A Sting In The Tale At Michelmores Charity Run.

David Skinner took part in the Michelmores Exeter 5K Charity Run on Thursday 6th of September. This annual event is now in its 18th year and the proceeds are being donated to The Amber Foundation, a charity that helps young homeless unemployed people get back on their feet.

Congestion at the start line on The Cathedral Green meant that David got off very slowly. However, he soon broke away from the ruck, progressing around the route, picking up speed and passing other competitors. Then disaster struck half way through Northernhay Gardens! David had several other runners closing in on him when a wasp flew into his air space and stung him near his right eye! The impact and reaction of the irritated insect caused David to swipe at it, knocking his glasses to the ground. He lost time here while looking for the glasses and even more time getting checked over by a first aider. Due to all this excitement, David’s time was still a respectable 33m04s coming in 727th out of 950 runners.

City To Sea Marathon 2018

On Saturday the 1st September Jo Earlam completed the City To Sea Marathon. This brings Jo’s total to 59 completed marathons and was the third time competing in this very tough competition.

This 26.6 mile marathon is deceptive in that the first section from the start line in Exwick to  Cockwood and Dawlish Warren is a flat trek along the River Exe, Exeter Canal and Exe Estuary. During section two between Cockwood and Shaldon the hills start to kick in, softening up the legs for the real work to come later. Stage three and leaving Sheldon behind is where the hard work really starts, with a steep climb up a monster hill above Ness Cove, Smugglers Cove and Labrador Bay. The undulating coastal path doesn’t let up with the pain inducing hills, as it follows the coastal route all the way to Babbacombe Downs.

Jo found section three really tough, especially the steps which are very steep and seem to go on for ever! However, she had kept something in the tank for the last six miles and with determination and grit, she still managed to pass by a lot of other runners, whilst not allowing others to pass her. Then, during the last two hundred yards just before the finish line, one runner trotted past her as if he was just starting the race! He encouraged her to sprint for the line with him. It turned out that whilst she had just completed the marathon and was on the floor, he had finished the ultra and seemed ready to go again.

Jo finished with a very good time of 5h:57m:14s, coming 90th. This was not as fast as the previous year but better than 2016. Her well earned reward for the long and arduous race was Fish and chips at Hanbury’s Fish Restaurant

The Bridport 10k and Half Marathon

Six members of the Sidmouth Running Club attended the Bridport 10k and Half Marathon. Four took part in the 10k and two took on the challenge of the Half Marathon.

Both races started with the famous ‘Broadchurch’ cliff at West Bay in the background, and headed up to the second highest hill on the South Coast of England, a full 157m to the top of Thorncombe Beacon, (the half marathon runners then head down to Seatown) back through Downhouse Farm, Eype to West Bay. The 10 k is one loop and the half-marathon is two loops.

In the 10k race the first Sidmouth Runner across the finish line, was Deb Marriott in 46th place over all with a time of 01:11:22. She also got a 1st in age category. Next with the same time was Don Cawthera in 47th place, followed not long after coming in at 58th Helen Palmer with a time of 01:15:49. In 61st place was Jennifer Bentley 01:16:18.

The two ladies in competing in the Half Marathon teamed up together and braved out the wet and windy weather. Jo found it impossible to keep her hat on with the wind bowing it off several times. Also with the rain her glasses couldn’t be kept dry enough to see through!

Officially Jo Earlam was the first Sidmouth Runner across the finish line however, the times for both Jo Earlam and Jane Hemsworth are same at 02:53:43.

The Straight 8 Race

On Saturday the 4th of August at 5pm, Antony and Kat Hall lined up with 160 other runners, to represent the Mighty Greens at the start of the Greenbow Running Club’s Straight 8 race.

The race got underway in the blazing late afternoon sunshine from The Strand at Starcross, along the cycle routes and foot paths along the Exe Estuary and Exeter Canal, all the way to the quay in Exeter. Although it is a dead flat course, the weather certainly made it a very tough race.

Right from the start the pace was very quick, with the leading group setting out at sub 6 minute miles, so Antony settled into a chasing group behind the frontrunners.

