In the middle of the Coronation weekend, Honiton Running Clubs’ Ottery 10k and fun run took place which meant SRC’s social secretary, Naomi Garrick, could go to town with the red, white and blue!

Naomi dressed for the occasion

Participating in the 1 mile fun run were 6 SRC Juniors Jonathan, Marcus, Dom, Louis, Harry and Amelia and two mums Carol and Donna, all of whom were pleased with their finishers medal.

The start of the fun run

The 10k route took the runners along quiet country lanes and was enjoyed by everyone.  Tom Knight was the first MG to cross the finish line in 44:41, 44^th in a field of 227. Jo Pavey MBE presented the top 3 male and female awards and although Shaun Tipton was not a recipient, he was delighted to have a photo taken with the Olympian.

Photo opportunity for Shaun Tipton and Jo Pavey MBE

This race saw the return of MG Emma Grainger back from injury and although it has been nice seeing Emma marshalling at many local events cheering on the Mighty Greens it is even better to be running alongside her.

And they are off!

Results: Tom Knight 44:41; Colin Ryan 44:49; Mark Andow 45:55; Colin I’Anson 48:07; Richard King 49:23; Yasmin Salter 50:38; Shaun Tipton 52:05; Christine Farnham 54:18; Tim Swarbrick 55:06; Naomi Garrick 56:02; Karen Farnham 56:21; Georgia King 57:30; Christie Ward 1:00:51; Sarah Clapham 1:02:38; Hannah Maslen 1:03:09; Jo Earlam 1:04:47; Amelia Frankpitt 1:06:22; Marion Johnson 1:06:47; John Doherty 1:11:03; Ann Cole 1:14:30; Emma Grainger 1:17:06

SRC’s David Chipping and Martin Barnard ran the East Devon Round on Saturday, 107kms of absolutely stunning East Devon countryside. Although Martin said there was a fair bit of walking, shuffling and a dose of hobbling too! With wake up alarms set for 03:00 and a 05:30 start time at Ofwell near Honiton they saw the best of the day with a beautiful sunrise along with SRC’s Jess Watkins, Grahame Womersley-Westlake and David Wright who were running the 35 mile ultra option.

David and Martin enjoying the scenery

Ruby Red Running the organisers behind The East Devon Round were amazing and had planned a fabulous route, with endless bluebells and a constant chorus of bird song with the countryside being the real star of the day. David and Martin stopped for ice creams at Lyme Regis,

A well deserved ice cream stop at Lyme Regis

bumped into fellow SRC members doing the ‘half‘ distance and enjoyed plenty of snacks at the wonderfully stocked aid stations. Martin said by linking up so many places they knew and discovering so many more made the time fly by and it was only at about the 80k mark when the endless soup, cake and crisp supplies started to struggle to keep the fuel tank full. As night fell and torches were fired up the two Mighty Greens were met by family and friends which gave them a great boost and a couple of those legends joined them for the last 10K to provide some new conversation topics, a gate opening service and to protect them from some frisky bullocks.

Stunning trig point view

The pair eventually finished just after 22:30, a full 17 hours after the start and quickly got stuck into some sticky toffee pudding. There were 35 finishers and they came in joint 24th, but for them it was never about a position, it was a journey to look back on for years to come and smile. For David looking down at his 10 black toes is a reminder of his amazing achievement! For anyone who has thought “I can’t run that far, but I’d like too” no matter what that distance is, Martin has just learnt you probably can, give it a go. And if you want to see East Devon in all its glory, do the East Devon Round, it’s a belter.

East Devon Round 35 mile ultra Mighty Greens

In the 35 mile ultra, Jess was very happy to finish first lady in 7:30:00.  The Mighty Green highly recommends the race for the beauty of the scenery and the support given. Running his first ultra, Grahame was delighted to finish in 8:15:00, 15^th overall and 9^th male and said he had a great day, enjoying every minute and is now looking for his next challenge!  David Wright ran a marathon distance before stopping at checkpoint 4.

Grahame was spotted by Martin and David

Meanwhile in East Devon, eleven Mighty Greens ran the Sid Valley Ring Half Marathon organised by Climb South West. Starting with an uphill climb the race takes you through quiet country lanes and footpaths to a height of 236m before dropping into Sidbury, follows a section of back lanes through Harcombe, a steep climb to Dunscombe cliffs and the coast path before a short excursion inland to Salcombe Regis, through the woods and back onto the coast path back to Sidmouth.

