Last Saturday Bert Dykema took part in the Zwolle half marathon.
“It was held on the city centre of the city of Zwolle in the east of The Netherlands. 4500 people took part and the city was closed of for traffic, bands were playing along the route and there were thousands of supporters along the route. The event was held in the evening ( 8:30 pm ). It had been a sweltering day and temperatures were still well above comfortable running weather! It was my first half marathon and I did struggle! But I did it, two hours 25 minutes!”

Ultra Hot for David on Dartmoor

Whilst many of the Sidmouth Running Club’s women were taking a deep breath after their stellar efforts in the Women Can marathon, one of the men decided it was time to test himself. David Chipping took on the Dartmoor Discovery 34 Mile Ultra run on 2nd June. This year was the 20th anniversary of the race which is organised by Teignbridge Trotters and is known amongst ultra runners as the UK’s longest single lap road ultra marathon.

The race starts and finishes in Princetown but takes in many spectacular Dartmoor sites (and hills) as it passes through Dartmeet, Poundsgate, Newbridge, Ashburton, Buckland, Widecombe, and Postbridge. David Chipping was one of 186 runners who managed to complete the race despite the very hot conditions, and was the only runner from Sidmouth to take the challenge. ‘I managed it in 6h12m’, said David, ‘it was a great run, but very hot and very hilly – 4000ft of climb’.

Meanwhile the Club’s record breaking fancy dress runner trialled a new outfit in a half marathon in Manchester. Naomi Garrick cast aside the famed wedding dress, and settled down in a nice little house outfit for a half marathon in Manchester. She was raising money for the Ronald McDonald House charity which supports families with children in hospital by providing accommodation. ‘The house costume fell down twice during the run’ said Naomi, ‘but I managed to cross the line in 2h09m and I raised around £600!’

Sidmouth Running Club is now making preparations for hosting the annual Woodlands Relay Races on 20th June. The Woodland Relays are a series of races between East Devon clubs with each taking it in turn to organise a venue of their choice. Club runners will form teams of three and each will complete either a 1.2k or a 3.4k loop on the top of Salcombe Hill before handing over to the next team member. With lots of different categories of entry it’s a low key fun event where finisher’s cake is more sought after than prizes.
More info at www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk

The week before the Women’s I Can marathon I ran a half marathon in Manchester dressed as a house. The costume fell down two times but I managed to cross the line in 2.09. I have raised around £600 for the Ronald Mac Donald House Charity, who support families with accommodation who have children in hospital.
Hope you like the photo!
Nutty Nomes

Sidmouth Women are Fearless

Last Sunday saw Sidmouth Running Club’s women out in force for the Women Can marathon, a women-only marathon and relay event for runners and Nordic walkers. The event, starting and finishing at Tipton St John, was inspired by Kathrine Switzer and her Fearless 261 organisation. The number 261 was Kathrine’s bib number from the 1967 Boston Marathon where she was physically attacked by the race co-director, for officially registering and running in what was then considered a men-only race. Since then Fearless 261 have gone on to support female runners across the globe.

Wind the clock forward to 2017 and local runner Jo Earlam decided to organise a local Women only marathon which proved so popular it was repeated in 2018. Fearless runners from SRC turned out for the challenge, some doing the full marathon and others doing relays.

The scenic hilly off road course followed footpaths from Tipton to Budleigh Salterton, then along the South West Coast path to Sidmouth, the halfway point. Runners then went up the Byes to Sidford and the toughest climb of 777 feet up East Hill to Whitecross. The course then descended through woodland, into open fields, and a quiet country lane to Ottery St Mary, passing through the length of the town to again reach the River Otter, and the final flat, riverside path back to Tipton St John.

Cath Miller, from SRC was doing her first marathon supported by friend Claire Ashby. ‘One Friday morning about 5 weeks ago I ran with Jo, who inspired me to take part in Women Can. I vowed I would never run a marathon, but 5 weeks later on the 27th May 2018, I completed Women Can with a smile on my face. What an amazing experience it was to run amongst inspirational women, with all the support of my family and friends’.

The thunder, lightning and rain of the previous evening disappeared leaving a warm humid atmosphere for the first stage to Budleigh. Jane Hemsworth and Helen Palmer, both seasoned marathon runners were impressed by the organisation, support and company along the way.

