Ok, so on Sunday was the (in)famous Grizzly run that takes place in East Devon, England. What’s that you ask? Well, a multi-terrain race across the glorious coastline and countryside… a major event in the sporting and social calendar in this part of the world. Weather was good, and the stage was set…
It’s an event I’ve been thinking of doing myself, but I do have to be in the country to partake plus get my fitness levels up a little. You also have to be quick to apply when registration opens (like getting a ticket for Glastonbury!), although plenty of people drop out for various reasons so you could easily participate if you don’t get in straight away.
The main run is around 20 miles, which is far enough in itself, but with the off-road nature of it all and various elements make it as tough as a marathon, many say moreso. There’s also a ‘Cub’ race which is 9 miles so a shorter option which could work well for many that don’t fancy the full plunge.
For us though, we were just out for a walk which coincided with this event and went to a village pub to cheer the runners on… and partake in a couple of afternoon frothy beverages.
We got a bus to Seaton from where we live, caught a bit of the vibe on the seafront there as that’s where they start. Then onwards to the aptly named village of Beer. It was there that the first runners caught and passed us. We stopped for a coffee at the Anchor pub and then carried on our merry way.
Going along the path with the runners at some points, and veering off on our own route too. After a while we reached the village of Branscombe and arrived at one of their 2 pubs - the Fountain Head. A great country pub, and just so happens that the runners make their way down the hill one side, through the outside area of the pub and up out the other side. So of course, everyone was there having a jolly ol’ time, cheering on the runners as they passed through the garden whilst a band played with such delights as I would walk 500 miles!
As with any race, some people are more serious than others. Some more elite and wanting a good time, others just for fun. Most just ran straight through the beer garden (some in a celebratory manner, others with their head down just trying to keep going), but as time went on more people actually stopped for a beer before heading on again!
Above is one such chap - straight into the pub, perched at our table, quaffed his pint of Golden Fiddle in 5 minutes, and dashed off again suitably ‘refreshed’. I’m a bit dubious if it’s a wise idea taking on those sorts of fluids half way through a race. I wouldn’t want that swishing around in my belly, you have enough to deal with out there on that trail. To each his own.
And here we get into the more beery aspect of the post. My first pint was also a Golden Fiddle - a fairly middle of the range golden ale. ABV of 4% and made locally at Branscombe Brewery, a refreshing session ale bursting with fruity flavours and a dry finish. Very nice but I couldn’t resist a San Miguel lager to follow as I fancied that lagery tang and the first pint was more of a refresher following our walk.
After a spot of lunch and a couple of drinks it was time to move on. It was quite busy when we arrived, everyone getting back into the swing of things, but was starting to thin out and we decided to try and time it for a bus. We had a 45 minute walk to top up our earlier effort, then got a bus for part of the way… stopping at another pub on the way home for a pint. This time the Blue Ball was the watering hole, and Orchard Thieves cider was the tipple (for me anyway).
That was enough action for one day, so back home for a curry and a glass of wine to finish off. Suitably oiled and exercised and a great day had by all… well most, not so sure about some of those runners who were caked in mud having presumably fell afoul of a bog!
What did you get up to at the weekend, and was there any beer involved?
('Beer Saturday' is a weekly competition run by 
Cheers,
~ Adam