The Mighty Greens at the start of the Sid Valley Ring (missing Liz and Jim)

Colin Ryan had an exceptional run finishing 22^nd out of a field of 75 in 2:11:29 and Beccy Johnson who was running her first half marathon was very pleased with her time of 3:20:37.

Beccy and Kerry with their medals

Results:  Colin Ryan 2:11:29; Christine Farnham 2:50:01; Karen Farnham 2:50:01; Beccy Johnson 3:20:57; Sarah Watkins 3:20:57; Kerry Salter 3:21:00; Jim Hudson 3:27:46; Liz Wright 3:46:32; Carol McManus 3:46:32; Donna Womersley-Westlake 3:50:56; Clare Luke 3:50:56

Donna and Clare at the finish

Four Mighty Greens travelled to London to take part in this years London Marathon including Mark Andow who won the draw for the club place.  It was Mark’s first LM and he was aiming for a sub 3:30:00 finish which he certainly achieved finishing in an impressive 3:28:22. The Mighty Green tucked in with a very encouraging pacer for the first 18 miles, caught a glimpse of Mo Farrah, and enjoyed the encouraging shouts of ‘Go Sidmouth’ from the crowd.

Mark Andow collecting his LM number

Mark who said it was great to run in club greens took the opportunity to raise some much needed funds for a small local charity-SnackPack (Exeter’s Children’s Diabetes Group).  Mark chose this charity as the 9 year old daughter of his Mental Health Team colleague, Claire, became critically unwell and subsequently diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. Claire now volunteers as Chair for SnackPack which organises outings and events throughout the year for children and their families to get together and share their experiences, concerns, successes and have fun. The link to Mark’s fundraising page is https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claire-potts9

Lynda Hawkins at the start of the LM

Lynda Hawkins was the next Mighty Green to cross the finish line in 3:53:48. It was her third LM and was delighted to get a new PB.  Hot on her heels was Richard King finishing in 3:53:03; surprisingly they didn’t see each other!  Richard has been looking forward to this event since he completed the LM for the first time last year and has been training hard to get a sub 4 hour finish which he absolutely did!

Richard King and the record breaking Exmouth milkman

One memorable moment came when he went to the family meet up point after the race which was near the Horse Guards Parade ground just as the Government alert went off-the noise was something else!  The Mighty Green also met the record breaking milkman from Exmouth who carried four bottles of milk all the way round!

MG Jane Hemsworth had to wait patiently to get through the starting line, her wave went off at 11.09am and it was 11.20am before she ran over it, nearly her lunch time!  Running her 6^th LM Jane had a lovely day, enjoying the carnival atmosphere with drums, singing and live music.  Jane said residents were offering food, water hoses and unofficial rest stops while pubs and spectators were offering runners half pints of beer!  The Mighty Green declined the offers and finished in 4:53:35 with a smile on her face.

Jane Hemsworth with her 6th LM medal

Closer to home several Mighty Greens gathered under the club flag at Exmouth in brilliant sunshine ready to take part in LMEvents The Maer 10k and Maer Half.

The Mighty Greens at LME’s Maer Half and 10k

Having won an entry as part of her prize in last year’s 10k event, Mighty Green Marion Johnson decided to challenge herself and signed up for the half marathon, her first, along with MG Janice Ranson who finished in 2:18:27.  The course was definitely challenging, a multi-terrain single lap climbing nearly 1000ft along the spectacular coast path but Marion took it in her stride and finished in 2:41:59, coming first in her 70+ age group!

Lizzie Mayne from LMEvents does a great job creating a community event and encourages marshals by offering a free place in a future event.  Niall Hawkins was running thanks to his wife Kate for marshalling at the Sidmouth 10k and Yasmin Salter had her dad, Ollie, to thank.  Christie Ward had volunteered her dad, John Sharples, to marshal for this event and earnt herself a future race entry.

Marion Johnson on her way to claim 1st in age category

The Maer 10k Challenge is a single lap course which is scenic and a little challenging at times but the Mighty Greens excelled themselves especially Niall Hawkins who finished 4^th overall and first in his 40-54 age group in 40:14 out of a field of 116.

Yasmin and Becky McDonald were also well under the hour finishing 51:09 and 53:30 respectively, and a PB for Becky to boot!  Christie had a fantastic run too, finishing in 1:00:19 with Alexa close behind with a PB of 1:01:18.

It was a very friendly, well organised event (as you can tell by the smiles in the race photographers’ photos) especially as MG John was manning the water station halfway round cheering us on and everyone received a medal and cake!