Jane said ‘The run was well supported with over 100 volunteers and marshalls, offering sweet treats as well as water. The route was well laid out with signs and pink ribbons. SRC men were joined by friends and partners of the runners to do the marking, marshalling and pre-checking the route and we had a really enjoyable day out with lots of like-minded ladies’.

Helen Palmer enjoyed the company too. ‘I settled in with four other runners and whilst not running with them all the time we kept bumping into each other with words of encouragement. Two were 261 Fearless runners from London and there were also runners from Switzerland and New Zealand as part of the 261 community’.

Results for SRC runners in the full marathon:
Jessica Raynor 3:51:56, Charlotte Forrer 4:44:07, Kaylee Hawkins 5:04:30, Lynda Hawkins 5:04:30, Cath Miller 5:27:11, Claire Ashby 5:27:11, Helen Palmer 6:00:29, Naomi Garrick 6:19:57

Jess wins her Ultra

Jess at the 50 miler

Sidmouth Runners were out in force last weekend knocking out the miles in a variety of west country locations.

Once again filling her fellow club members with awe Jessica Raynor headed up to Taunton to compete in the low key but tough ‘Westcountry Ultra Flat 50 Miler’. Jess had a stunning race. Starting at 7.30am, 50 runners set off on a course which started in Taunton, followed the canal path to Bridgewater Docks, then along the River Parrett trail to Steart Marshes. From Steart the final section along the coast path gave weary runners views of the Quantocks to the left and the Bristol Channel to the right. Jessica was supported by her Mother, Sarah, who met her at the second aid station and then again towards the end, running the last five miles with Jess. ‘It was a lovely race’, said Jess ‘understated, but one of my favourites. I was 1^st lady home and 5^th overall, completing the distance in 9 hours. I was more than an hour ahead of the next lady home’.

Antony at the Exeter Marathon

Meanwhile Antony Hall, fully recovered from his London Marathon triumph and eager to run another marathon in the heat, kept it local this weekend. He completed the Exeter Marathon in 3:21:11 and declared himself happier with his pacing, keeping a steadier rate throughout this race.

David at Clyst Hydon Huff 10k

Other club members tackled some local 10k and 5k races. David Skinner, completed the picturesque Clyst Hydon Huff 10k with over 90 other runners, enjoying the country lanes and achieving 1:21:23.

In Beer 11 SRC members took part in the hilly and hot Beer Blazer.

Suzy at Beer Blazer

The club achieved great results in the 5k with Will Ashby first in his age category, Alecia Ranson first in her category and Suzy

Rockey third lady home. Hamish Spence led the Sidmouth field in the 10k with Sarah Clapham the first Sidmouth lady runner home.

Beer Blazer 10k results:

Hamish Spence 1:02:52, Sam Ingram 1:03:00, Christopher Day-Kerry 1:05:34, Sarah Clapham 1:06:52, Karen Farnham 1:08:14, Christine Farnham 1:08:14, Amelia Frankpitt 1:21:40, Janice Ranson 1:27:57

5k Results: Suzi Rockey 29:28, Will Ashby 32:30, Alecia Ranson 33:40

Hot weather spurs on Sidmouth’s runners

The last two hot sunny weekends have seen Sidmouth’s runners out competing in force in a range of distances.

Sarah, Jess and Jo at the North Dorset Marathon

On 6 May in 25 degrees some great results were achieved by SRC women at the North Dorset Village Marathon.  Jessica Raynor was first lady in 3:28, a brilliant time on a hot and hilly course. Her mother Sarah, who was only on her second marathon ran a similar pace to seasoned marathon runner, Jo Earlam, coming in at 4:21 and 4:51 respectively. Jo’s experience showed through as she maintained a steady pace throughout. ‘I did 11 minute miles overall an a perfect split time, unlike my first marathon, London 2005, when I did the first half in 2:15 and dropped back to 2:45 in the second half, just squeezing home in under 5 hours. Despite a lack of training for Sunday, I was pleased to better that experience 13 years later’.

