Oh My Obelisk! runners tackle tough multi-terrain challenge

Torbay Tri Club runners were treated to a demanding yet spectacular test of endurance this weekend as one of the region’s most popular races returned, superbly organised by the Dawlish Coasters.

Participants were offered a choice of two multi-terrain events — a half marathon or a nine-mile race — both starting and finishing at Dawlish Leisure Centre. The challenging routes incorporated mud, hills, open fields, woodland tracks and quiet country lanes, all set against stunning Devon scenery.

The nine-mile course looped back to Dawlish after the second stretch of Long Lane, weaving through fields and rural lanes, while half-marathon runners continued on to Mamhead Forest. The longer route included the iconic Obelisk before descending back to the Leisure Centre for the finish.

In the half marathon, V35 Naomi Flanagan led the way, producing an impressive performance to finish in 1 hour 40 minutes 36 seconds, securing second lady overall and placing 15th in the field. She was followed by V60 Graham Reynolds, who completed the course in 2:06:47 (96th overall and fourth in his age category). V40 Cassandra Pressling finished in 2:49:48 (180th), while fellow V40 David Hewitt crossed the line in 2:58:50 (211th) in a field of 215 runners.

The nine-mile race saw podium success for V50 Simon Johnson, who claimed third place overall in a swift 1:18:27 and secured first place in his age category. Chantelle Lane also delivered a strong performance, finishing in 2:02:57 in 73rd position out of 80 runners.

Elsewhere, V50 Andrew Longthorpe was in action at the fourth round of the Westward League cross-country series at Westward Ho!. On a flat but demanding 8km course around Northam Burrows, Longthorpe managed to avoid the rain but not the strong winds, finishing in 31:39 to place 39th overall.

The exposed course, featuring fast sections with the wind behind and boggy stretches into the headwind, quickly stretched the field, providing classic cross-country conditions. Longthorpe now hopes to retain his top-three position in his age-group league standings as the season progresses.