Finally, we were off, and Justin Ashby, David Rampersad and Tim Mitchell were soon up amongst the leaders. But this was Graham Hill country, and Graham duly romped home 8th overall and the first Sidmouth runner home. Age is a touchy subject for some, but in the running world there's no escaping it and a male Veteran is classed as anyone over 39. So although Justin is too young, John Keast’s 56th place was enough with Graham, David(32nd) and Tim(35th) for Sidmouth to take the prize for the first Men’s Vet Team.  Amongst the women, Jess Watkins showed a clean pair of heels, not to mention a vibrant pair of check shorts, to the other Sidmouth ladies to finish 59th while Jane Beech came in at 100th. Jess just gets faster and faster, while Jane who normally trains with Brian Gosling's Friday group of pensioners, clearly benefits from their blistering pace. Jane, joined by Debbie Marriot(169th), Suzanne Rampersad(198th) and Fiona Cummins(210th) went on to be first Ladies Vets Team.  A great double for Sidmouth, and a great contribution from the newly arrived Rampersads who just got their Sidmouth strip in time.

The fact that all the Trophies had been stolen from a car the day before the race did nothing to dampen spirits, with Jane Beech collecting a prize for 3rd lady Vet home, and in the 60+ age group, which should be called the Masters but isn't, George Chalstrey took the honours with Colin Flood 3rd.  All round, a very satisfying day for the Sidmouth Club in a quality field, and as a welcome hot shower beckoned, thoughts turned to dusting off the Santa outfits for next week's Reindeer Run.

Bicton Blister results: 8 Graham Hill(1.13.21), 31 Justin Ashby(1.20.46), 32 David Rampersad (1.20.55), 35 Tim Mitchell(1.21.43), 56 John Keast(1.25.34), 59 Jess Watkins(1.25.48), 84 Craig Badcock(1.28.50), 93 Billy Emmett(1.29.39), 100 Jane Beech(1.29.58), 112 Mark Keast(1.30.27), 118 George Chalstrey(1.30.56), 135 Ian Robson(1.35.52), 167 Colin Flood(1.37.40), 169 Debbie Marriot(1.38.03), 175 Don Cawthera(1.38.26),198 Suzanne Rampersad(1.41.17), 210 Fiona Cummins(1.43.09), 247 Shaun Tipton(1.48.02), 265 Brian Gosling(1.50.01), 268 Sarah Watkins(1.50.19), 270 Richard Hedger(1.50.39), 272 John Podmore(1.50.53), 273 Becky Robson(1.50.54), 293 Chris Robinson(1.54.38), 306 David Welsh(1.56.48), 329 Kate Stamp(2.06.12), 330 Libby Jarrett(2.06.12).

Bicton Lite results: 6 John Perratt(45.57), 12 Bill Valentine(49.43),22 Jane Hemsworth(54.02).

An unusual hazard presented itself though in the shape of the Seaton Tram.  Making its way to Colyton it held young Jess Watkins up for a short while whilst the one going the other enabled Colin Flood to take a quick breather. Undeterred Jess added another club record to her collection and it took a sprint finish from top Vet Bob Minting to beat her by a few seconds. She is improving rapidly and was 2^nd Lady overall.  Roger Trivett also set off as if he meant serious business and was just behind Jess until an old injury kicked in about halfway through the first lap. He hobbled round for a bit and intended to pull out but finding himself at the back of the field he felt more comfortable at a gentle pace and so carried on. He pulled back many of the places he had lost, finishing in sight of Mick Allen who had a very good race just creeping in under the 40 minutes.

Roger says that the atmosphere is much more congenial at the back with the likes of Chris Long, Andy Concannon, Brian Gosling and Sarah ( Jess’s mum ) Watkins. Included in that happy group were Jane and David Skinner together all the way. Shaun Tipton on the other hand ran a shrewd race never losing sight of Bill Valentine, then coming round the last corner he put in tremendous sprint that Bill couldn’t match. In fact it is likely that his time over the last 400m was close to the quickest of the day.

With the two races starting together, Ellie Stone and Georgie Hanson held their own in the melee as the gun went off and took the first 2 places in their fun run category and were delighted to finish their race before a lot of the 5 milers had completed their first lap.