Ottery 10k

The following weekend the popular Ottery 10k took place with 13 runners turning out in SRC’s might green shirts with plenty of club spirit in evidence as faster runners cheered their slower team mates to the finish. Sam Ingram was SRC’s first runner home closely followed by Kyle Baker entering his first run for the club. Terry Bewes, club chairman, was particularly pleased to congratulate Claire Partridge and Emma Grainger from the 2018 beginners group for their outstanding runs.

Jodie at Bristol

Julia at Bristol

Meanwhile sweltering at another 10k in Bristol were Jodie Hawkins (a 2018 Improver) who came in under the hour and Julia Haddrell also from the 2018 beginners group.

Suzi at Exmouth

Suzy Rockey, continuing her return to form was pleased with an improved time at the Land and Sand 5k at Exmouth, despite wishing there was less sand involved.

Ottery 10k results: Sam Ingram 47:44. Kyle Baker 48:07, Tim Clay 49:28, Steve Saunders 50:02, Tim Swarbrick 51:59, Jane Hemsworth 52:14, Sarah Clapham 52:28, Jo Earlam 55:14, Simon Hollyer 56:40, John Doherty 57:22, Cheryl Boulton 1:01:34, Clare Partridge 1:12:19 Emma Grainger 1:13:56.
Bristol 10k results: Jodie Hawkins 59:40, Julia Haddrell 1:09.
Land and Sand 5k results: Suzy Rockey 28.00.

Sidmouth Runners scorch through London Marathon

Five members of Sidmouth Running Club reached the end of their long training programmes through a wet cold winter and made their way to London last weekend for one of the greatest running events in the UK.

The London Marathon was held under cloudless skies with the temperature at St James’s Park reaching 24.1C, the highest since it was first run in 1981. All 5 Sidmouth runners were amongst the 40,000 who managed to finish in challenging conditions which led race organisers to urge them not to aim for personal records in pre race briefings, and to report after the event that they had distributed around four and a half litres of water per person.

Despite the conditions the Sidmouth Runners delivered scorching runs. With separate start locations, Claire Ashby, Kerry Boyle, Antony Hall, Anne Langworthy and Nigel Maeer all set off at a good pace.

Kerry Boyle, who was raising funds for the Institute of Cancer Research in memory of a close friend, said, ‘I wanted to enjoy this race and the amazing sights of London, I knew with all the nerves and adrenaline rushing through me I could have set off too fast. So I really kept my pace steady for the first few miles. The atmosphere and emotions really hit me as I ran past the Cutty Sark and had to push back the tears as there was a long way to go!’

Antony Hall soon started to lead the field for Sidmouth with Kerry, Claire and Nigel within a few minutes of each other for much of the race, but unaware because of the number of runners. Anne Langworthy said ‘Mile 6 and with a blister on my little toe it felt like my toe was dropping off, mile 20 the blister on my right heel popped and on the final straight at 26.1 the blister on my left heel broke. It was worth every mile though!’

Antony had gone off fast and pulled the pace back a little at the halfway mark, finishing in a fantastic 3:34:10. Nigel Maeer, Claire Ashby and Kerry Boyle kept a very consistent pace in the first half, with Kerry picking up the pace at 25k and almost managing a negative split.

Kerry said, ‘I caught up with the 3hr 45min pace runners, then at around 20miles when I was starting to struggle I heard the familiar voice of Nigel saying ‘alright Kerry’? Neither of us were but we did our best to keep our chins up and keep going which felt like plodding by now! Then with 4 miles to go I had to make a decision, with my thighs burning from the heat and exhaustion do I keep pushing or do I walk? I thought of all the reasons I was doing this marathon, remembered those hard training runs past Turf locks along the Exe estuary and up on East Hill strips, the memory of my friend Rich. I just had to run my own few last miles and keep going until the end, to get that medal.’

As Kerry crossed the finish line in sub 3hr 50min she heard an exhausted Antony who was slumped on the grass call her name, and soon after Nigel appeared and then Claire. Anne came in smiling despite the pain. Claire paid tribute to the support from Sidmouth Running Club ‘A memorable day and some heroic efforts! We seriously earned our medals. It was brilliant to have so much support from the Mighty Greens’.

