Sidmouth Running Club (SRC) members Sarah Watkins, Jessica Raynor and Jo Earlam all took part in the Atlantic Coast Challenge, a ‘three marathons in three days’ event which follows the coast line along North Cornwall, writes Hamish Spence.

Day one of the Atlantic Coast Challenge started north of Constantine Bay (near Padstow) and finished at Perranporth.

Jo enjoyed every second of her run, one of 6:54:00, especially the trek along a sandy beach at the end, where she decided to barefoot it through the sand and waves. Jessica and Sarah pulled ahead of Jo after the first mile. Jessica had a fast pace, finishing fifth in 4:29:00 while Sarah was 119th in 6:27:43.

Day two involved a run from Perranporth to St Ives Bay Holiday Park. The ladies were welcomed to real North Cornish weather with horizontal rain and very strong blustering gales straight from the ocean!

The route was also tough going with hills, steps, sand dunes and two miles of beach.

Jo had some serious struggles with holding her hat down on her head every time the wind blew and then holding her leggings up as the elastic finally broke!

However, considering her kit malfunctions, her pace was quicker as she completed the run in 6:21:12.

Sarah was home a few minutes later in 6:27:55 while Jessica served up an amazing run, finishing fourth, and first lady in 4:25:16.

Day three was seen in with a beautiful sunrise for the run between St Ives Holiday Park and Lands End. Jo lost her footing at mile 16 causing a gash to her hand and bruising to her leg, but it didn’t stop her for longer than it takes to enjoy the scenery and take some photos.

The first Mighty Green home on day three was Jessica Raynor in a time of 6:50:17, which saw her in 21st position.

This all represents a huge effort by the three Mighty Green ladies and, after some 80 plus miles of tough running, Jessica finished overall in a superb seventh spot while an evenly matched Sarah and Jo finished 105th and 107th respectively out of the 165 finishers in total.