A 'Mighty Green' weekend for Sidmouth Running Club

When Sidmouth Running Club (SRC) member Clive Gilbert highlighted that Cranbrook parkrun was celebrating its first birthday last Saturday and there would be cake, he was enthusiastically joined by Tracy Scannell, Lesley Fitzhenry, Beccy Johnson, Mark Norton and Alexa Baker.

What he didn't mention was the fancy dress opportunity, but everyone had great fun running among Little Red Riding Hoods, Where's Wally, cheerleaders and unicorns. 

The twice out and back route set in Cranbrook Country Park was very flat, along gravel pathways and grassy stretches through the community orchard.

 The volunteers behind the weekly parkrun were very friendly and welcoming and the cakes at the end were delicious. The 'Mighty Greens' will certainly return, despite cake being a one off.

Saturday evening saw members of Sidmouth Running Club juniors and adults take part in the Sidmouth Carnival as a walking group entry to have a mighty fun time together, support the carnival and promote the club in the community.

The theme was 'Mighty Green' and there were lots of caped crusaders, but the greenest of them all was Martin Barnard and his son Ben, who went full on 'Incredible Hulk' green! 

The idea was to have 'slo-mo' races through the finishing ribbon with a podium finish at intervals along the route ,but the competitive juniors left the adults standing as they practically sprinted the whole way round. A great evening was had by all topped off by coming first in their category.

The 9am start time for LME Bradleys Exmouth 10k held on Sunday was a bit of a shock for those involved in the carnival the previous evening, but the sun was out and the sea sparkling which made it all the more worthwhile. 

The popular flat road race was a comeback event from injury/illness for Mighty Greens Yasmin Salter, Suzi Rockey and Christy Ward and it was great to see them back in their Mighty Green shirts.

The two lap event takes you to Orcombe Point, round the flagpole, all the way back to The Grove and repeat. One of the nice things about running a loop is the encouragement given by fellow runners as they pass by in the opposite direction.

The encouraging marshals, many from sponsors Bradleys Estate Agents, kept runners going too and on this occasion, as well as receiving a medal, they were all treated to cake from Launchpad, Budleigh.

Colin Ryan was the first Mighty Green over the line in 44:26, 21st out of a field of 186 with Catherine Hilton hot on his heels finishing in 48:57. Cheryl Boulton was very happy to get her 10k PB and Donna Womersley-Westlake was delighted to have run the whole 10k without walking.

Results: Colin Ryan 44:26, Catherine Hilton 48:57, Sam Ingram 51:31, Suzi Rockey 53:37, Cheryl Boulton 55:23, Yasmin Salter 55:32, Christie Ward 58:31, Terry Bewes 1:08:23, Alexa Baker 1:08:23, Donna Womersley-Westlake 1:14:34, Grahame Womersley-Westlake 1:14:39