There was a 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.
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. They all did really well especially as the route took them onto the pebbles to get the authentic Grizzly experience. Lining up at the front of the 4k race, Nathaniel Thomas had his sights set on a podium finish and he smashed it, finishing in first place in a very fast 14:50. Among the 9 SRC juniors running the junior grizzly were several who were running an age category higher including 8 year old Rex, a credit to themselves and to junior coaches Grahame and Donna Womersley-Westlake. Three juniors took part in the junior cub and one in the fun run and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the event including the warm up.
On Sunday 36 Mighty Greens lined up alongside the 2,000 Grizzly and Cub runners surprised to see the sun and feel it’s warmth.
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. 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. The 21 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 15 MG Cub runners along the surprisingly sandy beach to 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 male SRC Cub runner home was Colin L’Anson in 1:34:59 and first female SRC cub runner was Alison Williams in 1:47:50.
Zoe Sing was the first female MG grizzly runner to finish in 3:27:10 and Martin Barnard the first male MG grizzly runner in 3:37:42.
A special mention must be given to all the first timers including 76 year old Marion Johnson who ran the cub and Scott Chown who ran the Grizzly and to the Mighty Greens who came and cheered their fellow runners on along the route in true club spirit.
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. Yes, it is a tough, demanding multi terrain race but definitely worth the blood, sweat, nausea and tears.
Grizzly Results: Zoe Sing 3:27:10; Martin Barnard 3:37:42; Colin Ryan 3:39:07; Roger Worthington 3:43:01; Louise Dalton 3:51:19; Martin Truman 3:55:06; Chris Parker 3:59:57; Tania Peters 4:05:24; Adrian Harris 4:12:19; Mark Norton 4:25:19; Ronnie Masters 4:32:56; Emily Hardingham 4:41:27; Scott Chown 4:45:40; Naomi Garrick 4:47:18; Mark Andow 5:16:50; Cath Miller 5:29:31; Helen Palmer 5:29:32; Jane Hemsworth 5:29:34; Charlie Fawell 5:36:13; Sarah Watkins 5:29:39; Clare Luke 5:39:29
Cub Results: Colin L’Anson 1:34:59; Alison Williams 1:47:50; Becky McDonald 1:52:09; Christine Farnham 1:51:11; Karen Farnham 1:51:15; Sarah Clapham 1:56:59; Brigid McEleney-Smith 2:00:10; Lucy Miller 2:01:23; Christie ward 2:03:53; Kathy Jordan 2:05:44; Alexa Baker 2:05:45; Beccy Johnson 2:05:45; Amelia Frankpitt 2:20:35; Marion Johnson 2:23:34; Julia Haddrell 2:30:53