Sidmouth Running Club Reindeer Run

12th Dec 2007 . . . from Mark Keast . . . Last Saturday was the annual Christmas Reindeer run organized by Otterton Primary School in conjunction with Sidmouth Running Club. The event has now been held for three years and was initiated by local runner Graham Hill, who still plays a very active part in organizing the event. This year’s race, despite the inclement weather conditions, was probably the most enjoyable yet with 158 runners completing the main 10k event and 60 completing the fun run.

The main 10k course is largely off road, through the fields near Ladram bay and running up the river Otter. The first half was hilly with the second half being flat, but muddy and slippery under foot. A total contrast for the race winner Simon Roost from London, who admitted that he does most of his training on a running machine. Our own Malcolm Bayer is recovering well from a chest infection and gave Simon Roost a good run for his money, Malcolm was in front until about 9k, but then the age got the better off him and the youthful Simon sneaked in past in the last k. All was not lost for Malcolm as he picked up a familiar trophy in winning the veterans category.

First lady home was Vicky Skelton from North Devon (14^th overall), First local (this being Otterton) lady home was Judy Constable who finnished110th overall and the first local man home was Paul Moger – Taylor (68^th o/l) The Trophy for the most improved runner was Don Cawthera who despite the wet conditions managed to knock off some 6 minutes from last years time.

The fun run was not just fun but was taken very seriously by the youngsters. This is become popular with the children, who are beginning to get quite competitive, particularly as there was a cup for the most improved runner. This went to Zak Robinson who finished 16^th overall, not bad for an 8 yr old. First home in the fun run and winning the 12 – 16yr category was Kit Grierson, kit was 5 seconds in front of local runner Scott Hill who won the U12 category, second and third in the 12 – 16 yr category were Ian Harwood (3^rd O/l) and Zak Francis (10th o/l). Second and third in the u12s were Nick Smith and Grey Grierson respectively.

Out of the girls it was Grace Nicholson from Tipton St John who romped in at 6^th position o/l and first in her age category of 12 – 16 yrs, other prize winners in the same category were Sophie Davey and Ellie Taylor. First in for the under 12 girls were Ellie Stone followed by Daisy Caldwell and Georgia Hanson. It was very encouraging to see most of the juniors, especially the prize winners sporting the green Sidmouth RC vest.

Overall it was a very enjoyable morning and the mulled wine saved a few people from developing hyperthermia. Thanks must go to the organisers, sponsors, marshalls and time keepers etc. who weathered the conditions and made the event possible. Otterton Primary School will deservedly benefit from the proceeds.