| The 20th Anniversary of The Sidmouth Four Trigs Challenge Raises £2,302.00 for CRY.With winds gusting at 48mph and driving rain, the weather certainly played its part in making the 20th Anniversary of the Four Trigs Challenge a memorable day. 125 runners set off in the wild, blustery conditions. This ‘low-key’ off-road running event covers a distance of approximately 28km with an obscene amount of climb involved. Underfoot is mixed terrain, mainly dirt trails, but with some grass and gravel, not to mention steps, tree roots and some drainage gutters on the route, as well as some steep sections of climb and fast descents. This year we had additional water coming off the fields creating rivers to run down especially coming into Sidbury; but it did clean the runners’ trainers off!
The aim is to visit each of the four Triangulation Pillars around the Sid Valley with runners choosing their own routes, but they must visit each Trig Point in order (High Peak was first this year) taking in the 5 Check points to help taper the route. Congratulations must go to the first man home Samuel Kelly (Number 71) of Exmouth Harriers, who completed the course in 2 hours 15, and to the first lady home, Jo Meek of Tavistock Athletics Club, who went round in 2 hours 40. Local club, Sidmouth Running Club, came out in force, though the Mighty Green shirts were well hidden under waterproofs! Out of a field of 125 finishers, 42 were Mighty Greens, 31 completing all 4 Trigs and 11 ran 3 Trigs. Antony Hall was the first SRC runner over the line, 9th overall in 2:46:03, with fellow Mighty Green, David Knapman hot on his heels, 10th overall in 2:46:41. An astounding result, showing grit, determination and good balancing skills in those conditions. The 4 Trigs has only been cancelled twice: once due to Storm Ciara in 2020 and secondly, due to the pandemic in 2021. This year was third time lucky, in an attempt to celebrate the 20th Anniversary. A special thank you must go to all the marshals braving the elements in such blustery conditions providing so much support to the runners. A special mention and thank you must go to the sponsors of the event, Ian Winchester and Sons and Kings Garden and Leisure, the bananas on route and the special 20th Anniversary celebratory mugs at the end, were most appreciated. The Four Trigs Challenge managed to raise £2,302.00 for CRY, which brings the total over the last 8 years to £11,562. |
