher and Marcus with Junior leaders Donna and Graham

Some of the SRC 10k runners took refuge in the warmth of the pub beforehand as it was still -4 degrees including Brigid McEleney-Smith who gave Kathy Jordan and Alexa Baker a good warm up by teaching them some Irish dancing!

A festive bunch of MG’s.

You couldn’t not feel Christmassy as everyone lined up wearing a variety of hats, reindeer outfits, festive leggings and in chairman Terry Bewes’ case, his pyjamas!

Neville entering into the festive fun

With the frost sparking in the bright sunshine conditions couldn’t have been better, even the mud and cow pats were frozen!  Looking back towards Sidmouth as you went up the hill out of Ladram was stunning.

Sprint finish for Colin Ryan

Colin Ryan was the first male MG to finish in 53:57, 12^th out of a field of 146 and Catherine Hylton the first MG female to finish in 1:01:01.  Social secretary Naomi Garrick was awarded a prize for the best fancy dress and Terry a bottle of wine for his help with organising the event and for being the back runner.

Fancy dress winner Naomi

Back at the village hall all runners were given the option of a bacon roll and glass of mulled wine or tea and a mince pie which rounded off the morning very nicely and got the MG’s in the mood for the Christmas party that evening.

Plank Competition at the MG Christmas do

Results: Colin Ryan 53:57; Catherine Hilton 1:01:01; Neville Hylton 1:04:49; Rachel Barnard 1:04:55; Christine Farnham 1:05:51; Karen Farnham 1:07:05; Scott Chown 1:07:56; Katy Josh 1:08:56; Brigid McEleney-Smith 1:09:55; Naomi Garrick 1:12:01; Sarah Clapham 1:12:31; David Wright 1:14:28; Kathy Jordan 1:20:01; Alexa Baker 1:20:02; Carol Hounsell 1:20:25; Ronnie Masters 1:21:52; Jo Earlam 1:22:31; Helen Palmer 1:22:42; Clare Hawes 1:29:03; Julia Haddrell 1:31:21; Ann Cole 1:31:27; Chris McCormick 1:31:49; Emma Grainger 1:38:14; Terry Bewes 1:44:07.

The Mighty Green of Sidmouth Running Club was spotted in two hot locations recently.  Suzi Rockey competed in the Gran Canaria 10k in 25^o heat finishing in under an hour

Suzi completes Gran Canaria 10k

and Derek Blackburn took time out of his travels to compete in the 1700^th hash of the Saigon Hash House Harriers.  Derek said it was great fun, very hot and not at all what he was used to hashing with the Chesters in Devon!

Derek cooling off in Saigon the MG way!

MG David Skinner was delighted to have finally run his 250^th park run at Killerton last weekend.  A knee problem had delayed him reaching this amazing milestone by four months.

David Skinner ran his 250th parkrun

Run leader Clive Gilbert led the Sunday run group on a very picturesque route (8.5, 10 and 13 mile options) along the Otter, through West Hill, Cadhay, Escot and Feniton.

Beautiful scenery

Despite the wet, cold start layers were soon coming off and everyone enjoyed the Autumnal colours and each other’s company.

Autumnal vibes on Clives’ Sunday run

Sidmouth Running Club is starting its popular beginners’ course on Wednesday 3^rd January 2024. It is a great way to get into running and meet people within a supportive small group led by head coach Kyle Baker who will tailor the course to your abilities. It is also under the cover of darkness so no one can recognise you! Please go to www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for more information/booking form if you are interested.

Mighty Green and park run enthusiast Derek Blackburn planned his travel accommodation to be near the location of the only park run on the equator. Even jet lag, the 7.30am start and the 33^o heat didn’t dampen Derek’s enjoyment as he represented Sidmouth Running Club at the East Coast Park park run in Singapore!

Derek flying the MG flag in Singapore

Fellow park run enthusiast, Clive Gilbert, didn’t have a problem with the heat!  The Mighty Green ran the Ashton Court park run in Bristol, having ran a 5k warm up beforehand which signalled the completion of his Tommy 10k challenge.  Fund raising for the Royal British Legion, Clive had to run 10k a day for 11 days from November1st to Armistice day.  Run leader Clive took on this challenge as his son Matt joined the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in April and raised over £150.

Clive celebrating in Bristol

Vice chair Sarah Watkins and Carol Hounsell took part in the Drogo10 organised by SW Runners.  The MG duo decided on the first mile to take it slow and steady as they had past many fallen and returning runners who had gone over on the mud! They both enjoyed the hilly, muddy, cross country terrain with stunning views of the Teign Valley and finished in 2:26:02.

Junior run leader Adrian ‘Gripper’ Horne headed up to Chipping Sodbury, South Gloucestershire to take part in the aptly named Sodbury Slog.  Organised by Bitton Road Runners the 10 mile route is billed as a lung busting, trainer ruining, hill climbing multi terrain challenge.  To commemorate the fallen the race is preceded by 2 minutes silence and the last post. Gripper said it was very wet and cold but despite this enjoyed himself and finished in 2:07:01, 706^th out of a field of 1057.

Gripper slogging away

The first Sunday run was another way to ruin your trainers as Sarah Clapham found out!  The route from Sidford, down the Byes to pick up the coast path to Weston, into Harcombe (10 miles) and onto Sidbury (13 miles) was full of mud and not made any easier with the persistent rain so there were plenty of slips and trips along the way.

The sea is there somewhere!

The idea of the Sunday runs is to increase your mileage and time on your legs in preparation for the Blackdown Beast, 4 Trigs, Grizzly and the clubs’ own Exe to Axe but it is also very social and gives you an opportunity to meet members of the club you wouldn’t normally run with on a club night.

Blue skies at Weston

At midday last Friday Sidmouth Running club’s Mark Andow and Adrian Harris started the Dartmoor 100, a 106+ mile circumnavigation of Dartmoor on the Dartmoor Way. Organised by Outer Edge events and described as a most challenging and adventurous route, the ultra-marathon had a 34 hour cut off.

Raring to go, Mark and Adrian at the start of Dartmoor 100

Adrian described the weather as surprisingly good for Dartmoor, but the cold and very muddy conditions proved challenging; even more so as night fell and slipping around in the mud in the dark became very tiring, demoralising, and hard.  Even with modern GPS technology the Mighty Green found it difficult to stay on the right path and tiredness was making it more difficult to skip over hidden roots and slippery rocks so after running for an impressive 10 hours, 42 miles, he decided to retire at Cornwood check point.

Meanwhile, strong and determined, Mark was being encouraged along by his support crew, wife Anna and dog, Ginny.  They kept his spirits up, kept him company, supplied him with dry socks and custard; the MG said he couldn’t have done it without them.

Adrian also lifted Mark’s spirits when he returned to Dartmoor on Saturday to cheer Mark through Chagford at 5pm, Throwleigh, South Zeal and Belstone before running out to guide Mark and two others in on the last section. Calling him a Mighty Green hero, Mark really appreciated Adrian’s help through the brutal, potentially dangerous, as he was so tired, final stretch and crossed the finish line at 9.40pm, back in Okehampton nearly 34 hours later.

Running through Peter Tavy

Describing Mark at the end, Adrian said he was obviously very tired and it would be wrong to call him cheery but no matter how you look at it his achievement was incredible, one of which he should be very proud. Reflecting on his epic challenge Mark said it was an awesome day/night/day/night experience, brutally hard but well worth it, a great adventure.

Mark completing the Dartmoor 100