ON Sunday, January 15, the Oh My Obelisk organised by the Dawlish Coasters took place, writes James Saunders.

The race was the second round of the Club Championship season. There were two race distances on offer; a nine-miler and a half-marathon. The half-marathon was the race that counted towards the club championship.

Due to the torrential rain of late, the course, in places, was flooded with shin-deep muddy puddles to navigate. The multi terrain route took the runners across slippery fields, up some very steep ascents (1700 feet elevation), through scenic woodland and along quiet country lanes, which were particularly treacherous.

The Mamhead Obelisk, a Grade 2 listed building, was built as a landmark for shipping. The Obelisk was built in 1742 by Thomas Balle, who owned the Mamhead Estate. It was also meant to signify the start of the English Channel. The limestone structure, sited in woodland above Mamhead House, allows breath-taking views across the Exe estuary and to the sea beyond.

The weather conditions as the runners set off were on the chilly side but bright and sunny. As the race unfolded the runners endured rain, hail, wind and sun.

Four Trotters took part in the nine-mile race. Steph Ross led the Trotters home, clocking a time of 01:49:08 to finish in 61st place.

The other Trotters’ positions and times were: Alison Clayton - 63rd, 01:50:47; Sharon Sharples - 67th, 01:51:47; Darren Petch, 85th, 02:21:10.. There were 86 finishers.

Twenty-seven Teignbridge Trotters took part in the Half Marathon race. The club’s mud-lovers revelled in the conditions and produced some great times.

Roger Easterbrook thrives on this type of race and he did not disappoint with a fine display of trail running. Roger finished in 11th place overall, clocking a time of 01:38:03. Roger’s performance was remarkable as he ran with a plaster cast on his arm having broken his elbow during the week. Roger finished third in the MV45 age category.

Susanna Goffe produced a magnificent performance to finish first Trotter female and third female, posting a great time of 01:43:38, five seconds quicker than last year. Susanna finished in 20th place overall and first female senior.

There were also great runs from Mandy Wheeler, Corinne Bright and Paul Sharples, who won their respective age categories.

There were also a couple of tumbles amongst the Trotters with Kathryn and Kay hitting the deck but they survived to live another day, as they both completed the tough challenge.

The other Trotter positions and times were: James Long - 23rd, 01:44:37; James Saunders - 37th, 01:50:34 – MV60 3rd; Duncan Knight - 44th, 01:54:01; Mandy Wheeler - 51st, 01:56:17; Jacki Woon - 63rd, 02:03:15 – 2nd FV55; Neil Rutley - 73rd, 02:08:35; Natalie Cusack - 74th, 02:08:42 – 2nd FV35; Derek Skinner - 75th, 02:08:50; Gavin Parrott - 80th, 02:11:18; Joanna Randall - 82nd, 02:11:29 – 3rd FV35; Robert Faulkner - 88th, 02:14:16; Tim Sykes - 94th, 02:17:00; Isabelle Cummins - 96th, 02:17:27; Kathryn Steemson - 98th, 02:17:56 – 2nd FV50; Gary Brooking - 105th, 02:23:32; Paul Sharples - 113th, 02:25:27; Corinne Bright - 115th, 02:26:10; Deb Hart - 117th, 02:27:08 – 3rd FV60; Eamon Crowe - 134th, 02:37:53; Dominique Harcourt - 137th, 02:38:46 – 3rd FV45; Keith Anderson - 139th, 02:38:57; Tamsin Cook - 146, 02:45:27; Karen O’Brien - 153rd, 03:01:55; Lucy Evans - 154th, 03:04:22; Kay Shillabeer - 153rd, 03:05:13.

There were 159 very weary and muddy finishers.

A new event was staged on Saturday by Endurance Life. There were four distances on offer, from a 10k to an Ultra. Ruth Johnson plumped for the marathon, but wished she had not.

Race headquarters was based at Polzeath. The races started on the village’s golden sand beach and headed North-Eastwards across miles of unspoilt coastline.

The routes packed a punch with some significant elevation gain. The competitors experienced the stunning Pentire Penninsula, picturesque valleys, and peaceful fishing villages, such as Port Isaac and Trebarwith, before heading back to Polzeath.

The trails were particularly muddy across the fields and the woodland. The coast path under foot conditions were very slippery and gnarly. The runners experienced rain at the start, which did clear away, but the wind touched gale force with very strong gusts. It was a war of attrition as runners were blown sideways.

Half the field failed to complete the marathon, but Ruth did complete the true test of stamina and endurance. Ruth’s time was 07:42:57.