A group of runners from the Club and a few visitors from Folk Week set off last Sunday in the inaugural Fringe Festival Run, writes John Perratt.

The idea was to check out the course for the real thing this Sunday, give everyone a chance to run it in a non competitive atmosphere and to see if all that Morris Dancing had improved our stamina.

The course is looking in good shape, very dry all the way round but not too hard underfoot. It starts as usual at the foot of Cliff Fields with that long drag up Peak Hill but from then on it is pleasure all the way as it meanders through Muttersmoor, round Bulverton plantation and finishes with that exhilarating down hill dash back to the starting point. Up for grabs are the two Michelmores’ Cups for the winning Men and Ladies teams as well as individual prizes including those for the first Man and Lady to get to the top of Peak Hill.

The race starts at 11 o’clock and late entries will be accepted from 9 o’clock at the Race HQ in Connaught Gardens, by the Fiddler. Then as soon as the main race gets underway there will be a fun run for the children.

This will be just up to the fence at the top of Cliff Fields. It may not be very far but it presents a real challenge to the youngsters. Their enthusiasm however normally sees them through and they bounce back very quickly to collect their prizes. Lesley Roberts is in charge of this and entries at �2 a time can only be accepted on the day. If you want more details please give her a ring on 577 310.

Two weeks ago Laurence Bolam once again sneaked off to London for another 10k race through the Capital. The previous one was the London 10k but a few weeks later this was the ‘British’ London 10k.

We are not sure what the difference is but this one claims to be the biggest mass participation 10kin the UK. It is certainly big as there were more than 25 000 runners taking part and Laurence - our Man from Sidmouth - came in a remarkable 25th - out of 25 000! How good is that?