If you happened to be out walking on Sunday 19th May you may have noticed lots of runners about in the sunshine: if so, you probbaly stumbled across a section of the Wessex Ridgeway Relay Race, organised by the Dorset Doddlers running club.
Starting in Tollard Royal, 14 teams took part in the 100km race, with the teams aiming to be first to cross the line in Uplyme. The route closely follows the ancient Wessex Ridgeway trail, and the teams knew they would be running through some of the county’s most stunning scenery (with a hill or two along the way).
Over the past few years, South Molton Stallions have made the race their own – they have won the title every year since 2017. This year proved no different, with the team of four crossing the line in 8h 35m. In a very close second, just 11 minutes behind them were the Wimborne AC Wacers with a time of 8h 46m, hotly pursued by third place in the men’s teams, Egdon Heath Harriors in 8h 50m.
There were three lady’s teams competing, and the ladies title went to Disoriented Divas, crossing the line in 11h 34m. Second place went to the Blue Tits (13h 23m), and third were Gillingham Trotters Dolls.
The three Dorset Doddlers team also compete for the club’s own Chris Cussen Challenge Shield, in memory of the long-time Ridgeway Race director and Dorset Doddler. The first Doddlers team to cross the line, adding their name to the shield, were the Growlers.
The Doddlers would like to thank Hall & Woodhouse and Tesco for their generous and continued sponsorship of the race.
Full results and further information on the Wessex Ridgeway Relay Race wessexridgeway.co.uk
Sponsored by Wessex Internet
