THE GRIZZLY - SUNDAY 13 MARCH 2011

Team Grizzly ready to go

Firstly, thank you to all who have followed Team Grizzly over the last few months. Your support and encouragement has meant a lot. 

So, we did it. The Grizzly, "Valley of The Bogs" 2011.  Described by the Axe Valley Runners as "Twentyish muddy, hilly, boggy, beachy miles of the multiest-terrain running experience you will find this side of the end of time":  This is no exaggeration!

The Grizzly Mud

The course was the hardest yet for the Grizzly event. The route took us along shingle beach, cliff paths, woodland, thigh deep bogs, farmland, river crossings, private gardens and through the front of a pub!  Encouraged by musicians and entertainers playing and performing all along the route.  





 



So what highlights then?  

• Dotty's disappearance into a bog only to emerge with mud appearing in places mud just shouldn't reach
• Hannah's slippery exit from the bog at mile 15

Becky striding forth

• Julian stopping at a water station then joining a folk band for a quick tune
• Becky's champion off-road performance
• Finish and hose down by the fire brigade!

Dotty nearing the end

All in all a completely bonkers run...











Sadly, two of the original eleven runners were unable to join us.  But, nine of the Grizzly Bears completed the race, with respectable finishing times.
Ben Wilcox             5:00:14
Derek Hicks           4:55:24
Dotty Allan             4:18:57
Hannah Colston      4:20:49
Jim Davis               4:36:58
John Bills                4:25:42

Julian Setterington   4:24:40
Martyn Williams     4:49:20
Rebecca Mingo      3:54:31

Who now wear their Gizzly "Survivor" T-Shirts with pride!

Julian makes it home

Special congratulations go to Becky Mingo, who was the second athlete home for Tavistock Athletics, with Hannah Colston taking third place for the Tavy Runners.  Dotty Allan was first home for the Bere Alston Trekkers with Julian and Derek following along.

Shower for a bear?