Full results for the Sidmouth runners with times and positions in brackets were:

Bob Minting 32.49 (20); Jess Watkins 32.55 (21); John Perratt 36.09 (43); Colin Flood 37.32 (49); Shaun Tipton 39.10 (58); Bill Valentine 39.15 (59); Mick Allen 39.55 (66); Roger Trivett 41.10 (76); Chris Long 41.13 (77); Andy Concannon 41.37 (79); Brian Gosling 41.39 (80); Sarah Watkins 41.50 (82); Jane and David Skinner 51.29 (137,138).

More images - on their Photos / photo gallery / AVR Races pages - and full results on the AVR website . . . Link

Congratulations must also go Richard Hedger for completing the Nice-Cannes Marathon and Jane Hemsworth the Cornish Marathon. Richard has now set his sights on another marathon – in Rome whilst Jane, together with Bev Tarry, are both getting really carried away and have signed up for the 50 mile Oxford to Henley Ultra Marathon. No one can argue that running doesn’t broaden your horizons.

18 Nov. 2008 . . . from MB . . . Winter X/C Series . . . Full Results . . . Images . . . The first references we have of cross country races in this country are from texts of the 14^th century. It was some time before the first X/C championships were organised in 1876, and the first national championships were held in 1927 when women were eventually allowed to participate. During the early part of the last century, cross country was even an Olympic sport. The first X/C races were held over rough terrain; including ploughed fields, ancient woodland and streams, a far cry from today’s rather sterile courses. With this in mind, three of the running clubs from East Devon ( Sidmouth RC, Honiton RC and Axe Valley runners ) met up to plan a X/C race series for their junior runners which considered health and safety and athlete development, but would give them the opportunity to compete against one another over a more dynamic course which would be challenging - but fun.

Last Saturday morning saw the first X/C of the series take place at Core Copse on East Hill Strips. The Forestry Commission kindly gave permission for the races on their land. Core Copse is a plateau with steep wooded slopes to the east and south. Following the recent heavy rain, all tracks were rather muddy, including the slopes! These natural conditions made the various age group routes challenging for all the 43 runners that took part.

First off was the Under 10s race which was won by Sam Tipton (SRC), and the first girl home was Franki Keast (SRC), over the 1 mile course. Great runs by both of them.

In the under 13s race there was a great battle between Nick Smith (SRC) and Grey Grierson (SRC) who battled away until the home straight, with Nick coming out in front. Christian Rampersad had a terrific run to finish 3^rd. In the girls race Ellie Stone stormed home ahead of Layla Felgate and Mollie Hansford (Axe Valley). All fine performances over the 3k course.

The under 15s race started off with the sun peeping through and the young, autumnal golden Larch a picture. But the runners wouldn’t have noticed it during their efforts on this tough course which included two rope climbs! In the girls race, Romy Phillips (Axe Valley) showed her recent good form to finish ahead of Sophie Keywood (Honiton). 

Dan Clapp (Axe Valley) had a terrific run in the under 17s though he may have used his knowledge of the woods as he used to train with Sidmouth when he was younger. Dan powered home ahead of his contemporaries, Thomas Dunn (Hon) and Nathan Carpenter (SRC). A couple of Axe Valley seniors also took part in this race, and it was good to see Garry Perratt running again, and Phil Bayliss running in shorts that may have been fashionable at the 1927 championships, but not really 2008. Garry just pipped Phil at the line. Thanks go to all who helped out on Saturday.

The next race in the series takes place on Saturday 17^th January 2009 at Morganhayes woodland.

For further information about juniors running at Sidmouth Running Club, please contact Malcolm Bayer on 01404 812186.

. . . . . . . . & from Becky Robson. . . Eleven Green Vests turned out for The Drogo 10 miler last Sunday amongst a field of 416. The race starts in front of the castle, overlooking a breathtaking backdrop of stunning scenery. The course is amazingly hard with hills more like mountains and valleys as muddy as swamps but the views are a real delight as you weave through the narrow tracks into the forest below, then along the picturesque river and back up to Castle.

 It did though bring out the competitive spirit in the runners, especially Tim Mitchell who had a fantastic race and was the first Sidmouth runner home two minutes ahead of the forever ready, John Keast. Although setting off with the local footballers, then slowing at the narrow bridge for a chat as a diversionary tactic to defocus their running zone, John was pleasurably smiling when he reached the finish to cheer them all in. Mike Stamp worked hard to keep his position but did so very well finishing right on Keastie’s heels.