Yasmin Salter represented the Mighty Greens when she ran the Paris marathon last weekend.

The Sidmouth Running Club leader enjoyed the course which went past all the big monuments and finished in 4:21:00.

Yasmin Salter enjoying the sights of Paris

Yasmin was cheered in by her support team who wore fetching green berets and her dad Oliver flew the Devon flag.

The Mighty Green Berets

Will we be seeing more of the Mighty Green berets?

Following a visit from the Easter bunny at SRC’s last Junior session (jumping very apt!) on Wednesday there was much excitement for the upcoming Junior Fun Run especially as this time there were optional water obstacles along the way.  Numbers swelled as Saturday approached due to football being cancelled because of the weather which meant a busy Friday evening of admin for SRC chairman Terry Bewes but worth it to see nearly 50 youngsters line up at the top of Muttersmoor.

A fantastic turn out for the Junior Fun Run

With club members and parents marshalling the route down to the grassy slope above Jacobs Ladder, their first chance to get wet and have fun loomed.

Slip Sliding away

Tony Sarsby and his Sidmouth Fit crew had set up a water slide which was thoroughly enjoyed and not just by the fun runners before they all headed down to the beach for more boot camp activities in the sea and sand.

Great team work on the beach

Now completely wet and covered in sand the smiling group continued their run along the promenade to the finish line at the Ham where they received a well deserved medal.

The finish line beckons

SRC 11+ leader Adrian Horne said what a brilliant well organised event it was, and it was great to be in collaboration with Sidmouth Fit.  He loved being involved with it.

Terry would like to thank everyone involved especially Tony Sarsby and the Sidmouth Fit crew for making the event such a success but most of all the children and their parents who had some very soggy, sandy clothes to wash!

SRC run leader Alexa Baker swapped her trainers for walking boots to lead a walk around the Sidmouth Ring on Saturday. SRC chairman Terry Bewes waved off seventeen walkers (not all SRC members which was great) and a dog called Blue as they set off from Kings Garden and Leisure Centre and headed to Core Hill to pick up the trail.

Ready to walk the Sidmouth Ring

It wasn’t as muddy as anticipated following the previous day of rain and the views were stunning over the different valleys.  The rain showers became a bit more persistent as they approached the SW coast path and waterproof trousers were donned but it did not dampen the groups spirit especially as the free cream tea was fast approaching.

Perfect photo opportunity for the Sidmouth Ring Walkers

So much so a short cut was required on top of Salcombe Hill to divert down Milltown Lane and up through Woolbrook to make sure they didn’t miss the 3.30pm deadline.  The walkers received a lovely welcome from Georgia and her team at Kings who served up endless pots of tea and huge, delicious scones with plenty of jam and cream. After 13 miles it went down a treat and was much appreciated.

Enjoying a well deserved cream tea after 13 miles

Sid Valley Cycle Club joined in the celebrations by having a club ride on Sunday morning taking in the coast path and visiting three beaches, Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth.  SRC member Chris Heywood swapped his Mighty Green shirt for his SVCC one and joined 30 club riders for the 62km round trip.

SVCC at the start of their celebration cycle around the coast

Starting from Sidmouth, with two other meeting points along the way, the riders split into smaller groups.  Amazingly all the groups arrived at their coffee stop, Kings Garden and Leisure Centre in Exmouth at the same time before heading off to Budleigh Salterton on their way back to Sidmouth.

Sid Valley Cycle Club enjoying a well deserved coffee stop

Also, on Sunday morning 12 members of Axe Vale Canoe Club set off in sunshine from Seaton to enjoy the SW coastline from the sea as they paddled to Branscombe and back.

Axe vale canoe Club joining the celebrations

Once landing at Branscombe they chatted to the SRC marshals at the water station before having brunch at the Sea Shanty.  It’s a good job they fuelled up as their journey back was into a head wind making it much harder to paddle.

AVCC enjoying the coastline from the sea

The SRC marshals at the finish line at the yacht club watched their progress as they paddled across the bay completing their 9 mile trip back to their club house.

Ted Swain from East Devon Ramblers led a walk along the Coleridge Link,  open to everyone as part of the celebrations which included a lovely afternoon tea at Newton Poppleford village hall afterwards.

Admiring the views along the Coleridge Trail

31 walkers and 2 dogs joined leader Ted  to walk the 8.5 mile scenic route and a special mention must go to Martin Pratt who took part in the Sidmouth Ring walk and this one, was it the lure of the cream teas?

