The race HQ was at Minehead Community College where the runners were herded on to buses for the journey out to the start near Lynton.
The course follows the coast back to Minehead which gives you an idea of the views and the terrain to be covered on the way back to the finish.

The start was behind Countisbury church at 10.30 with no wind and the sun shining.
Nearly 200 runners set off and snaked their way along the coast path.

The views were stunning if you could take them in.
Thankfully, early on there was plenty of shade as the route went up and down and along towards County Gate where the first water stop was reached at the top of a gruelling climb.
Each water stops had a feast of jelly babies, bananas and even honey sandwiches to keep you going!

It was onwards along the coast with the Bristol Channel and Wales to your left and Exmoor to the right.
Yes, you’ve guessed it more stunning scenery and downs and lots of ups!

Soon the runners were descending down to Porlock Weir.  Porlock?  Is that place famous for something?  Oh, yes a mother of a hill!!!

The runners looked across at the mountain they had got to go up.  Thank God for those honey sandwiches!!
The climb/crawl lasted for 12 minutes and was it ever going to end!!

Across the edge of the moor again and into some cover as the long descent into Minehead was started.  After a couple of little climbs through some trees the runners reached the seafront where the tortuous heat became unbearable.

A mirage gradually appeared which was the finish and a welcome sight with a magnificent spread of sandwiches and cakes to replenish the energy stores!!

Uncle Robert who runs for Bitton Road Runners, had a great run and finished 3rd overall in 2 hours and 50 minutes.
George finished in 3 hours 30 minutes after going on a slight detour which cost him about 10 minutes.
Uncle Mark came home in 4 hours 25 minutes.

If you’re up for a sedate run along the coast path in tortuous heat next year, then put this one in your diary.

Before then there’s the Exmoor Stagger on 26th October.  Same organisers, same race HQ and similar distance (17 miles).
Several Carnies went up last year and had a great time!  Up for it this year????