The surprise of the day was Jane Beech running her first race for Sidmouth having recently moved to the area. We knew that she had run well at the Sidbury Fun Run a short while back but didn’t realize she was that quick. It must be all that training she has been doing with Brian Gosling’s Friday group. Well done Jane. Just behind her was the very experienced George Chalstrey having a brilliant race, although feeling the pressure from Jess Watkins as they both pushed the pace pretty hard up the highest hills back to the Castle.

 Finishing just less than a minute behind them was Billy Emmett making a rare but welcome appearance. Long legs and secret training saw our favourite, Brian Gosling, finishing strongly in a good position with Sara Watkins running like the wind to catch him. Unlike Brian though, she looked as if she could do it all again.  Becky Robson and Mick Allan, although only a minute behind Sarah, decided to take a more relaxed approach and together they enjoyed the scenery whilst making their minds up which cake they were going to chose to complement their well earned cup of Tea at the finish!

Full results : Tim Mitchell 1.20.29  John Keast  1.22.34  Mike Stamp  1.23.10  Jane Beech  1.26.50

George Chalstrey 1.28.19   Jess Watkins 1.29.10   Billy Emmett  1.30.54  Brian Gosling 1.46.23

Sarah Watkins 1.49.17   Becky Robson 1.50.39   Mick  Allen 1.57.35

13 Nov. 2008 . . . from Dave Hedges . . . Last night ( 12^th November ) saw the second of the winter 2^nd Wednesday of the month 'Off Road' runs. Last month we had nine runners and last night we had 12 and we know of others who were not able to make it last night. The photo is at our main 'Regroup' at the Frogstone, overlooking Salcombe Mouth. With the full moon reflecting on the calm seas the views were spectacular. We could see to Beer Head and on to Portland Bill and to Brixham and beyond.

We had a good run out and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. We had 3 on the 'Short' and 9 on the 'Long' and covered between 4 miles and 6 miles - Off Road!! Ben and Debbie led the 'Longs' and I led the 'Shorts'. Debbie was very proud of the fact that she did not lose any of the Longs! We decided to put her name down for a Level 1 Coach's course, a natural!

We all ran as a group, out to enjoy. This was further demonstrated by everyone doubling back when needed, even up steep hills, and still with smiles on their faces! Or was that only as they passed me? Roll on 2^nd Wednesday of next month.

11 Nov. 2008 . . . from Di Puzey . . . The juniors produced another fine performance at the Winter 3K Series at Exeter Arena last week.  Most of them moved up a group or two because they are improving so much.  This meant they were going to compete against faster athletes, which inevitably caused some anxiety and nervousness.  However, that's not always a bad thing, evidenced by all the personal bests. 

Stephen Moss (11:01 PB) and Kit Grierson (11:17 PB) ran with focus and strength in the B race, despite Kit suffering from a chest infection.  Grey Grierson (11:25 PB 3rd) and Nick Smith (11:42 PB) worked hard in the C race, holding off other athletes and sprinting to the line.  Matt Tipton (12:46) and Georgia Hansen (12:49 PB) ran sensibly throughout the D race, working their way up and showing no signs of their previous anxiety.  Matt beat his dad, Sean, who will only be seeing the backs of Matt's heels from now on. 

Hannah Jenkins (13:54) knew that she'd set off too fast, which is easily done, but showed stamina and determination by pushing hard all the way to the finish line.  Emily Maskill (15:23) and Kate Welsford (15:30 PB) ran a good, steady race, leaving some left in the tank for the finish.  Finally, and by no means least, Sam Tipton (7:13) settled into his stride and finished 4th in the mile race.  Well done to all the juniors.

Three of them, Nick Smith, Kit and Grey Grierson, together with Ellie Stone also turned out at the Bicton Arena for the second leg of the Westward Cross Country League. The next leg in Exeter on Sunday 7^thDecember incorporates the Devon County Cross Country Championships which will give our youngsters another opportunity to show their worth.

Bev Tarry considered herself one of the lucky ones by getting an entry for the Tavy 7 last weekend. Those who delayed sending in their entries were turned away but, in view of the weather last Saturday, perhaps they had the last laugh. Undismayed, Bev proved once again that she can cope with any conditions and came home in 67.56 just squeezing in the first 500 finishers. No doubt she was still smiling.

