Tipton St John Playing Field will be playing host to runners from around the south-west in July and, possibly, around the world next April.
Two events are in detailed planning stages, the first is the annual Otter Rail and River Run 10km, which will take place on Saturday 11th July 2026, 10.30am start for the Carol Weaver Fun Run and 11am for the 10km. This is an important annual fundraiser for the playing field, requiring more than 50 marshals and helpers on the day to see the runners safely around the course, take entries, serve refreshments, manage car parking, etc. All marshals from previous years should receive a direct email in April, so please check your inboxes or contact me direct at jo.earlam@hotmail.co.uk
The Otter Run began back in 2007 to mark the then 40th anniversary of the playing field. Ten years later, for the 50th anniversary, Women Can, a women-only marathon, was held from the field, celebrating the achievement of the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, Kathrine Switzer, at a time when, in the Olympics, the longest women’s race was the 800 metres. Many local people pitched in and made this event a huge success, much enjoyed and remembered fondly by the 400 women who entered from across the globe. Next year’s event will be on Sunday 18th April 2027, the day before Boston when big celebrations will mark the 60th anniversary of Kathrine Switzer’s groundbreaking 26.2 miles. A new organising team is in place, and new course – with the start and finish being from Exmouth, passing through Tipton as the halfway point, and the half marathon will start from the playing field. A long way off and lots to plan and do. Please get in touch if you’d like to know anymore or would like to help. The website is live at www.womencanmarathon.co.uk
Jo Earlam
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