The Straight 8 Race

On Saturday the 4th of August at 5pm, Antony and Kat Hall lined up with 160 other runners, to represent the Mighty Greens at the start of the Greenbow Running Club’s Straight 8 race.

The race got underway in the blazing late afternoon sunshine from The Strand at Starcross, along the cycle routes and foot paths along the Exe Estuary and Exeter Canal, all the way to the quay in Exeter. Although it is a dead flat course, the weather certainly made it a very tough race.

Right from the start the pace was very quick, with the leading group setting out at sub 6 minute miles, so Antony settled into a chasing group behind the frontrunners.

After a few miles this group started to break up, the pace and heat of the day starting to take affect. However, Antony who has had some hot weather race experience this year managed to keep his pace going. Finally crossing the line hot and exhausted in a fantastic time of 52:48 and finishing in a high 5th place overall.

Kat took a more steady pace in the main field, and managed the heat of the day in a more sensible fashion, finishing in a commendable time of 1:18:27, with a well earned mid position of 89th overall and looked in much better shape than Antony!

A great race on a really nice flat route, making it a perfect distance for those looking to take the next step up from a 10k. They are both planning to compete in next year’s Straight 8, hopefully taking some more Mighty Greens along with them.

Cotswold Lake 62 Triathlon

Well done to Jane Hemsworth who took part in the Cotswold Lake 62 Triathlon on Saturday 28th July in some unseasonably bad weather. Starting en-mass with all the other competitors in the deep water, Jane had to swim 1500m, she then cycled 40km on a fairly flat course with a few inclines around the Cotswolds and then ran a 9km route cheered on by the spectators. A superb performance gained a 2nd lady in age category with an impressive 3h:19m time.

Haytor Heller

Four Sidmouth Running Club members took on the Haytor Heller on Saturday 21st of July. This event is in its 33rd year. It is a tough 6 mile hilly off-road event and is not for the faint hearted or inexperienced runner! This is a popular moorland race which starts below Haytor Rock and follows a rugged and hilly single lap route. It is generally runs through open moorland with two sections of woodland and includes the crossing of one stream. Returning back once again to Haytor Rock there is a fast descent to the finish line which is opposite the middle car park at Haytor.

By some fluke Jo got a second in her age group winning a trophy and a bottle of wine. She was pacing it out most of the race with an Erme Valley Harrier lady, who, as it turned out, was in the same age group. She’d pass Jo on the uphills, and Jo would pass her on the downs. Fortunately it ends on a down and Jo ended up with a 30 second lead.

In order of finishing: Jo Earlam 1:12:59, Don Cawthera 1:16:33. Debbie Marriott 1:16:40, Helen Palmer 1:20:03. 229 finished.

The group’s verdict of the event… a big thumbs up and a smiley face.

Exeter 10k

On a warm Wednesday evening, seven Mighty Greens took part in the Exeter 10km Run. Starting on The Quay and following some of the Park-run route along the river and canal footpaths and cycle tracks to the swing bridge and back. This was a two lap traffic free and pancake flat 10km run.

In order of finishing was Greg Ward who arrived in 47:08 giving him the 94th position, Rob Edwards 115th with a time of 48:44. Steve Saunders in 171st position is now looking to beat his time of 52:25 next year. Then came Jo Earlam 205th, 55:48, John Sharples 243rd 58:39. Then Cheryl Boulton, who wanted a sub 1hour 10km time, sprinted for the finish line and achieved her goal 59:43 coming in 253rd place and Christie Ward felt very pleased with her position of 282nd, with a time of 63:52. There were 338 finishers.

Jo was pleased to get inside of the 9 minute mile pace with it being a rather short / fast pace for her.