Still on the Cross Country theme, the club is hosting the first leg of the East Devon Juniors X/C on 15^th November at Core Copse. Late entries will be accepted on the day and for details please phone Malcolm Bayer on 07751 522980.

4 Nov. 2008 . . . from David Palmer . . . Twelve runners from Sidmouth RC took part in the inaugural running of the Yarcombe Yomp last Saturday.  The course based on a 5 mile lap in some beautiful and challenging countryside around the village comprised a Five and a Ten mile event.

The day started cold and breezy and conditions underfoot were heavy but the runners managed to overcome these obstacles in particular 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 2 seconds in an impressive display of sprinting at the end of the race. 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 5 mile event by John and Ruth Chesters who finished in 6^th and 9^th 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 1:53:32

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. It is very much a race of 2 halves with the first half 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 2^nd 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 ladies to give her the competition.

Results from the previous week’s Exmoor ‘Stagger’ have just come to hand. It is a tough race made tougher by the horrendous conditions on the day but that is bread and butter to George Chalstrey who ran away with the first Man over 60 prize in a time of 2.50.02. Debbie Marriott and Don Cawthera, possibly aware of their lack of adequate preparation for such an arduous race, finished more or less together some 5 minutes over the 3 hours. Brian Gosling opted for the shorter ‘Stumble’ so was able to cheer them in after he had finished and showered. 

28 Oct. 2008 . . . from Andrew Seddon . . . Over the years, I have realised that camaraderie at running events features in different ways: from the masses of cheering supporters and the razzmatazz of the London Marathon, to the friendliness of our own Sidmouth 10km event. But the combination of about 1700 runners ( on occasion, of international standard ), joggers and walkers, all assembling for the 9.00am ascent of the South Downs on the edge of Eastbourne, creates its own special atmosphere: marketed by the organisers as a personal challenge event, not a race, the Beachy Head Marathon has certainly earned its respected place in the calendar.

The steep grass bank from the start looked forbidding, but undaunted, the Sidmouth group of Bev Tarry, Malcolm Bayer and Andrew Seddon set out under a blue sky and into a light breeze. From the top of the rise the competitors have their first view of the terrain to follow: chalk tracks criss-crossing the rolling grass downland, and interspersed with patches of forest. Malcolm soon found his stride with the lead runners, the long open expanse of the South Downs Way suiting his marathon technique.

Checkpoint one, after nearly nine miles, was a welcome sight, with drinks, biscuits and friendly marshalls; the descent to the Saxon village of Alfriston followed, with enthusiastic local support. At this point, both Bev and Andrew were happy with their respective conversational pace, Bev being familiar with course from an outing last year; meanwhile, Andrew was reminiscing of more youthful days spent with a south-west London running club some 20 years ago…But back to the course, with the climb out of Alfriston producing one timely remark from a local clubrunner: how can it be fair that the course record is 2 hours 47 minutes?

The next loop contoured round some high-level fields, with magnificent views in every direction, before dropping to the River Cuckmere, some forest trails and the climb on to the first of the Seven Sisters. That moment of concentration had arrived: the 20 mile mark in any marathon. But, strangely, here one could not help but be inspired by the view ahead, the graceful undulations of the white cliffs and a hazy Beachy Head in the distance.

By now, Malcolm was having second thoughts about his choice of shoe, as some sore ankle ligaments and the loose chalk surface were not combining well. The support from passing ramblers was most welcome as the incline up each of the brows seemed to steepen; the cheerful banter from the coastguards handing out refreshments at the top of Brass Point; and then the crowds at Birling Gap lifting the competitors before the final climb, but not before one last segment of banana.

The finish can only be described as a fell runner’s dream: fast, steep and, at some points, spectacularly dangerous. We all returned safely, however, after a thrilling off-road experience: Malcolm in 3 hours 38 minutes (21^st), Andrew in 3 hours 41 minutes (27^th) and Bev in 5 hours 10 minutes (570^th). And from your Head Coach, the recommended warm-down routine: wading into the cold sea of the English Channel, followed by a well-earned pint of Brakespeare’s bitter.

In the other direction Graham Hill and David Palmer set off for the Snowdonia Marathon where they ran into dreadful weather similar to that which forced the cancellation of the event a few years back when Graham went there for the first time. Undaunted 1 133 runners set off from the foot of Snowdon and when they came down again Graham was well up there and his time of 3.20.13 earned him a well deserved 54^th place. David gallops more than runs and the steep terrain doesn’t suit his very personalised style but he did fantastically well for a first effort on the mountains to clock up 3.50.55 with nearly 900 finishers behind him.

