It was the 200th Exmouth parkrun on Saturday and whilst Sidmouth Running Club’s press officer, Alexa Baker, ran with a sandwich board advertising the upcoming Sidmouth Celebrates weekend, Mighty Green Beccy Johnson set out to get a new sub 30 PB. Despite the strong headwind and rain in the air Beccy was delighted to learn she had run the 3 mile/5k route in 28 minutes.
Beccy Johnson and Alexa Baker @ Exmouth’s 200th parkrun
It was the turn of run leader Richard King to take the clubs’ Sunday run, billed as a social 7/8 mile loop with everyone welcome and nobody will be left behind.
Ten club runners joined Richard and despite the hill start enjoyed the descent through Harpford woods.
Going up means amazing views
The tracks were surprisingly mud free despite the recent rain and the river crossing was over very low water. It was very warm and everyone appreciated the breeze as they turned to follow the river at Colaton Raleigh. It was at Otterton that Richard was spotted checking his watch and he announced that he might be a bit out on the mileage.
Following Richard through Otterton
The group gave him some stick but gamely followed him through Otterton and up Bar’s Lane to the top of Peak Hill.
Getting closer to home
It was after crossing the road onto Muttersmoor that post Grizzly legs started to complain and bananas and jelly babies were consumed for a final boost of energy to get back down past the golf course and to the cars.
Richard totally redeemed himself from the mileage miscalculation when he opened the boot of his car and offered everyone cake, peanuts and water.
How many miles?!?
It was the perfect end to an enjoyable dry morning out before the forecasted rain started again.
To find out more about Sidmouth Celebrates the SW coast path events including a Junior fun run with optional obstacles, an adult slide and climb and free walks with free cream teas visit www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk