Report from Barbara:

Why would you want to spend Saturday night in the pub or in front of the TV... when you can take part in an adventurous and challenging Night Run (7.3 miles – 400m climbing):

Seven North Devon Road Runners made their way to Beer in the late afternoon. The temperature dropped just before the start (7p.m.) but hill no. 1 soon warmed us up. Ran over fields, steep down stony paths, through Branscombe village (the pub was very tempting!), along woods, down steep steps - and suddenly the sound of the sea:  A long and tough 1km over shingle beach followed before the steep climb up to the cliff top. A sheer drop at the top, so just as well that it was dark and you couldn’t really see it... Back over the field, a few cheering crowds and suddenly the finish magically appeared. Couldn’t believe I made it without getting lost and it was great to see the other North Devon Road Runners again (all in one piece...)!

Then rounding the evening off with a lovely hot meal and a couple of drinks in the cosy village pub in great company.

Well, anyone tempted for next year?

For Bridget and myself this was the first time and I was really terrified before the start. But fear turned soon into big enjoyment, a sense of adventure and at some points it seemed like I was the only one out there: sheer silence interrupted by the cry of an owl and banging of a gate from the runner in front of you (who you couldn’t see). This is the sort of run you will never forget and it reminds you why you love running (and hills) so much!

Thanks a lot  to Jan who encouraged me to do it and organised all the transport – and to Bridget for the lift including a slightly longer scenic drive back!