The famous green shirt of Sidmouth Running Club is on tour across Europe, starting with Bert Dykema taking part in the Diepe Hel 10K run in Holten in the Netherlands on a beautiful sunny autumn day along with over 2000 runners.  

The run went through the Holten Berg (Holten mountain) area and, although an 83-metre climb might be a real challenge for the locals, for Bert who has lived in Devon for over eight years, it seemed fairly flat.  

The Mighty Green was delighted with his 0:56:13 result. Bert said it was a great experience, made more special as he ran it with his nephew Joost van Egmond (35), who finished in 0:43:33 and his niece Sacha Pekkeriet (27) with a time of 0:48:44. 

Bert wasn’t the only club runner travelling with their MG shirt; Cheryl Boulton took hers on holiday to Playa Blanca, Lanzarote last week. Cheryl managed two early morning runs as the temperature was already at 20-21 degrees at 7.30am; five miles on Monday and seven miles on Thursday, enjoying some beautiful views and sunrises. 

Jane Hemsworth and Jo Earlam enjoyed a very pleasant day out on the Grand Western Canal on Sunday, notching up another marathon each, Jane’s 36th and Jo’s 95th!  

The Mighty Greens spent most of the time chatting, enjoying the peaceful beauty of the canal, and bumbling along at a steady pace, until the last half mile when Jo’s legs suddenly remembered what they were supposed to be doing and they crossed the line with a 9:45 minute mile pace. Jo said it is great to be able to countdown on one hand to the magic 100th marathon.

Sidmouth Herald:  

Showing what a community spirited, versatile bunch Sidmouth Running Club are, they fielded three teams on Saturday evening at Sidmouth Rotary Club’s Swimathon. With personal sponsorship and a donation from the running club, the Mighty Green swimmers raised approximately £500 for three local charities.  

Surpassing the adult teams, the six juniors under the guidance of Carol Thomas, swam an impressive 117 lengths, with Sarah's Sharks swimming 116 and Kay's Mighty Green Swimming Machine swimming 108. It was another enjoyable night for the club, especially as they all retired to ‘The Volunteer’ to celebrate with a superb meal and award ceremony. 

Sidmouth Herald: