More than 400 runners turn out for Exmoor's Black Death Run (From This is The West Country)

More than 400 runners turn out for Exmoor's Black Death Run

8:40am Sunday 27th May 2012 in Sport

MORE than 400 runners turned up for the annual Black Death Run on Exmoor.

The annual event, which takes place on the second weekend of May every year at Combe Sydenham Country Park on the edge of Exmoor National Park, is billed as the toughest ten-mile cross country race in the country.

With the sun shinning, runners took off on time to tackle the hilly route which boasts climbs in excess of 1000ft.

Dodging the wild deer, runners criss cross the forest area, eventually arriving at the top of newly planted Birds Hill with stunning views across the Somerset Countryside through to South Wales.

While the adults tackled the ten-mile course, the youngsters ran and walked around the more manageable three-mile route with children as young as five taking part with their parents.

For their efforts the youngsters received a golden running shoe inscribed with the event details, while the long course entrants received a black T-Shirt with the Grim Reaper painted on the front. In keeping with the day, all trophy winners received suitably notated skulls instead of trophies.

Organisers reported slower times than in previous year.

Results: Men open: 1 Martin Shoots 1:17:30; 2 Brett Rogers 1:20:14; 3 Jack Blackburn 1:20:47. Ladies open: 1 Niki Morgan 1:24:16; 2 Sarah Kenworthy 1:26:50; 3 Karen Skye 1:27:29.

The event will take place again next year on Sunday, May 12, and full details will appear at theblackdeathrun.com.

And for the next major race in the area, check out The Wellington Ten, at thewellingtonten.co.uk.