Sunday 11th February saw the 18th Four Trigs challenge start with 104 runners setting off across the seafront in sunshine to compete in this gruelling challenge. Weather conditions were variable’ with hail one moment and sun the next. Due to the rain of previous weeks there was of course plenty of mud.
The challenge is a self navigated run to each of the four triangulation points circling the Sid Valley with a start and finish at the Sailing Club. This year the route was clockwise, with runners checking in first at High Peak, then making their way across Mutters Moor then down through Harpford Woods before climbing to the second Trig at Fire Beacon Hill. From here the trail runs inland to White Cross then drops down into Sidbury before climbing the other side of the valley to Trig 3 at Buckton Hill. From here a dip down in Harcombe is followed by a climb up to the Donkey Sanctuary and out to Trig 4 at Weston Cliff. This is the last Trig but the final leg, physically and psychologically the hardest, is still to come. The trail dips down to Weston Mouth then up to Dunscombe Cliff, down to Salcombe mouth, up to Froggie Rock and then finally down in to Sidmouth . This tough route is 16 miles in distance and involves 3,200 feet of climb.
Hosted by Sidmouth Running Club, this friendly and sociable event attracted strong contingents from local clubs including Exmouth Harriers and Axe Vale, other clubs around Devon, as well as runners from Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. The event was organised by Marion and Rob Hayman who were well supported by a team of Marshalls on the course.
The first man home was James Green from Axe Vale Club in 2 hours and 13 minutes followed By Matthew Clist, Dan Nettlefield, Paul Cooke, Tim Lenton and Graham Hill. First lady home was Jessica Raynor from Sidmouth Running Club in a spectacular 3 hours and 2 minutes. The youngest runner, 20 years old, was Samuel Kelly of Exmouth Harriers.
Race organisers Marion and Robert Hayman chose to raise the money for Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) in memory of their son, Jonathan, who died five years ago from a heart attack at the age of 27.
Marion said that they were delighted by the amount raised and would like to thank everyone that supported the day. She went on to say “Without our amazing team of Marshalls and helpers and the support of the community we would not be able to hold this event. The competitors also ran in the spirit of the race. “
A very big thank you to Hayman’s Butchers and Ian Winchester’s and Sons for sponsoring the event. Also a very big thank you to all the Marshalls and the team of ladies providing tea, coffee and cake.
The Sidmouth 4 Trigs Challenge has netted £5,409 for CRY over the past 4 years. Participants in this year’s 4 Trigs Challenge have raised £1,570.25 for CRY.
Marion Hayman
