The Blackdown Beast, Honiton Running Club’s sold out charity fundraiser, took place on Saturday and Sidmouth Running Club were there. All ten Mighty Greens chose to run the full 17-mile route over the 10-mile option and for most it was their first time.

Starting from Dunkeswell airfield, the runners had to self-navigate their way around the picturesque landscape by looking for white drawing pins on posts and gateways, using written instructions or a GPX file.

The Mighty Green ladies ran together and were grateful that Rachel Barnard had downloaded the GPX file, as it got them back on track when they realised they hadn’t seen a drawing pin for a while!

The first leg was 7.5 miles on seldom-used footpaths through the countryside complete with farmyard smells and muck, which took you to the first refreshment stop at Smeatharpe. Pre-ordered hot pasties and mulled cider hit the spot and made the next 2.5 mile leg along lanes and boggy fields to Upottery very enjoyable.

Ignoring the fact that The Sidmouth Arms was the pick-up point for the 10-mile option, the Mighty Greens continued to Rawridge then climbed to Luppitt before heading back to Dunkeswell Airfield. This stretch was mainly on quiet roads with many uphill sections and perhaps not quite as enjoyable as the first section but all good training for the upcoming Four Trigs, Grizzly and JP’s Exe to Axe.

Run leader Clive Gilbert appreciated the relaxed and friendly run with the lack of official timing and results making it an informal, social event around some truly beautiful countryside. Another positive for Clive was the £4,000 raised for HRC’s chosen charity, Macmillan, a charity that provided extraordinary palliative care and support for both his parents.

Although MG’s Colin Ryan, David Wright, Kyle Baker and Clive were all home and showered by the time the ladies returned to the airfield meeting Charlie Fawell leaving The Aviator café, they weren’t the last to finish! Although tired, Kerry Salter, Beccy Johnson, Kathy Jordan, Alexa Baker and Rachel valued the time on legs experience as they look to next weekend and the Four Trigs!