Exe to Axe - Sun 5th April - by Jeremy
07/04/2009 by Ivan.
I grew up in East Devon and recall many days (and nights!) spent exploring the local coastline and paths. So, when I heard that Sidmouth Running Club were staging this event from Exmouth to Seaton, I couldn’t resist. Quite apart from being a particularly stunning piece of the Jurassic coast (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jurassic_Coast ), it also gave me the perfect opportunity to fill in a few gaps in my local knowledge. I therefore found myself with fellow Harriers Andy & Ellen Hughes at the start on sunday, relishing the prospect of 21 miles of coastline with a not-inconsiderable (yet not unreasonable) 5600′ of ascent. Unfortunately the start was a little frustrating, as the race quickly funnelled through a constriction, causing immediate congestion for the 130+ eager runners. This will be reassessed for next year. However, what followed was one of the most memorable runs I’ve ever done, partially for reasons of nostalgia, but largely for the sheer pleasure of running along this section of coast.
Under blue skies, with a gentle breeze and millpond sea, runners could enjoy the initial gentle undulating profile which allows establishment of sensible pace along the red devonian sandstone cliffs from Exmouth, through Budleigh Salterton and Ladram bay to Sidmouth (10 miles in), where I was heartened to see that many of the haunts (ie pubs) from a mis-spent (in my parent’s eyes) youth were still surviving. Sidmouth is reknowned for its advanced age demographics, so negotiating the esplanade was fraught with the frustration of dodging numerous walking sticks and multiple other slow-moving hazards. That said, I fully intend to be out exploring this coastline when I’m 80+, so I don’t bear (m)any grudges!
After Sidmouth, the hills grow in stature, inclination and regularity, interspersed with delightful hilltop running and thigh-testing wooden steps intended to limit erosion, yet perfectly designed to erode the most determined of wills. Despite cursing these measures at times, I recalled how I had helped maintain these paths in the past with a local school work-party, led by my father. I therefore apportion all blame to him. So absorbed was I by the scenery, that the passing of Weston Mouth occurred without any recollection of the naturist beach there (clearly the sweat was now affecting my vision). Apparently, a national trust sign here reads “‘In order to avoid embarrassment to family groups, Naturists are asked to keep to the right hand side of the beach in an area 250 yards beyond this notice.” You have been warned! The red sandstone cliffs give way to Cretaceous chalk pinnacles at Branscombe where the third and final refreshment stop was provided. Beyond Beer head, a new vista unfolds from the quaint fishing port of Beer to the contrasting seafront of Seaton with Lyme Bay and Portland beyond in the afternoon haze.
The finish at Seaton came sooner than expected in more ways than one, as I felt I had more mental and physical mileage in the tank, but strangely, I didn’t really want to stop. Nevertheless, I was happy to finish to a welcome reception and refreshments at the end.
You may have gathered that I quite enjoyed this one, and despite being a little biased, and I would enthusiatically recommend it. However, if you wouldn’t mind, I’d prefer you to keep it a secret, as this gem of a little long race must not to be degraded by mass participation in future…
Oh, and if you want to know how the Chepstow trio fared, I suggest you explore further at http://sidmouthrunningclub.org.uk
Report - Helly Adventure X - 28/29 Mar
07/04/2009 by Ivan.
Tom Gibbs took part in the Helly Adventure X race on the 28/29th March, attached here is his team’s race report. Well done Tom - great result.
Helly Adventure X Race Report
