The Grizfest and The Grizzly was awash with Mighty Greens

Then, on Sunday, seventy Mighty Greens lined up with 1,141 other runners from all over the world. There was disappointment for several SRC runners though, as Covid had caught up with them and were unable to compete.

The Grizzly has a reputation, not just for the race itself but for its slick organisation by Axe Valley Runners and they excelled themselves again this year.

From the commentary and mass singalong at the start, to the army of friendly, encouraging marshals, Beer coastguards on hand on the Stairway to Heaven, Drum 4 Fun sounding amazing heading out of Seaton, Saxminster at Beer, Taiko, the Japanese drummers on Branscombe beach, which you could hear way before you could see them, the remembrance tree, the Fountaineers, plus the sweets, beer, rum and flapjack on offer.

There were a few first-timers in the group who, despite hearing the tales about running on pebbles, through rivers and losing shoes in the very muddy sections were strangely looking forward to it.

What they didn’t anticipate was the support of the community, people of all ages were lining the streets, popping up in isolated areas, some with instruments, some with balloons, all clapping and cheering, some family and friends - they have no idea how much it spurs you on and makes you smile, especially at mile 17,18,19!

A brilliant day, the Grizzly had been conquered.

Over in Exmouth, six Mighty Greens took part in the Spring Bradleys 10k organised by LME events. Jack Wilson finished 9th in 41:02, knocking four minutes off his PB. Naomi Loosemore also got a PB 56:12, coming in after Jamie Locke, 48:12 and Shaun Tipton, 51.59. Gail Goldsmith came first in her age category in 1:00:34 with Marion Johnson hot on her heels, 1:02:44.

Sidmouth Runners Ann and Julia (Image: SRC)

Rachel in the mud (Image: SRC)

Marion Johnson in Exmouth (Image: SRC)

Exmouth 10k Group (Image: SRC)

Warming up for the Grizfest (Image: SRC)

Grizfest Runners (Image: SRC)