A GROUP of 227 runners brought the Minster Milers’ Mash back to Ilminster on Sunday morning for the first time since 2019.
The organisers said the strong winds of Storm Kathleen and boggy paths from the past months of rain made the 2024 event particularly challenging.
The event, held for the first time since 2019, returns as a partnership between the Minster Milers running club and the Ferne Animal Sanctuary, is already known to have raised thousands of pounds to support the local charity, the running club, and local good causes.
Starting at the Archie Gooch Pavilion, the field immediately tackled the steep Incline up from Britten’s Field, slipping and sliding on the muddy surface.
A switch to road surface was a relief, before the steady climb up Moolham Lane to Kingstone, immediately followed by the fast drop back down Long Orchard Hill.
Ilminster Platoon of the Somerset Army Cadets provided drinks and sweets to sustain the runners through the 5km mark, as the course entered the beautiful Dillington Estate.
Picturesque views of Dillington House greeted the runners as they reached the 7.5km mark, providing a photogenic backdrop for those all-important race photos.
The surprisingly deceptive crescent path climb brought the runners back to Ilminster as the course descended to the Market Square, before the final straight back to the Archie Gooch.
Visiting runner Richard Smith from Reading commended the many volunteer marshals around the course who ensured the safety of the event.
The winner of the male category was William Pannell, from City of Salisbury Running Club, who finished the course in an amazing 38minutes and 41seconds, followed 17 seconds later by Toby Norman from Yeovil Town Road Running Club then third place Will Rendell.
The female winners were Alison Clarke with a time of 45 minutes and 27 seconds, with local runner Alice Bindon shortly after in second place.
Ilminster’s Mel Holmes completed the top three.
Over 50 winners were Andrew Maynard and Rachel Glaisher from Wells City Harriers.
Over 60 winners were Peter Knight and Rachael Vincent from Weston Athletics Club.
The Minster Milers would also like to thank the sponsors - Gooch and Housego, RA Wicks, The Five Dials, Bamford Services, Building Craftsmen (Yeovil), Chedington Compost, Tesco Ilminster, Perry's Somerset Cider, Flanci, Pet Remedy kdc/one and Eagle Plant.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here