BACK for a fourth year, the Sid Valley Ring Half Marathon follows the newly created Sid Valley Ring walking route. 

The route takes you through quiet country lanes and footpaths and climbs to a height of 236 metres before dropping down into the pretty village of Sidbury. Another section of back lanes leads to Harcombe before a steep climb towards the South West Coast Path. A short excursion inland takes you through the picturesque village of Salcombe Regis before stunning views on the final section to Sidmouth.

First home of the Teignbridge Trotters was Tim Synge in 2:17:37, good for a 22nd-place finish. Ruth Johnson clocked 3:04:11 for 66th, Samantha Galvin 3:09:16 for 71st and Sara Keatley 3:26:00 for 82nd. There were 96 finishers. Tim came second in the Vets 60-64 and Ruth third in the Vets 55-59 group.

Sam said, ‘The sun came out, though there was sufficient mud remaining on the course to remind you that it was a trail run. The views from the coast path make the effort worthwhile and there is a downhill section as you re-enter Sidmouth.

‘The race was wonderfully organised by Climb South West; the course was well marked, the marshals were fantastic and it was all rounded up nicely with a slice of homemade cake at the end. All in all a great day out.’

Tim said, ‘I decided to run it quite hard, unlike some of my recent trail events, and was delighted to finish 22nd out of 96.’