The Grizzly run 2013. Picture by Alex Walton. Ref mhs 6442-11-13AW. To order your copy of this photograph, go to www.midweekherald.co.uk and click on myphotos24

Five Exmouth Running Belles took on the challenge of the Grizzly.

This year’s race title of ‘Grime and Punishment’ for the gruelling 20-mile course, certainly lived up to its hype!

The route warms runners up on the shingle beach at Seaton and also involves a long run back from Branscombe and up the stairway to Heaven back into Seaton.

The Belles took on the cold, slippery terrain with gusto and enthusiasm. Four of them were running on tired legs following their appearance at the Bath Half Marathon the week before where each achieved new personal bests.

The Grizzly was described as the ‘worst one yet’ by seasoned runners the Belles met on their run. The hills were slippery and often involved running on a camber, causing two Belles to slip and slide over into their bottoms. Another Belle took a plunge in the famous ‘bog’ whilst another took an elegant chest high dip in the freezing rivers! Despite all this one Belle said: “It was great fun and did not put us off. The race was very well organised and had a fantastic atmosphere.”

Clare Medlock, Cally Rowland, Lorraine Kirby, Susan Hill and Jane MacDonald all completed the course in less than five hours, although time was not on the agenda for this race. The aim was to get round in one piece.

The Belles is proving to a club where some members achieve great times for their runs. For further details contact Clare Medlock on 07794133962