Antony Hall 03:34:10, Kerry Boyle 03:49:09, Nigel Maeer 03:49:40, Claire Ashby 04:20:04, Anne Langworthy 05:56:16

Sidmouth Running club members have been knocking out the distance runs over the last couple of weeks with more on the cards this weekend.

With the big club event of the year, ‘JP’s Exe to Axe’ attracting over 200 runners, this ‘brute of a race’ is one of the toughest and most picturesque running challenges of the year. Starting in Exmouth runners followed the South West coastpath eastward for 22 miles taking in Budleigh, Sidmouth, Branscombe and Beer before finally arriving at the River Axe in Seaton.

As well as spectacular scenery runners tackled 4,000ft of ascent with numerous climbs as the trail switchbacked down to sea level and then up again along clifftop tracks through fields and woodland.

The overall winner, Brennan Townshend from Climb SouthWest left race organisers speechless by predicting he would complete the challenge in 2h 45mins, and doing so with 5 seconds to spare. It is very rare for runners to predict times so accurately especially with terrain so challenging. From SRC were Jessica Raynor (3:4:21) Mark Soutar (3:53:09) Polly Walton (4:37:23) Kaylee and Lynda Hawkins (4:45:30) Jess Trim (4:50:24) and in relay Anthony Hall and Justin Ashby (3:01:48) and Sidmouth Strollers (4:59:02).

Race Organiser Paul Mitchell paid tribute to all the volunteers who helped make the event a success. ‘Well done, today we had runners from as far afield as Scotland and the Isles of Scilly. You did us proud’.

Meanwhile Charlotte and Jim Forrer took part in the Paris Marathon and ran together for most of the race, enjoying sights, crowds, food stops and water fountains (oh yes and the running!). At mile 22 Jim decided to push on and came in at 3h58m with Charlotte hot on his heels at 4h04m. ‘I enjoyed myself so much’, said Charlotte, ‘I kept high-fiving the spectators. It was a brilliant trip, highly recommended’.

Closer to home David Chipping ticked off his first marathon, the ‘local and cheap’ Taunton marathon. This run which is a two lap, mainly rural course gave David a very pleasing 3hours 49 minutes time.

Wet conditions meant that the aptly named `Honiton Hippo’, which took place on 15^th April was more than usually muddy. Six runners from Sidmouth enjoyed this popular 7 mile race organised by Honiton RC, including Mark Soutar (1h 00m) Debbie Marriott and Don Cawthera (1h26m), Jemma Wiltshire and Ruth Ray (1h36m) and Mark Souter who didn’t record a time but commented that ‘Hippo mud is extra deep!’.

With the London Marathon finally upon us, several members, including Kerry Boyle, Clare Ashby, Antony Hall and Nigel Maeer are at the end of many months of training and in peak condition for the big race. Just to make it extra challenging forecasters are predicting the hottest London Marathon on record. Good Luck Runners!

Talk about a swift half!

Last Sunday some of Sidmouth’s female runners headed to the north of the county, to Bideford for some half marathon competition. The race, which is organised by Bideford AA, attracted over 1200 runners onto a course which course takes in magnificent countryside alongside the River Torridge between Bideford and Great Torrington. The course is half on roads and half on the Tarka Trail, with a tunnel at one point. The race is moderately flat with one small hill section giving the opportunity for fast times which Sidmouth runners have enjoyed in previous years.

This year the Hawkins family from Sidmouth were out in force with Lynda Hawkins supported by daughters Kaylee and Jade. All three had good races, with Kaylee setting the pace to come in well under the 2 hour mark (1:53:12), with mum and sister following nearly 15 minutes later (2:07:25).

Janice Ranson, another Sidmouth Running Club stalwart, did the race as part of her training for a marathon in May. Janice said ‘I had a great time at the Bideford half in my Mighty Green. I’ve previously only done trail and fell running, so this was my first road race of any distance. I’d aimed for a time of 2:30 so was pleased to finish in 2:14:20’.

All the runners enjoyed the atmosphere and the layout of the route which allowed runners further back in the pack to see the front runners heading back. The fastest times were recorded by Shaun Anstell of Bideford AA (1:08:39) and Charnwood’s Katie Synge (1:22:20). ‘It was fun to see the front runners’ said Janice ‘and there were plenty of friendly supporters along the way and lots of lovely cake at the finish’.