After a few miles this group started to break up, the pace and heat of the day starting to take affect. However, Antony who has had some hot weather race experience this year managed to keep his pace going. Finally crossing the line hot and exhausted in a fantastic time of 52:48 and finishing in a high 5th place overall.

Kat took a more steady pace in the main field, and managed the heat of the day in a more sensible fashion, finishing in a commendable time of 1:18:27, with a well earned mid position of 89th overall and looked in much better shape than Antony!

A great race on a really nice flat route, making it a perfect distance for those looking to take the next step up from a 10k. They are both planning to compete in next year’s Straight 8, hopefully taking some more Mighty Greens along with them.

Cotswold Lake 62 Triathlon

Well done to Jane Hemsworth who took part in the Cotswold Lake 62 Triathlon on Saturday 28th July in some unseasonably bad weather. Starting en-mass with all the other competitors in the deep water, Jane had to swim 1500m, she then cycled 40km on a fairly flat course with a few inclines around the Cotswolds and then ran a 9km route cheered on by the spectators. A superb performance gained a 2nd lady in age category with an impressive 3h:19m time.

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.

Exeter 10k

On a warm Wednesday evening, seven Mighty Greens took part in the Exeter 10km Run. Starting on The Quay and following some of the Park-run route along the river and canal footpaths and cycle tracks to the swing bridge and back. This was a two lap traffic free and pancake flat 10km run.

In order of finishing was Greg Ward who arrived in 47:08 giving him the 94th position, Rob Edwards 115th with a time of 48:44. Steve Saunders in 171st position is now looking to beat his time of 52:25 next year. Then came Jo Earlam 205th, 55:48, John Sharples 243rd 58:39. Then Cheryl Boulton, who wanted a sub 1hour 10km time, sprinted for the finish line and achieved her goal 59:43 coming in 253rd place and Christie Ward felt very pleased with her position of 282nd, with a time of 63:52. There were 338 finishers.

Jo was pleased to get inside of the 9 minute mile pace with it being a rather short / fast pace for her.

Blackdown Beauty

Last Saturday, 14/07/18, Els Laureys and David Chipping took part in the Blackdown Beauty, as part of David’s birthday celebration. It is an 18 mile social run which starts at Priors Park Farm at Culmhead and leads you through in the wonderful countryside of the Blackdown Hills, via 4 pubs, lots of stiles and via Pear Tree Cottage at Stapley for a superb cream tea provided by the “legendary” Smeatharpe WI.

At the start we were given a map and instructions on which way to follow and soon found out that it is possible to spot little white drawing pins as markers along the way. About half way during the run, we joined forces with Andy, Anne and Lesley from Plymouth Harriers, who proved to be perfect company for a long run. We truly enjoyed the beautiful scenery, the lovely cream teas and made it to the last pub just in time to watch the Belgian football team win their 3rd place in the World Cup. Back at the farm, we were treated to a lovely burger and an ever so tasty cup of tea. We absolutely loved the experience and will try to make it to the Blackdown Beast next winter

Sidmouth Hosts the Woodland Relays

A sunny summer evening welcomed runners from local clubs for the annual invitation event, the Woodland Relays, which was hosted this year by Sidmouth Running Club on Salcombe Hill on 20th June. Having initially expected 30 teams the Club was delighted with the turnout of 63 teams of three people from local running clubs such as Axe Valley, Honiton, and Exmouth, as well as teams from the Met Office, Dukes, Cranbrook Scouts and many others. All ages and abilities were catered for with Under 11 teams such as ‘The Young Coyotes’ and ‘Cos Girls Can Run’ competing over the short course whilst the aptly named ‘210 Years and Counting’ team from Sidmouth Running Club took on the long course.

Sidmouth Running Club Chairman, Terry Bewes, thanked the many club members involved in organising and supporting the event. ‘Many members ran for their club including some from this year’s beginners group and we were delighted with Toby Garrick who was the fastest senior male over the long course. But a huge ‘well done’ also needs to go to all the helpers, from those that set out the course, to the marshals, the timer and number recorder, water providers, photographer, First Aid support and most popular, the catering crew who rose to the occasion and provided an awesome array of cakes and bakes.’