Sidmouth Running Club were well represented in the Blister Lite, run in conjunction with the Bicton Blister, writes Hamish Spence.

Those taking part certainly seemed to find the run both challenging and great fun with plenty of what suspiciously looked like sociable groups being formed to get round!

The Lite runners set off with the Blister competitors, but take a short cut across the common.

However, the Lite still covers a formidable route. Kate Marriott was the first Sidmouth Running Club member to cross the finishing line, completing her run in a time of 39:34 to finish 12th overall.

Next of the Sidmouth contingent home was Sarah Ginsberg in a time of 45:46 for 24th place.

The next four over the line were all wearing the ‘Mighty Green’. The quartet were led home by Paula Farrand (46:01) followed by Michael Ginsberg (46:15), Jane Hemsworth (46:25) and Karen Farnham (46:27).

Usually, Bert Dykema keeps up with running buddy Paula until the last half mile and then takes the turning to the car park, rather than the finish line.

However, on this occasion, Bert ran straight to the line and grabbed the 40th place in a brilliant time of 50:42.

The last three of the Sidmouth contingent in the Lite were led home by Julia Haddrell, who claimed 70th place in 57:16.

David Skinner was next, crossing the line in 71st place.

David felt that due to the lack of training, his time this year was not as good as he had achieved previously, but he still got back in a fast 57:27 to beat the ‘one hour mark’.

Emma Grainger was suffering a cold, so did very well getting around before the hour was up, just squeezing in over the line in 59:11 for 77th place.

Sidmouth Running Club chairman Terry Bewes was full of praise for all the 49 Mighty Green runners who took part, along with many other club members who gave support on the day.

It was a record breaking number of entries from the club into a single event.

Terry said: “What was so obvious was the wonderful spirit we clearly have in the club. It was so good to see runners encouraging each other before, during and after the race. Runners were cheered over the finish line whether they ran as an individual for a time or in pairs or groups, with just the aim of enjoying the run and finishing.”

Terry concluded: “And to come away with the first lady prize along with all the other awards members won made it a very special day for Sidmouth Running Club.”