Winding Paths chose Sidmouth for their Final Countdown 10k this year, perfect for members of Sidmouth Running Club to kick start New Year’s Eve.

The rain stopped just before the race started from the Watersports Hub at 10am but with the wind whipping the waves on to the promenade, getting wet was unavoidable as the runners headed for Peak Hill.

The early elevation did not put the 257 entrants off, nor did the mud, though it might have slowed them down a bit; not the case for Niall Hawkins, first Mighty Green to finish in 11th place in 47:57!

No sooner were you on top of the hill than you were being sent down the other side ready for the delight of running up Bottle Lane, notoriously tricky underfoot at the best of times.

A slightly less muddy but very watery loop of Muttersmoor followed before the daunting descent down the grassy slope to the finish line at Connaught Gardens. MG Scott Chown styled his skid out right in front of the photographer and managed to stay upright (ish!), no mean feat as it was a mud bath.

Everyone received a very impressive medal before heading home to clean up, ready to bring in 2024.

Results: Niall Hawkins 47:57; Don Cawthera 57:58; Deb Cawthera 1:01:57; Sarah Ginsberg 1:06:58; Christine Farnham 1:07:23; Alexa Baker 1:08:33; Beccy Johnson 1:09:04; Karen Farnham 1:09:31; Scott Chown 1:10:16; Nikita Kay 1:10:20; Judith Jeeves 1:18:31; Christie Ward 1:18:49; Carol Hounsell 1:29:05; Sarah Watkins 1:25:06; Ann Cole 1:31:28

You can still join the beginner’s course which started on Wednesday, January 3 and SRC Juniors, which start back on Wednesday, January 10. See www.sidmouthrunningclub.co.uk for further details.

Sidmouth Herald: Scott on the slide