There was a new trail race at Fingle Bridge, not the Drogo 10 but the Beltane Brightfire Trails. Three distances were on offer 5k, 10k or 17k, each with a selection of big hill climbs.
Andrew Smerdon competed in the 10k which started at the Bridge and then had the immediate climb up to Cranbrook Fort followed by meandering paths down through the woods to the river. Crossing over and then more climbs below the Castle, and back via the Two Moors way to Fingle Bridge, with a total of 492m of ascent. Andrew’s time was 1:33:55.
Meanwhile, there was a longer race going ahead in London where 4 BVR runners were taking part in the Marathon.
An incredible event which was memorable for all those taking part.
Ilona Baughan finished in 4:48:39, Claire Watts 5:14:37, Kathryn Carroll 5:27:04 and Jill Bishop 5:27:05.
And back in Devon Louise Davis completed tthe 50K Total Coastal Ultra
This is a challenging event on hilly coast path trails!
Starting in Kingswear in South Devon the route starts with just under a mile of flat running along a country lane, but then the challenge really begins as the route heads off-road, 9 miles of very scenic technical coast path all the way to Berry Head.
Then heading around Brixham Harbour and then back off-road to Goodrington Beach.
From here until Torquay Harbour the route is on tarmac, just after you pass the Imperial Hotel in Torquay the route heads mainly onto the trails again as it heads up and down before reaching Babbacombe Beach, where if you are lucky Sammy the Seal maybe about.
You then duck under the famous Babbacombe Cliff Railway and head to Petitor Downs, from this point to the finish you are on very scenic 6 miles of hilly off-road trails. Finishing at the picturesque Ness at Shaldon, with views across the River Teign.
Louise completed in a time of 08:30:02.
