This year, the weather for the 4 Trigs Challenge totally transformed the run, as the sun was out and the horrendous conditions of last year became a distant memory. 129 competitors set off from Sidmouth’s esplanade at 9.30am on Sunday 5th February. Ideal weather and perfect conditions underfoot, were possibly contributing factors as to why two longstanding records were broken. In repetition of last year, Samuel Kelly, of Exmouth Harriers, and Jo Meek, of Tavistock Athletics Club were the first man and first woman home. They both managed to break the existing records. Samuel Kelly came home in 2:09:15 beating G Perratt’s record of 2:09:40 back in 2004. Jo Meek came home in 2:36:31 beating L Kendon’s record of 2:37:00 in 2010.
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. 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 (Weston Cliff was first this year), taking in the 5 Check points to help taper the route.
Local club, Sidmouth Running Club, “The Mighty Greens” had been preparing for the challenge by upping their mileage on the Club Sunday runs. This year the training was in worse conditions underfoot than the actual event; no slip sliding down the mud to Weston mouth and running through rivers of water for example! 36 Mighty Greens entered the Challenge. Richard Summerhayes was Sidmouth Running Club’s first man home 2:48:05 in 18th place and Jessica Watkins was SRC’s first woman home in 3:34:33-fantastic running by both.
New to the event this year was a team from Sidmouth Primary School, put together by Jess Trim and Adrian Horne. They wanted to raise extra funds for the school and the CRY charity, by asking for sponsors amongst staff, parents, friends and family.
Local businesses added their support to the event. Kate Truman of Phyzz Soft Tissue Therapy kindly provided a post-race massage, for any runners in need, in return for donations to the charity. A big thank you, must go to the sponsors of the event, Nigel Winchester, of Ian Winchesters and Sons, and Richard King of Kings Garden and Leisure. Also, to the Marshals out on the course and on the finish line, and to the team at the clubhouse providing refreshments.
A special mention must also go to our 10-year-old granddaughter Chloe Frisby, who was there from 7.30am. She helped with registration by giving out the numbers. She then helped in the kitchen preparing food, waited on tables and cleared up. When we got home after a very long day, she counted the money in the CRY collection boxes. It was so lovely to have her involved in the CRY family and my fundraising event.
We are delighted with how the event went. Over £2,500.00 was raised from entry fees and donations at the event. Several online donations have also been made post-race, and have boosted funds further, bringing the total so far to £2,750. The amount “The 4 Trigs Challenge” has raised for Cardiac Risk in the Young, has broken another record this year. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.