Tom and Ellie kanter to Kilmington victories!

Tom and Ellie waiting for the start of the Kilmington Kanter 7 mile race

On Good Friday 6th April, just 5 days after Tom Merson stormed to victory in the tough 20 mile Exe to Axe race and after I, Ellie, took victory in the Taunton marathon, both of us were on the start line of the rather more sedate Kilmington Kanter race in the village of Kilmington, near Axminster.

Clear skies but crisp cool temperatures provided the ideal conditions for this 7 mile multi-terrain race that takes runners on a lap of the cricket pitch before heading out down through the village and then up into some woods. There are 2 long climbs in the race at miles 2 and 5, both of which are a mile long. The other sections are flat or downhill but there are numerous stiles, narrow rickety bridges and freshly ploughed fields to cross that all zap energy and slow the pace.

This was a new race organised by the Axe Valley Runers to raise money for Kilmington Primary School. It was very much one of those low-key, friendly events where freshly cooked bacon butties and 50p cups of tea kept spectators happy whilst we were all out on the course.

Those spectators did not have to wait very long for Tom Merson, the first finisher, to return however. He covered the 7 miles in a lightning time of 39.07. Bearing in mind the 2 substantial hills on the course and that most of the route is off-road, that is a super time, highlighted by the fact that he finished a clear 6 minutes ahead of the next runner!

I was racing on still tired legs after Taunton so wasn't going all out for this one but just looking to enjoy it. Nevertheless, I found myself in the lead from the start and maintained this position through to the finish, crossing the line in 47.13, 3 minutes ahead of the next female, and in 10th place over all.

Toasted hot-cross buns and a steaming cup of tea were the "momentoes" of this race, and very welcome they were! The prizes, awarded to the first male and female only, were 2 massive hampers provided by a local farm shop. They contained an array of fresh fruits, cheese biscuits, cookies, carrot cake, chocolate Easter bunnies and alcoholic giner beer! As a bonus prize, the company SIS contributed a huge bag full of different energy products: that's our nuitritional and energy requirements sorted for the rest of the year then!!

Only 86 finishers in the main race and about 20 in the fun run, but this was its inaugural year. A great event, well organised, nice route and good atmosphere: both Tom and I would highly recommend that other Harriers give it a go next year!
With our fantastic prizes!