Woodbury Common in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is tough enough to test the Royal Marines Commandos, who often train there from their base at Lympstone. In fact, the venue's link with the military can be traced to the Battle of Woodbury Common of 1549 when Devon and Cornwall rebels were defeated by the King's Army of 5,000 soldiers!

The natural challenges of rolling hills, gravel and pebble trails, muddy woodland and stream crossings were somewhat enhanced by the after-effects of Storm Ciaran for this year's battle of Woodbury Common in the form of Devon Trail Races by Sportiva Events held on Saturday 4 November 2023.

A total of 350 took part in the 5K, 10K, or half marathon races, with canicross classes included in the two longer events. Highlights included a win by an ultramarathon legend in the half marathon and a female victory in the 10K race, where the women outnumbered the men. 

The start and registration are in the stunning grounds in front of Bicton College and each course includes some steep hills. The 5K has 46m of ascent; the 10K climbs 116m and the two laps of the half marathon add up to 249m of uphill work.

Adam Tango Holland (Tavistock AC) has won more marathons/ultramarathons than anyone in the UK and is possibly best known for being the Guinness World Record holder for running 10 marathons in 10 days (27:38:36) averaging 2:45 per marathon. With that sort of stamina, it was no surprise that Holland took to the tough conditions like a duck to water, winning the Devon Trail Half Marathon in 1:24:54. The runners-up were Ryan Baker (Kenilworth Runners, 1:27:06) and first M40 David Robinson (City of Plymouth AC, 1:29:19).

The women's podium was filled by Emma Bailey (Bad Tri, 1:46:12), W40 Sam Mills (Cleobury Mortimer RC, 1:47:55) and Miriam McDowell (unattached, 1:49:08). The team winners were Running Forever RC Taunton.

The 10K winner was W40 Amy Jones (South West Road Runners, 45:22) from the first male M40 Robert Gisbourne (Stratford upon Avon AC, 45:30) as Exeter Triathlon Club used their swimming prowess to claim the team prize.

The 5K was won by 13-year-old William Turner (27:06) and the female champion was Emma Corke (28:26). The team winners were A Lure Unto Themselves.

Full results of this runABC South featured event are available via runABC race listing here. 

Photo courtesy Ben Tisdall of Sportiva Events