On Sunday we ran a new route which was surely the most scenic and panoramic we have done. The weather was perfect, sunny, warm and clear. You could see through SIDMOUTH gap to Haldon and beyond to Dartmoor and High Peak and beyond to Budleigh and Torbay.
If the woods have bluebells in them it will be stunning and one to check out in the New Year. And only 9.5 miles.
Brooks Snowdonia Marathon
The inaugural Snowdonia Marathon was held in 1982, and was conceived as a dramatic alternative to the numerous city and town races becoming so popular. This demanding and spectacular route, encircling Snowdon, Wales’ and England’s highest peak, has given the event a unique place in the annual marathon calendar. This much loved marathon has twice been voted the best marathon in the UK despite it being widely regarded as one of the most difficult.
The race starts just outside Llanberis and is challenging from the very start as it climbs to the top of the Llanberis Pass (1,100ft) before dropping down and along the ancient Nant Cwyryd road towards Pen-y-Cwyryd. Then comes a spell of respite as the route heads to Beddgelert (200ft) and then on to Waunfawr. It is then a rapid climb up to Bwlch y Groes at about 1,200ft before heading downhill to the finish at Llanberis.
Experienced marathon runner Danny Painter from SIDMOUTH Running Club set off to take part in good spirit but this soon disappeared spending 8 hours in Friday evening motorway traffic trying to get there. However that was soon forgotten lining up at the start the next morning. Another excellent run saw him finish in 3:43:03. His stage positions were Pen y Pass 370, halfway 282, 23 miles 321 and finished 308 overall in a field of 2069 finishers.
Not a race for the faint hearted.
The Templar 10
With so many races coming onto the calendar there are bound to be conflicts and so it proved. While some SIDMOUTH Running Club members were at Castle Drogo, John Doherty and new members Louise and Steve Saunders donned the Mighty Green and headed off to Newton Abbot to run the Templar 10.
This race organised by the Teignbrige Trotters is a multi-terrain 10 mile course starting and finishing in the wonderful grounds of Stover School. The course was changed last year to avoid long stretches of road and is now 90% off road where runners have the pleasure of running through the picturesque Stover Country Park as well as the fields at Teingrace.
It was a cold, crisp sunny day and dry underfoot ideal conditions. First Club runner home was Louise in 1:30:39 wearing number 243 followed by husband Steve in 1:31:53 wearing 244. She told me this was girl power but I am led to believe by Steve that, as always, he was doing the gentlemanly thing by giving her the lower race number.
John Doherty showed that there is still life in the old dog as all the Fridays runs he has been doing lately resulted in him knocking 8 minutes off last years’ time to finish in 1:40:55.
The winning time was 56:59 with 236 finishers, another popular event.
The Drogo 10
Seven SIDMOUTH Running Club members ventured to the edge of Dartmoor to run this challenging and beautiful Drogo 10. This is definitely one of the most scenic races in the calendar and one of the best supported too – nearly 300 runners completed the 10 mile course this year. The conditions were perfect a little cool breeze and a grass frost had turned the fields white especially along the river. The trees were multi coloured and at times you were showered with leaves falling down as you ran along. The views from the ridges were outstanding this year with the clear air highlighting the colour of the trees and the distance views. The bonus this year was the course was virtually dry which is unheard of for this race. It was a pleasure to be there.
When you think about the Drogo the mind tends to focus on the notorious Hunters’ Path, a brutal half mile climb back towards the castle at mile 8. However, it would be foolish to forget hills no. 1 and no. 2 both of which are energy-sapping climbs from the river valley to the ridge path. Those members who had been on the training run from Weston to Beer and back the previous week were well prepared for them.
Lining up at the start with 5 minutes to go Julian Bartlett turns up enquiring “where do you pick up your number”.He blamed his sat-nav for giving him the wrong information. Sarah Watkin’s daughter Jessica, who is 5 months pregnant, was a guest runner and decided that due to her condition she would take it easy and run with Sarah and Terry. That plan lasted all of 5 minutes and then she was gone.
Antony Hall continues to return some excellent times coming 29th in 1:13:46. Julian Bartlett 1:29:33, Karine Silver 1:36:44, Susan Perry 1:40:43, Jessica Raynor 1;44:52, Sarah Watkins 1:49:24, Simon Hollyer who had been ill all week 1:49:24 and bringing up the rear as usual Terry Bewes in 1:50:08 although he did knock 8 minutes off of his previous best for this course. He took a leaf out of Rob Edwards book and had a relaxing coffee before the start. Just goes to show you are never too old to learn. A great morning out.
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park 10K
This 10K event is run on the first Saturday of the month from October to March. It is held in a phenomenal London location avoiding all road crossings. It is a flat, 3 lap race with a few tight turns and slight undulations taking in the Pringle, Arcelor Mittal Orbit and both sides of the river. It is a mixed ability race and all runners are welcome. There were 567 entrants split roughly 50/50, male/female.
Joining the start line wearing her Mighty Green Vest was Jane Hemsworth who completed the race in 51:03 wining her 1st place in her age group and 51st female over all. The £15 entry was great value as at the finish you were given a great goody bag and a sparkly medal. Jane said “it was awesome to be there” so awesome in fact that she did not even go shopping.
SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon
Combining a short break with running in the marathon, Lynda and Kaylee Hawkins headed off to Dublin Fair City. This is the 37th time this race has been run and it grows bigger each year to now become the 4th largest Marathon in Europe.
This year 19,500 runners lined up at the start. The race starts in Fitzwilliam Square and visits many of the historical and popular sites of this amazing and vibrant City. It is so popular that it was sold out by the end of August. To assist the runners there are pace setters from 3 to 5 hours at 10 minutes intervals.
Split times for Lynda and Kaylee were 10K, 59:29, Half Marathon, 2:06:35, 30K, 3:03:40, finish, 4:18:40. Mother and daughter running and finishing together.
To celebrate the 1916 centennial all participants received a commemorative finisher’s medal. Racing over it was then time to go and enjoy this party city.
Next’s years’ race is on Sunday October 29th.
Exmoor Trail Running Challenge
Nigel Maeer and Gary Anning took themselves off to Lynton in North Devon to compete in this most arduous race. There is a 50K Ultra Marathon, a Full and Half Marathon and a 10K all run on the day. Nigel and Garry went for the half.
The route includes the sharpest coastal hill climb, Savage Hill, in the Country followed by the longest stretch of wooded coast line in the Country. Set in the hidden Doone Valley, not far from the beautiful Towns and Villages of Lynton, Lynmouth, Portlock and Minehead is this challenging yet beautiful course. This fantastic route, coupled with the stunning start / finish venue of Cloud Farm makes for one of the most exciting event in the Trail Running Series with amazing views of North Devon and Exmoor.
The Half is classed as a level 3 – Hard run with 1357 metres of ascent. Both had exceptional times, Nigel coming 18th in 2:35:11 and Gary in 2:39:39.
Gary did an Allister Brownlee coming towards the end when he stopped to help a fellow competitor who was in trouble and kept him going to the finish.
There were 32 finishers in the Ultra, 10 in the Marathon, 95 in the Half, and 76 in the 10K. A very hard but very popular event enjoyed by many. Congratulations Boys.
Worksop Halloween Half Marathon
Established in 1982, The Worksop Halloween Half Marathon (also known as ‘the scenic one’) takes place on the last Sunday in October every year. The course runs largely through Clumber Park, which provides beautiful scenery and is perfect for spectators to support their family and friends along the route. This is a hugely popular event which is soon sold out.
Leaving the Mighty Green behind, marathon veteran Jo Earlam arrived at the start suitably dress with her niece Jo Kidd who was running this distance for the first time. Both thoroughly enjoyed themselves finishing together in 2:15:00 a very good time for a first timer.
Sibelco Dartmoor Vale Half
Two of our newer Club members Louise and Steve Saunders smartly kitted out in their newly acquired Mighty Green Vest couldn’t wait to test them out in a race, so off they went to the Dartmoor Vale Half Marathon.
This is a road race organised by the Rotary Club of Dartmoor Vale. The start and finish is at Sibelco, East Gold Works, Newton Abbot. The run heads out to Kingsteignton on to Chudleigh Knighton then into Chudleigh and back to Newton Abbot. There is also a marathon which is another lap and a 10k race.
Both were pleased to come in within two hours as it was rather a hilly course. Steve came home in 1:59:50 and Louise in 1:59:51. However the results sheet shows Louise as the first Club runner home and Steve second. Must have been a lady doing the results!!!!! Ooops. There were 197 finishers.
Jo Pavey MBE visits SIDMOUTH Running Club
As the saying goes things tend to happen in threes. It was only a few weeks ago that Club members entered the Delicious Drake’s Trail dressed as the British Olympic Equestrian team. This was then followed by an e-mail from Olympic event rider Mary King congratulating us on winning the ‘Spirit of the Trail’ award. And to continue the Olympic theme the Club has been honoured to welcome Jo Pavey MBE to come and run with us and enjoy a social afterwards.
The visit was arranged by our social Secretary Naomi Garrick who met Jo when she visited the school where she teaches. At the recent Rio Olympics, Jo aged 42, a mother of two young children became the first British track athlete to compete in five consecutive Olympic Games.
The evening was arranged so that all the members had a chance to run with her and judging by the number of members who were there no one wanted to miss out. This was the largest number I have seen and nearly all wearing the Mighty Green and they were not disappointed.
Before we started, Terry Bewes (Chair) presented her with her own Mighty Green shirt so she did not look out of place running with us.
She ran the first mile with the two mile group the next two miles with the four mile group, the next two with the six mile group and the last mile with the six plus group. It was a great experience to run with her and she took time to talk with various runners in each group which was greatly appreciated.
Back at the Club she spent a couple of hours talking to members and their families, signing autographs, posing for photos and generally enjoying herself. To all who had the pleasure of meeting her all agreed she was a genuine lovely lady who showed an interest in them and their stories.
At the end of the evening she presented the Club with a signed GB team
shirt from the Rio games and the Club thanked her with a bottle of champagne. Jo has agreed to become an ambassador for the Club and we all look forward to her next visit.