Afternoon tea for the East Devon Ramblers

Sunday saw the fruition of months of planning and organising for a small team of Mighty Greens Terry Bewes, David Lee, Rob Edwards, Tim Clay, Alexa and Kyle Baker , the inaugural Sweetcombe Scramble marathon and JP’s Exe to Axe race.

Most of the great Mighty Green organising team

At 8am Melissa Butcher, the only marathon walker, set off under sunny skies with a matching smile as the marathon runners gathered for their 9am start.

Melissa Butcher came from London to walk the marathon

The self-navigating route took them along the coast path to Budleigh Salterton, an inland loop to Otterton then back onto the coast path all the way to Axmouth. Sponsors Polly Cochrane and Alex Gwillim from Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays were at the finish line cheering the runners in and presented the overall winner James Blackbourn with a plaque, medal and lovely engraved Dartington glass vase.  James finished in 4:07:55, with Adam Gregory in second place in 4:19:37 and Matthew Harrison in third place 4:22:39.

Polly and Alex presenting their trophies to the winners of the Sweetcombe Scramble Marathon

First lady over the finish line was Harriet Foreman in 5:19:24, Adele Foxwell was second in 5:19:37 and Harriet’s mum, Jenny Lailey came third in 5:26:04.

Polly and Alex presenting the female winners of the Sweetcombe Scramble Marathon

They all received an engraved Dartington glass vase and a commemorative medal. For the Mighty Green marathon runners Jane Hemsworth came 1^st in her age category and Mark Andow and Hannah Maslen came 3^rd in their respective age categories. Jane and Mark were using this brute of a marathon as a training one for the London marathon in a few weeks’ time!

Richard entertaining MG marathoners

It was marathon 99 for Jo Earlam and she really appreciated marshal Richard King’s rendition of ’99 marathons’ to the tune of ’99 red balloons’ at the first water station.

The 19^th JP’s Exe to Axe race was started at 10am by race director David Lee and David Perratt. The Exe to Axe race was renamed in memory of John Perratt, founding member and long term treasurer of Sidmouth Running Club and it was an honour to have son David, daughter Lynne and John’s wife, Brenda present throughout the event.  SRC had one relay team, Birds On The Run, with Ann Cole setting off with 11 other Mighty Greens ready to swop with Brigid McEleney-Smith at Sidmouth.

The Mighty Green Relay Team

Starting at 11am from Sidmouth 12 Mighty Greens ran the Sid to Axe, the toughest section by far.  In fact, the total climb overall is higher than Ben Nevis.

Ladram looking lovely in the sun

First to cross the finish line was Matt Clist in 3:05:26 and hot on his heels, Tim Lenton finished in 3:06:27 and James Green finished in 3^rd place in 3:15:09.  Brenda Perratt presented them with their well-deserved trophies and medals having cheered them over the line.

Brenda Perratt presenting the trophies to the winners of JP’s Exe to Axe

A special mention must go to one family who went the extra mile to celebrate the anniversary of the coast path; Justin Adkin rowed a single scull wave piercer from Exmouth to Axmouth, his brother Robert ran JP’s Exe to Axe race and his sister Emily Fabizio cycled from Beer to Exmouth, turned around and cycled to Axmouth, all starting at 10am!

A family affair-rowing cycling and running from Exmouth to Seaton

Sidmouth Running Club would like to say a big thank you to their sponsors Sidmouth Town Council, Visit Sidmouth, Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays and councillor Ian Barlow for his vision without which the weekend of celebrations would not have happened.  This is true of the members of Sidmouth Running Club too who came on board supporting the events either by participating in them, marshalling them or both.  A weekend to remember.

The Exe to Axe Mighty Greens (missing Colin, Lynda and Pete)

Sweetcombe Scramble Marathon Results: Mark Andow 9^th overall, 5:15:57; Grahame Womersley-Westlake 5:53:14; Ollie Goodchild-Horne 5:54:49; Martin Barnard 6:02:37; David Chipping 6:02:37; Hannah Maslen 7:08:43; Hamish Spence 7:13:11; Jo Earlam 7:55:25; Jane Hemsworth 7:55:53; Leeann Thomson 7:57:47. Adrian Horne retired at Sidmouth

Exe to Axe Results: Colin Ryan 4:11:22; Lynda Hawkins 4:35:46; Pete Norman 4:54:35; Becky McDonald 4:55:52; Vicky Eul 4:55:55; Paul Reeve 5:03:48; Clive Gilbert 5:37:58; Mark Norton 5:37:59; Helen Palmer 5:50:43; Clare Luke 6:14:50; Donna Womersley-Westlake 6:54:28. Simon Hollyer retired at Branscombe.  Out of a field of 126

