Olympian, Jo Pavey MBE starts, The 4 Trigs Challenge.
This year we were honoured to have Olympian, Jo Pavey MBE starting the 4 Trigs Challenge. Jo counted down, to start the race, and set 104 runners off on the course. This is the second time that Jo has started the event. She is always keen to learn more about the CRY charity and give her support.
The weather was ideal, with mild temperatures, no rain and little wind. 104 competitors set off from Sidmouth’s esplanade at 9.30am on Sunday 4th February. In repetition of the last two years, Samuel Kelly, of Exmouth Harriers, was the first male home in 2:10:46. Ellie Keast, from Sidmouth, was the first woman home, in 2:55:18.
This ‘low-key’ off-road running event covers 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 (Higher Peak was first this year), taking in the 5 Check points to help taper the route.
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 CRY. 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, on the finish line, and to the team at the clubhouse providing refreshments.
A special mention must also go to our 11-year-old granddaughter Chloe Frisby, who was there from 7.30am. She helped at registration, then 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 for the second year running.
We are delighted with how the event went. £2,203.50 was raised from entry fees and donations at the event. The 4 Trigs Challenge has now raised a total of £16,806 for the Cardiac Risk in The Young. Thank you to everyone for your generosity.