It was hard to believe that two consecutive Wednesday evening running on Woodbury Common could be so extremely different weather wise, writes Terry Bewes.

The first, from Woodbury Castle, was a Sidmouth club run on the hottest day of the year, and the second, on East Budleigh Common, was the Woodland Relays, in what can only be described as monsoon conditions.

The Woodland Relays are a series of races between East Devon clubs with each taking it in turn to organise a venue of their choice.

This was the 23rd race extremely well organised by Exmouth Harriers in the Wheathill Plantation over a proper cross country course in horrendous conditions.

Between them, the N1 Tri Club, Sidmouth, Axe Valley, Honiton, Exmouth, the Met Office and Clyst Hydon entered 21 senior, and junior, teams.

Teams of three are divided into all male, all female, mixed and juniors with each member running the same 4k circuit.

With the rain lashing down the whole time, running fast became more difficult for those running the second and third legs as the course rapidly became a quagmire.

Sidmouth Running club had five teams entered, two experienced and three first timers all with the exception of Deb Marriott joining the club in January.

The Sidmouth Green Army; comprising Justin Ashby, 16:24, Antony Hall, 17:30 and Ben Chesters, 16:42, did an excellent job finishing second overall just being pipped by the young bucks from N1 Tri.

The Sidmouth ladies number one team; comprising Kerry Boyle, 20:29, Charlotte Forrer, 21:18 and Els Laurays, were the third ladies team to finish.

The ladies V45 team; Karen Farnham, 24:14, Deb Marriott, 24:07 and Christine Farnham, 24:51; the mixed team; Christie Ward, 30:06, Paul Wright, 24:35 and John Sharples, 24:47 and the ladies number two team; Jenni Yeoman, 29:53, Laura Philips, 27:20 and Julia Haddrell, 32:42; all had their first experience of what life is like for a hippopotamus - wet and muddy!

However, they all enjoyed the evening, supported each other, said it was one they would never forget and the Mighty Green was worn and the club shown supporting another event. Well done, to you all.