Exe to Axe Relay:  Ann Cole and Brigid McSmith 5:36:21

Sid to Axe: Christine Farnham 2:43:53; Karen Farnham 5:43:53; Derek Blackburn 2:52:48; Becky Robson 2:54:51; Ian Robson 2:54:51; Kerry Salter 3:01:10;  Beccy Johnson 3:01:10; Kathy Jordan 3:01:10; Sarah Clapham 3:03:25; Christine McCormick 3:04:41; Liz Wright 3:05:50; Jim Hudson 3:05:50.

Over the weekend of 1st-2^nd April Sidmouth will be celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the South West Coast Path Association and there are lots of opportunities to get involved.  In fact, the coast path will be experienced by land, air and sea (weather depending) thanks to several local organisations and the generous support from Sidmouth Town Council, Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays and Visit Sidmouth.

On Saturday you can join a FREE guided 10 mile walk taking in the Sid Valley Ring with Steve from the Sid Vale Association and enjoy a FREE cream tea afterwards too.  The Sid Vale Association hold a countryside walk on the first Tuesday of every month exploring the countryside around Sidmouth and nearby towns.  The walks cover 5 miles at a moderate pace avoiding steep hills and lasting about 2.5 hours. Visit www.sidvaleassociation.org.uk for further information.

Alexa from Sidmouth Running Club will be leading a FREE 14 mile walk around the Sid Valley Ring, enjoying the area of outstanding natural beauty and coastal views and finishing with a FREE cream tea. Sidmouth Running Club meets Monday and Wednesday evenings 7pm plus Juniors 5.45-6.45 Wednesday term time. A very friendly, encouraging club for all abilities, visitors welcome.   Visit www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for further information.

SRC enjoying the coast path

For the youngsters and the young at heart on Saturday there is a Junior fun run with obstacles starting from Muttersmoor at 10am, going onto the beach at Jacobs Ladder and finishing at The Ham and a Senior slide and climb in the sea and on land starting at 11am from The Ham organised by Sidmouth Fit. Sidmouth Fit is Sidmouth’s newest fitness community which started in November 2021.  They offer early morning, daytime and evening group classes for all ages, abilities and preferences.  Their brand new facility at Alexandria Industrial estate opens this month and will enable them to provide bigger and better group classes ranging from HIIT and Circuits to Team Fit, Box Fit and weights.  They also provide personal training, open gym hours and bootcamps.  Send them a message through their FB page for more info.

Sidmouth Fit

On Sunday the East Devon Ramblers are organising a FREE walk along The Coleridge Trail followed by a FREE cream tea. The local East Devon group of the Ramblers are very active in the area and have around six walks every week throughout the year. They are always keen to welcome new members and would encourage anyone to come along and try a few of their walks as their guest with no pressure to join. They offer a variety of walks from 4 to 16 miles and their programme can be found on their website www.ramblers.org.uk/east-devon Just turn up on the day, there is no need to pre-book or alternatively phone 01395 567450 for further information.

East Devon Ramblers

Rather explore on two wheels instead of legs? Sid Valley Cycle Club will be touring inland towns on their way to Seaton. SVCC prides itself on being a friendly and inclusive club welcoming cyclists of all abilities and serving the local community.  Organised club runs are on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and often include great café stops to refuel for the journey back!  Visit svcc.org.uk for more information.

Sid Valley Cycle Club

On the water on Sunday Sidmouth Gig Club are planning, weather permitting, to row to Branscombe while another crew walk there, enjoy a lunch break together before swapping and heading back to Sidmouth on foot or in the gig. Sidmouth Gig Club are a very friendly and social club set up to encourage the amateur sport of Pilot Gig rowing serving Sidmouth and surrounding area. In the Summer months rowing is from Sidmouth beach on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Sunday mornings, reducing to Sunday mornings during the Winter months.  They compete around the country including the Scilly Isles. Email sidmouthgigclub@gmail.com for further information.

Sidmouth Gig Club

Also on the water Axe Vale Canoe Club will be paddling from Seaton to Branscombe and back, weather permitting. Axe Vale Canoe Club is based in Seaton and offers a wide range of canoeing disciplines including touring, white water and sea paddling in canoes, kayaks and SUPS.  They are a very active club with a Junior section; Wednesdays are club night but offer a variety of courses throughout the week from May onwards.  Visit www.axevalecc.co.uk for more information.

