Flooding not a problem for city race
FLOODING on the course proved only a minor hiccup for runners who took on the second annual Exeter Half Marathon.
Around 220 runners, out of 300 who signed up, took part in the event at Riverside Valley Park near the quay on Sunday, February 10.
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The run was organised by Peter Ferlie, manager of city running shop Ironbridge Runner, who has just stepped down after organising the Great West Run in the city for 18 years. Mr Ferlie founded the winter half marathon event for more serious road runners taking part in a spring marathon.
The 52-year-old said on discovering two and a half hours before the 9am start that a section of the course was flooded, a diversion was put in place solving the issue.
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"The flooding was caused by the high tide and rain," he said.
"After the initial panic it was easy to adjust the course and we were able to send runners up the cycle path and back which amounted to almost the exact distance."
Around 30 volunteers helped stage the event, including from the Exeter Sea Scouts and a Run England group from Wonford.
The course involved three laps of the park, meaning the event was particularly appealing to supporters of participants.
Organisation takes place throughout the year.
Mr Ferlie said all participants completed the course, and the event ran smoothly with the fastest runner completing the race in 75 minutes and the slowest in just over three hours.
"Everyone enjoyed themselves. The runners seemed to love it, and I'm really pleased with how it went," added Mr Ferlie, who wanted to offer a flat course for runners keen to improve their time, but also one away from the roads.
"It was a great training run for those doing a spring marathon so it definitely ticked that box."
Forthcoming Ironbridge Runner events include the Tour of Exeter event in July, which involves three events over three days, a 10k, a 5m run at Haldon Forest and a 5k track run.
There is also a 10k at Flowerpots Playing Field in August.
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