It was certainly a weekend for Marathons although the Dublin one was held on the Monday, being an Irish holiday. This meant better weather for Colin Flood’s maiden marathon where his object was to get under the four hour mark. He is not yet back so we don’t have the full details but the race website lets us follow his progress. 61 minutes for the first 10k and 2hours 3 minutes at halfway didn’t look good but Colin is a strong boy and wound up the second half to romp home in 3.57 ( a new club 'record' in the M60 cat! - CW ) . Well done, Colin. Not many of us can boast of negative splits in a marathon.

21 Oct. 2008 . . . from Helen Palmer . . . It was definitely ‘Ladies Day’ at Newton Abbot Racecourse on Sunday 19^th October, as a small but perfectly formed contingent of Sidmouth runners turned out for The Dartmoor Vale half and full marathon.  There were over 700 entries for this event organised by the Rotary clubs of Dartmoor Vale and the Women’s Running Network.  It is a well organised and marshalled event which also puts on a 10k and a fun run as well.

The weather was perfect for running, bright but cool and with a slight breeze.  The course itself goes from the racecourse at Newton Abbot by road to rise to Chudleigh and then up a steep hill to Ugbrooke Hall. It is nothing a seasoned Sidmouth runner cannot cope with but it is a good challenge, especially second time around for the marathon runners, making any PB’s well earned.  However once at the top you are richly rewarded by fabulous views over the Dartmoor Vale and the brooding Dartmoor Tors, as you make your way back to Newton Abbot.

Jess Watkins, with her lucky checked shorts, had an excellent race, moving quickly up the field and finishing in 1.34.00 as the second lady home - hopefully rewarding her for the earlier disappointment of illness and injury which prevented her from running the marathon.  Helen Palmer can claim to be the second Sidmouth lady home trailing behind Jess in 2.05.11 but pleased to shave 2 and a half minutes off last year’s time.  Husband David using the run as pre Snowden training encouraged Her for the first two miles but got bored and finished in 1.43.03 whilst the ever young Mick Allen came in at 2.06.28.

Jane Hemsworth on a hat trick of marathons this year clocked up a not quite PB of 4.13.31. On such a challenging course this is some achievement and we look forward to what she may achieve on a flat course!

Sidmouth was also represented at the Cardiff Half Marathon by mother and daughter Fiona and Sasha Cummins both making a welcome comeback to the running scene.  They normally run around chatting to each other all the time but Fiona wound it up a bit just to see what sort of shape she was in having not raced since London. Not bad I would say looking at her time of 1.37.42. Sasha on the other hand ran a sensible race and without her mother nagging away over the last 3 miles looked very relaxed as she finished at the Castle in 2.02.15. That puts her in sight of the 2 hour barrier and we look forward to seeing that come down shortly.

14 Oct. 2008 . . . from Ian Robson . . . Sidmouth runners had a good turn out with 10 runners taking part in the Honiton 12K last weekend.  Malcolm Bayer looked very focused on the start line alongside Milan Goc, who has now moved from Sidmouth to Honiton.  The weather was hot and this made it harder for the runners but Malcolm was the first Sidmouth runner home in 9^th place with a very impressive time 46:10 one place and a few seconds ahead of Milan.

Jessica Watkins in 22nd place was the second lady home with a quick time of 51:05, a long way before Colin Flood the next Sidmouth runner and  first male over 60 in 57.41. Colin is famous for complaining a few years back that that he thought the race was a long 10k. Having realised it was 2k longer he undoubtedly paced himself a bit better. After him came Neil Rutter 74^th  1:00:52, Shaun Tipton 76^th 1:01:23, Philip Welsford 83^rd 1.03.76 and Mick Allen 86^th 1.04.24. Mick very nearly went the wrong way but with plenty of shouting from the supporters he eventually found found the finish line in. Hard on his heels was Becky Robson 88^th nursing a bad hangover from the night before with a time of 1:04:34 with Rachel Burrow right on her heels in1:04:47 for 91^st place.