Axe Vale canoe Club

In the air you might see the Devon and Somerset Condors who will be hang gliding over the coastal path over the weekend also weather permitting. Devon and Somerset Condors fly from sites along the coastline and offer tandem flights.  For further information visit www.dscondors.co.uk

And while all these events are taking place on Sunday Sidmouth Running Club’s inaugural Sweetcombe Scramble marathon and JP’s Exe to Axe 22 mile race will be held.  Both start from Exmouth and follow the coast path (with a loop of the River Otter for the marathon runners) and finish at Axe Yacht Club, and both have options to walk them.  Please give them a cheer or an encouraging word if you pass one, it is a very challenging route!

Exe to Axe runners at Budleigh Salterton

Spaces are limited for the walks and Sidmouth Fit events.  If you are interested in any of the events mentioned please visit SRC’s website, www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for further information, links and booking details.

What better way to start the Easter holidays enjoying the SW coast path, sea and countryside with family and friends?

On Sunday Helen Palmer and Sarah Watkins headed up to Templeton near Tiverton to take place in the inaugural Feighan Fury glad that the overnight rain had finally stopped.  Organised by SWRR, the 10 mile race was in celebration of the life of Mike Feighan, a much loved member of the local running community. The Mighty Greens slipped slide-ed their way along the challenging multi terrain course around private land in the rolling hills of mid Devon.  Sarah said the scenery was beautiful when she was brave enough to look up!

Helen Palmer and Sarah Watkins prepare to take on Feighan’s Fury

Helen finished 170^th in 2:13:06 and Sarah Watkins 198^th in 2:25:10 out of a field of 215 runners.

Closer to home (Sidbury) and with no confusion over the hour change, 8 Mighty Greens joined run leader Derek Blackburn for the final club Sunday run.

The merry band of Sunday runners

The only way was up to start with and it wasn’t long before the long sleeve tops and jackets were being removed. Heading through the woods to the sound of heavy gun fire, Derek reassured the group that it was coming from the next valley but the pace seemed to pick up from that point! It became muddier underfoot approaching White Cross and the East Devon Way was rather waterlogged but everyone really enjoyed the 7 mile route.

Derek found us plenty of mud

The Sunday runs were mile builders in preparation for the recent longer running events and the club is very grateful to all the run leaders who gave up their Sunday morning lie ins.

This weekend is a busy one for Sidmouth Running Club as they celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the SW Coast Path Association.  The Junior fun run takes place at 10am on Saturday and a guided walk of the Sidmouth Ring.  On Sunday the inaugural Sweetcombe Scramble marathon and JPs Exe to Axe race not forgetting events with Sidmouth Fit, Sidmouth Gig Club, Sid Vale Cycling Club, Axe Vale Canoe Club, East Devon Ramblers and Devon and Somerset Condors take place. Runners are coming from all over the country to take part in these very challenging events and would definitely appreciate an encouraging word if you happen to pass one.

Gearing up for the Exe to Axe

Sidmouth Running Club members Chris Heyworth and Amanda Darling sported their Mighty Green shirts in searing 30^o heat to take part in The Hash on the beautiful island of Barbados.  The Mighty Greens ran the 5 mile route in 1:03:00.

Chris Heyworth and Amanda Darling with fellow Barbados runners

Meanwhile MG Lynda Hawkins was taking part in Acea Run Rome The Marathon with her daughter Leah.  Lynda enjoyed sharing Leah’s first marathon experience through the scenic route and finished in 4:12:55.

A very happy Lynda Hawkins at the finish of the Rome marathon

Closer to home London Marathon club place holder, Mark Andow, continued his training by entering Running Events Devon Pasty and Pie Challenge.  The challenge is to run as many 5.3k out and back laps along Exmouth’s scenic old disused train line in the 7 hour cut off.  The Mighty Green set himself a goal of completing 8 laps for a Marathon distance and with the route good for pacing was delighted to get a big PB of 3:38:27 coming in 3^rd of the marathoners (one person ran an ultra.)  Mark said the weather was perfect, the event organisers were very friendly and the pasty went down a treat!

A very happy Mark Andow having smashed his marathon PB

Several of SRC’s men took part in the Hospiscare Mens Walk on Saturday swapping their Mighty Green shirts for purple ones.  Despite being incognito, they recognised each other along the 9 mile route from The Pig, Gittisham to Sidmouth Rugby Club. They all enjoyed a well deserved pint and pasty at the end though perhaps not the England/Ireland rugby game as much!

