Vicky and Janet Enjoy the Scenic Bideford 10 Miler
It was a change of scenery this weekend for Carn Runners’ Vicky and Janet, who made the trip across the border to Devon for the Bideford 10 Miler — a classic, fast, and friendly event hosted by the Bideford AAC. The pair joined a field of around 750 runners, all taking on the winding estuary paths between the Taw and Torridge rivers on what turned out to be a perfect autumn day for running.
A Devon Classic
The Bideford 10 Miler has long been a favourite on the South West running calendar. It offers a great balance of speed and scenery, starting and finishing at the Bideford Amateur Athletic Club clubhouse, with a route that mixes country lanes, riverside paths, and views across the estuaries.
Conditions were near ideal this year — cool air, light breeze, and even a few breaks of sunshine. For those who love road racing with a coastal twist, this is as good as it gets.
Vicky and Janet set off among the colourful crowd, settling into the flow of runners as the course followed the quiet roads out of town before joining the Tarka Trail, a smooth, traffic-free path that winds its way along the water’s edge.
Smooth Miles and Scenic Views
The middle section of the course is where the Bideford 10 Miler really shines. Runners get long, flat stretches alongside the estuary, framed by rolling hills and calm water. It’s the kind of route that makes the miles melt away — helped along by friendly marshals, cheerful locals, and the steady rhythm of feet on tarmac.
Both Vicky and Janet enjoyed the calm pace of the day, soaking up the scenery and keeping steady over the 10-mile distance. For Janet, the race marked another strong performance in what’s been a busy season of events, while Vicky’s consistent pacing and smooth finish showed great form heading into winter training.
Community Spirit and Cake
If there’s one thing the Bideford AAC are known for, it’s their hospitality — and this year was no exception. Runners were treated to hot food and homemade cakes back at the clubhouse after the race, the perfect recovery treat after ten scenic miles.
Janet and Vicky both agreed it was the ideal way to round off the day: a challenging but enjoyable run, friendly faces throughout, and plenty of refuelling options waiting at the end. Sometimes, the best races aren’t the biggest — they’re the ones that combine effort, atmosphere, and a really good slice of cake.
Looking Ahead
As the autumn racing calendar begins to wind down, events like the Bideford 10 Miler are the perfect reminder of why runners love what they do — community, camaraderie, and a shared sense of achievement.
Well done to Vicky and Janet for flying the Carn Runners colours proudly once again, taking on new terrain, and making the most of a great day out on the Devon coast. 💛💙
