With the London Marathon approaching, many Sidmouth runners took the change to get in a swift half at the Bideford half marathon, which incorporates part of the Tarka Trail, writes Helen Palmer.

Cathy Keast in her first ever half marathon came in at 1.49.04 well in the top half and it would have been quicker if her calf had not seized up at 12� miles (recovery would see her well under four hours in London.

Phil Welsford, who was bemoaning a lack of miles in his training was the first Sidmouth runner home in 1.39.21 which put him 270th. And Lesley Roberts was just behind at 1.40.47. Helen Palmer was pleased to get a PB at 1.54.22, closely followed by Lynda Hawkins 1.56.45. Mick Allen, ever the youthful, came in under the two hour mark at 1.59.31 and was very pleased with his time. Finally Anne Langworthy overcame a dodgy stomach gained a creditable 2.16.47 (and lost 2 � lbs in the process).

?Gareth Horrocks completed his first Ultra Marathon last weekend in 10 hours 51 minutes - the Green Man Ultra around Bristol. It is a 48-mile ultra marathon mainly following a community forest path which takes you around the city of Bristol in one big loop. The race is self sufficient so competitors carry all their needs. Horrocks finished 21st out of 44 starters; only around 30 finished.

The last finisher was 14 hours 15 minutes and the last people dropped out at 26 miles with a time of around 15 hours 40.