The Exmouth Harriers have had yet another busy week participating in races across three regions.
Congratulations are in order for the 33 Harriers who participated in four Westcountry races over the weekend, ranging in distance from 2.5 miles to 50km.
Erme Valley Relays.
The weekend's activities kicked off on Friday, June 28 with the Erme Valley Relays.
This popular race attracted 27 Harriers, who joined a total of 94 teams travelling west along the A38 to Ivybridge.
The competitors tackled an undulating 2.5-mile route through the country lanes on the edge of Dartmoor, starting and finishing at the Ivybridge Rugby Club.
Once the results of the Erme Valley Relay were in, it became clear that Exmouth Harriers had made a significant impact on the leaderboard.
Alice Kelly recorded the fastest female time, completing the course in just 14.35.
The Women’s V45 team took first place in their category with the Women’s Senior Team just a hair behind, claiming second place as Women’s Team overall.
Ham & Lyme 50km.
On the following day, Saturday, June 29, Harrier Steve Toomey participated in the Ham & Lyme 50km race.
Steve tackled the Liberty Trail, which runs from Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset to Lyme Regis in Dorset and finished with a respectable time of 5.42.46.
Winding Paths Exe Estuary 50km, Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.
Sunday, June 30 saw four Harriers competing in the Winding Paths Exe Estuary 50km, Marathon & 1/2 Marathon.
This event begins and ends in Budleigh Salterton, the longer races including a stretch along the Exmouth seafront and scenic journeys to Topsham via the Exe Estuary Trail.
Harriers newcomers Liam Keeler and Lisa Cruise ran excellent races in the 1/2 Marathon with Liam finishing in 1st place overall.
Terry McKie opted for the full marathon and Adrian Vanstone took on the longer 50km.
Terry said afterwards: “Although we know the course very well in intervals it was a pleasure to run Budleigh Salterton to Topsham out and back on a glorious summer day.
"It's got to be up there as one of the most beautiful marathon courses surely.”
North Devon 1/2 Marathon
On the same day, Harrier Alice Thomas ran in what is perhaps the UK's toughest and most picturesque race, the North Devon Half Marathon.
With a course that takes runners across the South West Coast Path and the North Devon Coast Natural Landscape, it's known for being an equally tough and scenic race.
Alice completed the race, known for its off-road trails, sand dunes, beach, and steps, in 2.12.53.
At the finishing line, Alice said: "After 15 years I have finally done my second 1/2 Marathon - all off-road trails, sand dunes, beach and steps."
In the weekend's aftermath, the buzz at the Harriers' camp is palpable.
The team spirit exhibited across a range of races in different locations, from running clubs to the rugged coastline, is a testament to the strength of the local running community.
Based on the successes of this weekend, with Harriers flying the flag for Exmouth at every race, it's clear that they have every reason to celebrate.
Their collective achievement marks a highlight in the Harriers’ year and exemplifies the camaraderie and skill within this running club.
The team's exceptional performance should be a source of inspiration for the Harriers as they prepare for future races and challenges.
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