Torbay athletes survive the Grizzly, just!

Torbay AAC runners Charlotte Allen, Kevin Lofts and Mark Luscombe survived the famous Grizzly in Seaton, a treacherously fun race organised by Axe Valley Runners that includes sections of beach, river, mud, grass, road and track.

It was a first time for Charlotte to run the iconic race and they were blessed with gorgeous weather. Support on course was unreal with the bogs, rope pull, stairway to heaven and grizzly arms being particular highlights! Charlotte reported that the beach running was very much type two fun! 

With less than ideal training and fitness (aka winging it), they were pleased to beat the cut-offs and complete the challenge in 5:59 (watch time). Kevin Lofts completed the course in a superb time of 3:23:00

Torbay AAC were well represented at Bideford Half Marathon on Sunday, March 9. This was the 30th anniversary of the annual event along the streets of North Devon.

The Bideford half is always a popular and well attended event for the running clubs of the South-West and further afield. On the day, there were 975 finishers. Torbay AAC rose to the challenge with Mark Atkinson and Rachel Collins recording huge personal best times. 

On the day, the conditions were perfect for distance running - dry, warm and light winds. The course takes the runners out on the road between Bideford and Great Torrington following the River Torridge before returning back on the Tarka Trail, over the historic Bideford long bridge and finishing along the Quay at the Kingsley Statue.

Results on the day (chip times) 100 Alex Snell 1:25:54      249 Mark Atkinson 1:37:30 271 Zach Perry 1:38:39 297 Pete Henderson 1:40:05         341 Nick Robinson 1:43:03 426 Iaen Sell 1:50:03 603 Debbie Webber 2:00:04 742 Rachel Collins 2:10:23 879 Charlotte Philippou 2:27:42