Anne Marie Morris was delighted to start off the Sibelco Dartmoor Vale Marathon 2013.
On Sunday 20th October, Sibelco’s East Golds Works played host to the races organised by Dartmoor Vale Rotary Club. There was a Marathon and Half Marathon, as well as a 10 Kilometre race . All 3 races were run in the shadow of Dartmoor the marathon and half marathon running from Kingskerswell out to Chudleigh, and back through the lanes through Gappah and Fosterville.
This is an established race which includes the Devon County Marathon Championships and attracts runners from all over England and Wales; this year there was even a competitor from Naples in Italy!
The race also benefits charities, last year £27,000 was given to 30 different charities as a consequence of the event; and this year will be no exception. A group from Rick Stein’s Sea Food restaurant ran dressed as chefs to raise money for their charity -Water Aid. One of the major sponsors, Francis Clark Accountants, had 20 runners raising funds for Rowcroft Hospice.
Other local companies support the event, Seat provided the lead car, and Devon Freewheelers (a local charity who carry out emergency deliveries “out of hours” for the NHS) provided a lead motor-cycle for the 10K. The local super market Tesco’s helped with water for the runners. A member of the Devon Cave Rescue Organisation provided the PA for the event.
To sign up for next year's marathon or to find out more, visit www.dmvmarathon.org.uk