The last two hot sunny weekends have seen Sidmouth’s runners out competing in force in a range of distances, writes Monica Read.
The first Sunday of May, in temperatures that reached 25C, there were some great results achieved by Sidmouth Running Club (SRC) women at the North Dorset Village Marathon.
Jessica Raynor was first lady in 3:28, a brilliant time on a hot and hilly course.
Her mother, Sarah, who was only on her second marathon, ran a similar pace to seasoned marathon runner Jo Earlam, coming in at 4:21 and 4:51 respectively.
Jo’s experience showed through as she maintained a steady pace throughout. She said: “I did 11 minute miles overall and a perfect split time, unlike my first marathon, London 2005, when I did the first half in 2:15 and dropped back to 2:45 in the second half, just squeezing home in under five hours.
“Despite a lack of training for Sunday, I was pleased to better that experience 13 years later.”
The following weekend the popular Ottery 10k took place with 13 runners turning out in SRC’s might green shirts with plenty of club spirit in evidence as faster runners cheered their slower teammates to the finish.
Sam Ingram was SRC’s first runner home, closely followed by Kyle Baker entering his first run for the club. Terry Bewes, club chairman, was particularly pleased to congratulate Claire Partridge and Emma Grainger from the 2018 beginners’ group for their outstanding runs.
Meanwhile, sweltering at another 10k in Bristol were Jodie Hawkins (a 2018 Improver) who came in under the hour and Julia Haddrell, also from the 2018 beginners’ group. Suzy Rockey, continuing her return to form, was pleased with an improved time at the Land and Sand 5k at Exmouth, despite wishing there was less sand involved.
Results (for the SRC runners)
Ottery 10k: Sam Ingram, 47:44; Kyle Baker, 48:07; Tim Clay, 49:28; Steve Saunders, 50:02; Tim Swarbrick, 51:59; Jane Hemsworth, 52:14; Sarah Clapham, 52:28; Jo Earlam, 55:14; Simon Hollyer, 56:40; John Doherty, 57:22; Cheryl Boulton, 1:01:34; Clare Partridge, 1:12:19; Emma Grainger, 1:13:56.
Bristol 10k: Jodie Hawkins, 59:40; Julia Haddrell, 1:09.
Land and Sand 5k results: Suzy Rockey, 28.00.
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