Incognito Mighty Greens: Rocker, Clive, Derek and Gripper

Behind the scenes the Sidmouth Celebrates the SW Coast Path 50^th Anniversary team are working hard as the date draws closer. For further details how to get involved with the junior fun run, adult climb and slide, Sidmouth Ring walk and the Coleridge Trail walk visit www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk.

Another fantastic Mighty Green turnout for the Grizfest and Grizzly this weekend at Seaton.  The events, organised by Axe Valley Runners and supported by lots of local organisations, are a highlight of any runner’s year; the atmosphere stays with you.

On Saturday it was the SRC Juniors doing the club proud running in the 4k Junior Grizzly (11 to 15 years), the 2k Junior Cub (8-11 years) and the fun run.

Most of our Grizfest runners

They all did really well especially as the route took them onto the pebbles to get the authentic Grizzly experience.

Brody, Barney and Amalie lining up at the start

The club are very grateful to the parents who enthusiastically cheered the runners on despite the cold wind.

John powering through

Huge congratulations to our GrizFest runners John, Dom, Ben, Louie, Barney, Amelie, Brody, Hamish and Amelia who deserved their finishers medals.

The wind had dropped overnight and conditions were looking surprisingly good (it wasn’t that long ago when the Grizzly was cut short due to the snow!) as over 50 Mighty Greens lined up under the flag for a team photo.

Most of our Grizzly runners

There was the general pre-race faffing; shoes being tightened, clothing discarded, queuing for toilets before they joined the start line with nearly 2,000 other runners.  Standing alongside that number of runners, sharing the noise, excitement and anticipation is why the Grizzly is so unique, the camaraderie between the runners, marshals and well wishers along the route is very special.

All smiles Els, Kerry, Terry, Brigid, Chris, Kay, Clare, Alexa, Kathy and Beccy

The pebbles are the first taste of things to come, ¾ of a mile of them, the noise is immense and it seems never ending but it is a perfect way to spread the runners out as they then head out of Seaton through the caravan park and into Beer.

Paul, Darren and Mark running up a hill

Onwards and upwards to Branscombe the runners had a much drier underfoot experience only to get very wet running through the mouth of the river before the Cub/full grizzly split. The tree of remembrance looked very colourful with its ribbons blowing in the breeze.

Liz, Cathy and Helen at the memory tree

The 28 Mighty Greens that ran the full Grizzly tackled long muddy stretches and tough climbs on the 10 mile loop around Branscombe before following in the footsteps of the 27 MG Cub runners along the surprisingly sandy beach to the Stairway to Heaven.

Christine and Karen after the stairway to heaven

It is always reassuring to see the coastguards at the narrow part and always a surprise to see the photographer sat in the undergrowth catching you out right at the top when you aren’t looking your best!

First SRC Cub runner home was Colin L’Anson who having made a later decision to run due to foot problems had his fastest cub run, 1:27:41.  Colin was delighted to finish 51^st in a field of 621, and 3^rd in V60 age category, only 30 seconds behind the first V60!

Richard Summerhayes had an exceptional Grizzly run finishing 103^rd out of 1294 in 2:58:51.  The Mighty Green came second in his age group V55.

First MG over the Grizzly finish line, well done Richard Summerhayes

A special mention must be given to all the first timers (it won’t be their last) and to the Mighty Greens who came and cheered their fellow runners on along the route in true club spirit.

Beccy and Kathy ‘Fought the Claw’ for the first time

Many PB’s were broken and memories made; Brigid McEleney-Smith smiled the whole way round despite realising she had forgotten to put her lipstick on, Amelia Frankpitt had a joyful run as she had just heard her daughter had got engaged and a champagne celebration was waiting, Naomi Garrick dressed as a tree fundraising for Tipton St Johns’ forest school and Mark Norton had a human sized bee following him and his secret snacks of honey sandwiches!

Mighty Green Naomi in every sense of the word

The well-wishers along the way are a very special part of this run as they keep you going; residents and staff from a retirement home sat lining the pavement waving flags and clapping, children waiting to give out high fives, drummers, saxophonists, people playing music, cow bells and trumpets, all totally amazing.

Helen, Els and Cathy smiling to the very end

Yes, it is a tough, demanding multi terrain race but definitely worth the blood, sweat, nausea and tears.

Some of our Cub finishers

If this has inspired you Sidmouth Running Club are holding their first marathon, Sweetcombe Scramble alongside JP’s Exe to Axe (22 miles) on April 2^nd.  See www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for more details.

