Eight members of Sidmouth Running Club (SRC) took part in the Drogo 10 at the weekend, enjoying stunning scenery of the Teign Gorge in the north of Dartmoor, writes Monica Read.

Four hundred runners gathered outside the front of Castle Drogo for the start of this popular 9.6-mile trail run before heading down a steep track to the river.

The trail wound through woods tracks and paths, included a couple of steep hills before heading back along the Teign to Fingle Bridge then up the infamous Hunters Path hill back to Drogo for the finish.

Cath Miller and Kate Matravers, two of the club’s growing contingent of competitive female runners, decided to keep up a club tradition and enjoyed the event as a social run.

Chat on the way to the start passed seamlessly into the run itself and, barely interrupted by the finish, continued in the car on the way home.

Cath was pleased with her time. She said: “It was a gorgeous run despite every type of weather, including hail at the end!”

Just ahead of Cath and Kate, paying slightly more attention to the clock, were Janice Ranson, in good running form and Sarah Watkins, recovering from injury and going from strength to strength.

SRC’s male runners were led by Julian Bartlett, closely followed by Phil Welsford and Simon Hollyer.

Both Julian and Simon improved on last year’s times by three and five minutes respectively, although Julian didn’t seem that pleased, commenting: “Such hard work for so little time!”

Terry Bewes, whose winter running plan is progressing well, came in under two hours, averaging 12 minute miles on hilly rough and sometimes treacherous terrain.

Arthur Vince, showed true club spirit and travelled from Chard to join the rest of the Mighty Green team.

Club runners are looking forward to the Bicton Blister that takes place on Sunday, November 26.

SRC results at the Drogo 10. Julian Bartlett,1:25:40; Phil Welsford,1:27:28; Simon Hollyer, 1:43:39; Janice Ranson, 1:47:43; Sarah Watkins,1:54:10; Cath Miller, 1:55:36; Katy Matravers, 1:55:36; Terry Bewes, 1:56:19; Arthur Vince, 2:36:52.