The 19th edition of the Otter Rail & River 10km and Fun Run was another great success. The event, which took place on Saturday, 11 July, raised more than £4,500 for the Tipton Playing Fields and other local causes.
The success of the event is a reflection of the village community who provide the majority of the marshals and volunteers. Many of the participants return year after year. And we know from the many thank you messages we received after the race it’s because of the support, friendliness and encouragement of the volunteers: “What amazing Marshalls you have, despite many standing in the baking heat they remained cheerful, encouraging and really worked hard to direct us all and keep the water stations, sponges and hoses going which was fantastic.”
The heat this year added an extra challenge to the participants, volunteers and organisers. But it didn’t discourage 250 runners lining up on the start line to run in temperatures of 27°C at the start, rising to 29°C by the finish! Despite the heat, Tom Merson came within 20 seconds of breaking the men’s course record and thankfully our medical team (expanded due to the conditions) were left twiddling their thumbs.
Tom Merson of Exmouth Harriers won the men’s race in 34:56, making him the second person in 19 years to break 35 minutes. Hannah Bown, also of Exmouth Harriers, won the women’s race in 50:28. The first local runners to cross the finish line were Andy Wiltshire and [???]. For the second year running, Dennis Burrell travelled up from near Camborne, Cornwall to cross the line as the oldest finisher – age 82! It’s not all about the 10km, though. Before the main event, more than 70 youngsters from 2 years upwards lined up for the fun run. They run about a mile, some of them at amazing speeds, for a medal and [the much sought after] jelly snake. This year, due to the heat they received an extra reward of an ice pop – a bonus that was very well received.
Our thanks go to Michelmores, Otter Brewery (beer for finishers), The Golden Lion Pub (vouchers for spot prizes), Four Elms Fruit Farm (apple juice to category winners), Pinnacle Icing (prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd male and female), Ian Winchester & Sons (fruit for finishers) and Phyzz (vouchers for spot and local runner prizes). And a special thankyou to Jo Earlam and Cathrine Hilton, our committee members, who make it all look easy by working so hard.
Race director Adrian Harris
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