The 4 triggers have a lot to thank Mighty Green David Wright for; not only did he step up to the mantle when he heard Marion and Robert Hayman were stepping away from organising the 4 Trigs after 7 years, he arranged perfect running conditions including a full day of sunshine!
David was very keen to keep this local event running (23rd year) and to support Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY), a charity very close to Marion and Robert’s hearts. The aim is to visit each of the four Triangulation Pillars around the Sid Valley with runners choosing their own routes, but they must visit each Trig Point in order taking in the 5 checkpoints to help taper the route (approx. 17 miles).
Sponsor, marshal, banana provider and all round helper, Nigel Winchester (Ian Winchesters and Sons) sent the 116 entrants, including 27 Mighty Greens, on their way over Alma bridge towards Weston trig at 9.30am.
There were some lovely touches added this year including the homemade trig point at Buckton, which was crafted, and carried into position, by SRC’s Adrian Harris who also made the superb finishers medals sponsored by Kings Garden and Leisure. In Harpford Woods there was a sign and a very well positioned dog lead, and at the final checkpoint the runners were offered local Four Elms apple juice which really hit the spot before tackling the upward stretch to Muttersmoor. The support and encouragement from all the marshals were greatly appreciated but one in particular stood out, Susie Jenkins and her gong definitely raised a smile as you approached the top of East Hill strips!
Not only did the runners receive a medal, they were rewarded with baked potatoes and homemade soup thanks to a fantastic team of ladies led by Marion, and delicious cakes supplied by Kings Garden and Leisure. It offered the runners an opportunity to sit, relax, chat about the event and cheer everyone in.
Sam Husband, of Greenbow Running Club in Exeter, was the first male to return in 2:21:00. Dartmoor-based Jo Meek broke her own 4 Trigs course record, arriving as the first female home in 2:36:12. Both were outstanding achievements with the 3999 feet of elevation involved.
Richard Summerhayes was the first male Mighty Green to finish in 2:50:15, 13th overall and Louise Dalton the first female MG in 4:27:07, 73rd overall. There were several Sidmouth Running club members running the event for the first time including Roger Worthington, second male SRC to finish, Scott Chown, his longest distance to date, Beccy ‘never again’ Johnson and the amazing Ann Cole who ran the majority of the event solo. Also showing true Mighty Green spirit was Cathy Miller who had no sleep the night before yet was determined to take part in the event and inspirational Marion Johnson who ran 3 of the trigs aged 76 and a half!
For David Wright, SRC highlights include Richard King kneeling to receive a ‘King’s’ medal, Alice Gill’s sprint finish and seeing the constant waves of MG groups finishing together.
A fabulous £2,000.00 + has been raised for CRY, which would not have been possible without the many hours of organisation that David and his team put into this tough but rewarding event.
SRC Results: Four Trigs: Richard Summerhayes 2:50:15; Roger Worthington 3:16:50; Colin Ryan 3:21:01; Mark Andow 3:40:43; Martin Barnard 3:47:20; Clive Gilbert 4:19:59; Mark Norton 4:19:59; Louise Dalton 4:27:07; Stuart Moul 4:29:25; Alice Gill 4:59:14; Naomi Garrick 4:59:32; Scott Chown 4:59:46; Charlie Fawell 4:59:46; Richard King 4:59:46; Janice Ranson 4:59:58; Clare Luke 5:07:48; Sarah Watkins 5:07:48; Beccy Johnson 5:20:27; Kathy Jordan 5:20:27; Kerry Salter 5:20:28; Alexa Baker 5:20:28; Jane Hemsworth 5:26:25; Helen Palmer 5:26:25; Cathy Miller 5:26:27; Ann Cole 5:43:36.
Three Trigs: Marion Johnson. Two Trigs: Julia Haddrell.