Grizzly Results:  Richard Summerhayes 2:58:51; David Chipping 3:13:51; Antony Hall 3:13:54; Mark Andow 3:19:35; Jessica Watkins 3:32:00; Martin Barnard 3:32:58; Jim Forrer 3:36:32; Oliver Goodchild-Horne 3:39:43; Colin Ryan 3:39:59; Adrian Harris 3:43:04; Grahame Womersley-Westlake 3:57:08; Mark Norton 3:59:34; Michael Garrish  4:03:59; Richard King 4:04:21; Lynda Hawkins 4:04:56; Vicky Eul 4:09:15; Becky McDonald 4:09:34; Darren Pearce 4:12:42; Paul Reeve 4:13:35; Abbi Lee 4:25:08; Neville Hylton 4:26:15; Charlie Fawell 4:26:55; Naomi Garrick 4:52:32; Clare Luke 5:07:32; Cathy Keast 5:15:38; Els Laureys 5:14:27; Helen Palmer 5:15:38; Donna Womersley-Westlake 6:02:44

Cub Results: Colin L’Anson 1:27:41; Will Halfacree 1:28:26; Suzi Rockey 1:41:06; Christine Farnham 1:46:19; Karen Farnham 1:46:29; Rachel Barnard 1:51:20; Sue Collman 1:53:21; Catherine Cruise 1:53:57; Zsa Zsa Croft 1:55:30; Adrian Horne 1:55:19; Brigid McEleney-Smith 1:54:32; Christie Ward 1:57:48; Greg Ward 1:55:19; Bert Dykema 1:55:32; Katie Harris 2:01:01; Christopher Cruise 2:01:31, David Lee 2:00:00; Derek Blackburn 2:03:46; Liz Goodman 2:06:17; Kerry Salter 2:06:23; Beccy Johnson 2:11:08; Kathryn Jordan 2:11:08; Kay Hylton 2:14:36; Christine McCormick 2:14:37; Terry Bewes 2:17:06; Alexa Baker 2:17:05; Ann Cole 2:19:29; Amelia Frankpitt 2:19:30

Before the Mighty Greens headed out on their club runs on Wednesday, chairman Terry Bewes presented certificates and bottles of bubbly to the brilliant beginners on the final night of their 8 week course. Lucia Hofstetter and Grace Wightman also received chocolates for attending all 8 sessions and Hannah Wightman received the Chairman’s Award for her enthusiasm and never give up attitude when facing any challenge. Terry said, “Congratulations to you all, you worked so hard and deserved your awards. We look forward to seeing you on the club runs now.”

The 2023 Beginners Group who have successfully completed their 8 week course.

Jo Earlam completed marathon 98 and Jane Hemsworth marathon 38 on a beautiful, crisp but chilly day on Saturday. The Mighty Greens ran 8 laps of the old railway line between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton. It’s the 3rd time in 12 months that Jo has run this surprisingly hilly route, organised by Running Events Devon.

Jo Earlam and her 98th marathon medal

The Mighty Green was very happy to finish in 5:24:08, a course PB and her best time in two years, or the last 20 marathons. Jane finished in a fantastic 4:49:00.

Jane Hemsworth running along the old railway line

They are both looking forward to the Sweetcombe Scramble on April 2nd, organised by Sidmouth Running Club and Winding Paths’  Exe Estuary Marathon on July 16^th, Jo’s 100^th!

The weather has been amazing, if unseasonal, for the recent Sunday runs; Richard King led a great Grizzly 12/13 mile training run taking in East Hill, Otterton and Peak Hill, Clive Gilbert led a picturesque 7 mile run from Tipton to West Hill and up onto the Common

Clive Gilbert leading the way

and Alexa Baker led a very scenic 7 mile run through Mincombe Woods.

A very sunny scenic Sunday run

It is not just the adult Mighty Greens upping their preparations for the forthcoming races.  Jack and Amelia Womersley-Westlake took part in the Cranbrook junior parkrun on Sunday with Jack completing the route in 11:25  and Amelia in 14:47 for Amelia; PBs for both and big smiles all the way round too.

In training Amelia and Jack Womersley-Westlake

Sidmouth Running Club will be cheering on their Juniors who are running the Junior Grizfest on Saturday 4^th Grizzly and all the club runners taking part in the Grizzly/Cub on Sunday 5^th-especially the first timers and Naomi Garrick dressed as a tree fundraising for Tipton Primary Forest School.  Good Luck!

Naomi Garrick in her tree costume