Another classic Jurassic Coast 10k

This year’s Jurassic Coast 10k race has raised nearly £3,000 for FORCE and our thanks go to organiser Jane Newman and her team for staging another superb event.

The race is a stunning run along part of the Jurassic Coast footpath, riverside trails and rural tracks. This year’s event was held in fantastic weather and 251 runners took part, starting on the seafront at Budleigh Salterton.

First across the line in 38 minutes and 4 seconds was Howard Bailey with second placed David Parrott (38:51) and Steve Keyzor (38:57) also finishing inside 39 minutes.

Veteran Claire Grima was the fastest woman with a time of 40 minutes and 18 seconds, putting her seventh overall. Vicki Thompson (42:41) was second and Karen Cook (45:01) third.

Mike Clark (39:59) was quickest male veteran and Sam Taylor (44:04) and Emily Watson (46:14) were the highest placed under 21s.

For the first year there was also a children’s run which raised £211.26 for the Hands on for Leo charity

There was a 20-metre dash for 3 year olds and under, won by Josie Trump, and a 100-metre race for 4 year olds and over, won by William Newman.

The first Jurassic Coast 10k was held in 2005 but Jane, a well known local runner and professional physiotherapist, had the idea of establishing a charity run in the beautiful settings of River Otter a long time before.

The seed may well have been sown on the first walk down the river with her grandfather before her legs could run on their own.

Since that first ‘potter down the Otter’ she has walked, run and jogged in the area more times than she can remember.

JC10k has grown year on year in popularity and Jane, who runs Peak Physio at David Lloyd Leisure in Exeter, and her team of volunteers are very proud of its success. The special nature of the event means that runners of all ages and all standards enter.

The course offers something for everyone, but perhaps not a best shot at a personal best. Not only are there tough climbs and descents but there are beautiful stretches along river and coastal paths where runners can take in the fantastic views and landscape of the Jurassic Coast.

Jane said afterwards: “Another fantastic Jurassic Coast 10k event. We had fabulous weather yet again and a field of happy runners and fantastic marshals plus great feedback as always.”

Among the post race comments were:

“Thanks to you and your team for another fantastic Jurassic 10K this morning. Brilliantly organised as always and my son was really pleased with his position, which was a fantastic result for his first ever 10K. Long may this run be held amidst the beautiful scenery of Budleigh.”

‘’ What a great event yesterday, weather perfect, organisation and marshalling excellent. Us lot swimming in the sea in full race kit including race number afterwards did cause some puzzled looks from holidaymakers though! I quote one  ‘Who are those people, some of them seem quite old.’ Yep spot on! Super huge hog roast in blazing sun before departing, just a perfect day & one to remember when we are in the middle of winter & waiting for the days to lengthen again. Thanks to you all who organised it and for getting results posted so quickly. Don’t change anything, see you next year.”