Sidnmouth Running Club members Helen Palmer and Sarah Watkins headed up to Templeton near Tiverton to take place in the inaugural Feighan Fury and were understandably relieved that the overnight rain had finally stopped.
Organised by SWRR, the 10-mile race was in celebration of the life of Mike Feighan, a much-loved member of the local running community.
The Mighty Greens slip-slided their way along the challenging multi-terrain course around private land in the rolling hills of mid Devon. Sarah said the scenery was beautiful when she was brave enough to look up!
Helen finished 170th in 2:13:06 and Sarah Watkins 198th in 2:25:10 out of a field of 215 runners.
Closer to home (Sidbury) and with no confusion over the hour change, eight Mighty Greens joined run leader Derek Blackburn for the final club Sunday run. The only way was up to start with and it wasn’t long before the long sleeve tops and jackets were being removed.
Heading through the woods to the sound of heavy gun fire, Derek reassured the group that it was coming from the next valley but the pace seemed to pick up from that point.
It became muddier underfoot approaching White Cross and the East Devon Way was rather waterlogged but everyone really enjoyed the 7-mile route. The Sunday runs were mile-builders in preparation for the recent longer running events and the club is very grateful to all the run leaders who gave up their Sunday morning lie-ins to take the groups.
Last weekend was a busy one for Sidmouth Running Club as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of the SW Coast Path Association. The Junior fun run took place at 10am on Saturday and a guided walk of the Sidmouth Ring.
On Sunday, it was the inaugural Sweetcombe Scramble marathon and JPs Exe to Axe race, not forgetting events with Sidmouth Fit, Sidmouth Gig Club, Sid Vale Cycling Club, Axe Vale Canoe Club, East Devon Ramblers and Devon and Somerset Condors.
Runners visited from all over the country to take part in these very challenging events and, despite the delightful weather of recent weeks, it was greatly enjoyed by all involved.
Full report and pictures from a special weekend will be in next week’s Sidmouth and Ottery Herald.
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