On Saturday 8th February I took part in the Endurancelife Coastal Trail
Series (CTS) South Devon half marathon rated 4 - severe and ran the half
marathon which had 1,996ft of climbing in 04:07:30. As with all CTS events
the run was a mixture of coastal trail paths and footpaths. Despite the
horrendous weather seen by the Cornwall and Devon coast the event went
ahead although the route had to be changed as some of the paths were
impassable and even the start had to be changed as the green in Beesands
where the start is normally placed had been taken by the sea. Following
the mandatory briefing (no kit check this time) the route led us straight
to the coastal path which was followed up and down the hills towards Start
Point in pleasant sunny weather. The route then followed the path towards
Lannscombe Bay where the windy drove into our faces and covered us in foam
from the sea. The flooded, muddy path was followed along though to a
rocky area until we climed again before dropping down and up again to
East Prawle. From East Prawle we followed farm tracks and some roads
(mainly up hill) back towards Beesands with some hairy descents down very
muddy paths. As with all Endurancelife events it was hard with numerous
climbs but the scenary made it all worth while. If you like trails and a
challenge .... give a CTS event a go - http://www.endurancelife.com/event-new.asp?series=82
Ian Sturdgess
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