Twelve runners from Sidmouth RC took part in the inaugural running of the Yarcombe Yomp.

Twelve runners from Sidmouth RC took part in the inaugural running of the Yarcombe Yomp last Saturday. The course, based on a five mile lap in some beautiful and challenging countryside around the village, comprised a five and a 10 mile event.The day started cold and breezy and conditions underfoot were heavy but the runners managed to overcome these obstacles. Bev Tarry, in Women's Running Network colours, was first home in the Female over 60 category but there were other impressive performances through the field with Ian Robson, Shaun Tipton and Brian Gosling showing some strong running. It may have been due to the cold weather but there were some close personal battles out on the course with Andy Concannon out sprinting John Podmore by just two seconds. John was competing in his first 10 mile event whilst Becky Robson and Helen Palmer paced each other around the course to finish with identical times. Dave Palmer, despite his unique running style, just managed to hold off John Keast to be the first Sidmouth runner home. This was John's first competitive race for 12 months, he is getting back to form and there is obviously plenty of good running to come from him.Sidmouth were represented in the five mile event by John and Ruth Chesters, who finished in sixth and ninth place respectively, and both events were very well organised and marshalled and all of the runners were welcomed back with hot soup and cakes which were very welcome.Sidmouth results: 5 miler: (6) John Chesters 51:19, (9) Ruth Chesters 1:03:45. 10 miler: (7) Dave Palmer 1:22:15, (8) John Keast 1:22:22, (19) Ian Robson 1:30:30, (31) Shaun Tipton 1:43:44, (38) Brian Gosling 1:50:21, (39) Andy Concannon 1:51:45, (40) John Podmore 1:51:47, (42) Becky Robson 1:52:48, (43) Helen Palmer 1:52:48, (45) Bev Tarry 1:53:32l Jess Watkins decided to keep to the road and opted instead for the Ilminster 10k run on the Sunday in fresh but good running conditions. The first half is a steady grind uphill and the second predominantly downhill. The adjustment from one to the other is not easy and it is not considered a fast course but Jess pulled out a PB of 41.15 and was the second lady home in a field of over 300. Not satisfied with that, she has now set her sights on breaking that 40 minute barrier. All it needs is the right course and some competition.l Sports Editor Lee Glanville writes about her sister Brenda Thomas's experience in her first ever marathon in New York, read online www.sidmouthherald.co.uk