The Grizzly

Jon Kendon sets out below his encounter with the legendary "Grizzly", all done in the cause of Future for Africa. We all pass Jon our very grateful thanks for his sterling efforts. Photos will be posted soon.

Jon reports:

"In March of this year I completed a running race quite unlike any I have previously entered. Disconcertingly named ‘The Grizzly’, it draws several thousand cross country runners annually to the south Devon coast, where the Axe Valley Runners group organise a route 20 miles in length. Beginning in Seaton, it takes in shingle beach, dramatic cliff-top coastal footpaths, a river crossing and a comedy bog section.

I trained for this event by running laps of Richmond Park in London, thinking the undulating perimeter track would be a good substitute for the hills on the Grizzly. In fact the gradients were huge and persistent and a stern physical test. I can also confirm that running on shingle beach is just as brutal as it sounds. There was a superb camaraderie among the competitors, though, and on reaching the deliberately pre-saturated knee-deep bog hilarious scenes ensued.

The Grizzly was a brilliantly planned and executed event, completely manned and stewarded by volunteers. Musical morale-boosting was provided in the form of bagpipers, Japanese taiko drummers and a live band (“I would walk 500 miles” the song of choice) at various points along the route. The local fire brigade was even on hand at the finish line, hosing down mud-caked ‘Grizzliers’. The weather was generally kind, and my time of 3hrs 35mins was pleasing, although next time I’ll aim for a bit quicker. Just a minute, did I say, “Next time”?!

Many thanks to my generous sponsors who have helped to raise over £500 for FfA’s planned well construction scheme."