John Podmore after the race said that he thought he would beat Becky having been in front of her for so long but he out paced himself and she ran past again in the latter stages leaving John 93^rd in1.05.10.  Alan Hemsworth felt the heat and has now realised that a substantial liquid intake the night before, whilst great for one’s optimism, can mysteriously lead to dehydration on the day. He struggled to the finish but with the encouragement of his friends and some magic juice from St. Johns Ambulance he looked fine again and pleased with his 126^th spot in 1.16.01. Well done Alan, from all of us.

Not to be outdone our Juniors were also well represented in the Fun run but unfortunately no results or times were produced for this event.

6 Oct. 2008 . . . Steve, our Honorary Club Member from the Algarve, has entered the New York Marathon. As a Sidmouth boy he would like to meet up with any one else going across the water for this year's race next month. He had heard that a group from the Club were going for it but that is news to me. If anyone is going I will put them in touch with Steve so please contact me if you have entered.

More pressing is what is happening this week. On Monday we have the usual session starting from the Sailing Club at 6.45 p.m. We are getting about 20 out for these sessions on a regular basis but all are welcome.

On Wednesday, Janet and Nicole will be taking the 2 milers, Becky the Four and Mark Keast the Sixes but on top of that there is another option - an Off Roader. These will be under the supervision of David Hedges and Ben Chesters. This is the first of a once monthly series that will see us through the winter. Full details are in the attached poster - click here.  Please note the conditions and be aware that you will not be allowed to run with that group if you haven't got  all the proper gear. We are rather keen that once the group disappears into the gloom we will eventually see them all again. 

Also Off Road last Friday was the first of Brian Goslings weekly runs and 6 of us met up and enjoyed a very scenic route from East Budleigh to the Squacky someting Reservoir. If you can slope off during the day I can recommend them and this coming Friday the group meets at 11.00 a.m. at the Village Green Otterton.

On Wednesday 22^nd October 2008 the club will be holding a "Taster session" on running for adults, for those who are thinking of taking up the sport. It will be at 7pm at the Sailing Club on the promenade. Please spread the word and get your friends to come along and see what we are all about.

There has been a reasonable response to Malcolm's request for helpers at the Junior X Country on Saturday Morning 15 November but he could do with some more. Please give him a ring if you can help on 01404 812186. Later on in the season, January in fact, the S West Region will be holding their XC Championships for all age groups at Bicton College. They are also looking for marshals so If you enjoy doing it for our Juniors you can keep up the good work by giving a hand at Bicton. Di Puzey has all the details of that so please get in touch with her. The Juniors incidentally will be meeting as usual with Janet at Core Copse on Saturday at 9 o'clock.

Finally, a couple of our members have re-written the Samson and Delilah story. Whilst not for the faint hearted we can give an exclusive photos of the build up to the event. To see the final result you will have to come to the Club on Wednesday - Not a pretty sight.

5 Oct. 2008 . . . Last Wednesday saw the first of the winter 3k series at Exeter Arena. Sidmouth Running club juniors were out in force on a cold, wet and blustery night. The first race on the track is the mile, for under 11s and Sam Tipton had a cracking race finishing very strongly. Myshka Hall, Alex Salmon and Kelsie Bernard all tried out the mile for the first time, ran well and enjoyed it.

There was a terrific race between James Maskill and Georgia Hanson in the first 3k of the night, with James just edging it to finish 2 nd in 13.17 and Georgia 3 rd in 13.18, and first girl. Just behind in 4 th was Hannah Jenkins who ran a personal best (PB) of 13.51. George Paddon 14.42, Emily Maskill 14.52, Katie Tipton 15.51 and Kate Welsford 15.55 all competed for the first time in the 3k race.

The next race of the night saw a 1,2,3 for Sidmouth, with Nathan Carpenter laying down a marker right from the start and held a good lead to win in 11.28. Grey Grierson dug in to finish second in 11.41 and Luke Rutter 3 rd in 11.47. Sophie Davey finished 6 th in 12.55 and first female in the race. The green vests of Sid mouth continued to dominate in the next race when Andrew Green led from the front to win in 11.37, with a resolute and determined Nick Smith finishing 2 nd in 11.50. Matt Tipton did well to come home 9th in 13.10. There was tremendous competition in the next race when Stephen Moss showed fine form to finish 3 rd in 11.17 in a quality field. He also recorded the fastest time of the evening for a Sidmouth runner. Close behind was Kit Grierson in 4 th in 11.19 and a PB as well.

A great evening of competition which coaches and parents all enjoyed.

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