Sunday 6th April 2025

In 2023 Sidmouth Running club organized the Sweetcombe Scramble Marathon to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the South West Coast Path Association. We had 59 medals left over so rather than bin them we have decided to run the race again for 59 runners with all entries fees going to Sidmouth Hospice at Home to celebrate their 40 years of Service. Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have very kindly offered to sponsor the race again by providing medal ribbons and prizes for the first male and female runner to finish and all get a great bespoke medal to celebrate the achievement of finishing, and believe me it is an
achievement.

The race will be run in conjunction with the clubs Exe to Axe race so we can use their marshals, aid stations and medical facilities.

Please be aware that a number of previous runners have classed part of the route you will be running as an extremely tough course. The second part of this run from Sidmouth is very challenging. If you do not make the cut off times at Sidmouth and Branscombe you will be withdrawn from the race as you will have no chance of finishing in time. The aid station marshal will remove your race number and timing chip. We will make every effort to transport you to the finish.

Between 26 and 27 miles with over 4000ft of ascent, two thirds of which are in the last 11 miles, Runners World has previously described our 22 mile Exe to Axe race as a “…brute of a race with some outstanding views…” and it has previously been voted one of the best races in the country.

Entries
Online entries only will be available through SiEntries. Entry fee is £37 for ARC/EA members or £39 for non-affiliated. Optional transport to the start is £10 which must be booked on
your entry form. Entries close on the 22nd March.

SORRY NO TRANSFERS OR REFUNDS

The Route
The GPX file of the route can be found here.

Remember that maps and apps are just an aid to navigation. You need to interpret these against the ground and make your route selection. Time getting lost is time wasted. Refer to your map/app constantly.

Click here for the full course details.

Parking
There is plenty of parking in the Seaton Long Stay Car Park EX12 2WD just up the road.

Pre-race transport
This is an optional £10. Leaving Seaton coach park, EX12 2PB
opposite Seaton Tramway at 8am taking you to the start at
Exmouth. This is available only on the condition that you book your
place in advance on the SiEntries form.

Baggage van
A bag can be transported from the start to the finish for you if required. You can collect a label from registration to attach to your bag.

Registration & Start
The registration takes place at Ocean, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth, EX8 2AY. You can pick up your number and timing chip which will be attached to a Velcro strap any time between 08:30am and 09:20am. There is a dog friendly café in the building that will be
open from 08:30am.

Please be aware that there is a £60 charge for lost timing chips so make sure you hand them back at the finish.

The race starts at 9:30am on the Esplanade by Mickey’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, 1 Sideshore, Queen’s Drive, Exmouth, EX8 2GD a few minutes walk down the road (about 300m) from registration. Please make your way to the start to arrive with a few minutes to spare.

Cut-Offs
The race cut-off time is 5:30pm. To make this cut-off we have intermediate cut-offs at the aid stations as follows: White Bridge, Budleigh, 12.30pm. Sidmouth 2:15pm and Branscombe 4pm. If you fail to make the cut-off times you will be withdrawn from the race and your race number and timing chip will be removed by the aid station marshal. We will then make every effort to get you back to the finish.

Retiring from the Race
It is import we know where everyone is, so if you run into any problems and you need to retire from the race, notify the nearest aid station Marshal and give them your race number and timing chip or call the Race Director (number to be provided closer to race day). If it is a real emergency, please first call 999 and then call the Race Director as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you do have to retire, we will make every effort to get you to the finish as quickly as possible, so really it’s worth letting us know.

Finish
The race finishes by the Axe Yacht Club at the Eastern end of the Seaton Promenade.
Please collect your medal as you cross the finish line. There are also awards for first male and female to finish. Coffee/Tea and Cakes are for sale at the finish. (cash or card). Please inform your supporters.

Public toilets
These are located at the start, Budleigh Salterton, Otterton Mill, Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer and Seaton.

Spectators
There are a number of places along the route where your family or friends can support you. Some good places are Budleigh sea front; Sidmouth Esplanade where there are a number of cafes; Branscombe Beach, the Sea Shanty is a great place to watch from; Beer at the bottom of the village by the slip to the beach; along Seaton seafront to the finish.

Be aware
This is a tough challenge, please only enter if you are capable of running this distance and able to cope with the hilly and varied terrain. You take full responsibility for your welfare, preparedness and must medically self-authorise yourself to run. If in any doubt at all please contact your GP. Completing it is an achievement so please ensure you are prepared for this challenge.

Weather
If you are undertaking this challenge you will no doubt be an experienced runner who understands how the weather can change and deteriorate quickly especially on the coastline. Check the weather the day before and come prepared.

And last but not least.
Please remember that not only are you out to enjoy yourself there will be others not participating in this challenge enjoying the route too. Both the South West Coast Path and the paths along the river Otter are public spaces, you do not own them. Be considerate to others and beware of those walking dogs. The future of these events depends on you and your behaviour.

Thank you and enjoy
Terry Bewes,
Chair. Sidmouth Running Club.