Coast path prepared for a Grizzly race!

East Devon District Council’s Countryside team is preparing for infamous endurance race, The Grizzly, by checking out areas of the South West Coast Path which the route will cover.

Around 2,000 runners are expected to take part in the 20-mile event which takes place this year on Sunday March 13.

The Grizzly crosses challenging terrain including muddy bogs, steep hills and pebbled beaches and attracts runners from across the world.

EDDC’s Countryside team is checking a number of sites along the path, including the testing steps which take runners away from Branscombe beach and towards Beer Head, commonly known amongst participants as ‘the stairway to heaven’.

Countryside Ranger, David Palmer who is responsible for the management of EDDC’s section of the path said: “The South West Coast Path provides fantastic views along the Jurassic Coast as well as some challenging walking and running routes. The steep steps which are managed and maintained by East Devon District Council offer a real test for the runners, so I wish them all the best of luck!’

The Grizzly race is organised by the popular Axe Valley Running Club and its director Dave Thomas said: “We’re really looking forward to another Grizzly race and it’s great to see familiar faces year after year as well as lots of new interest from runners too.

"The South West Coast Path is an inspirational setting for the race as well as challenging too.’’

The Grizzly race starts at 10.30am on Sunday March 13 and sets off from Seaton seafront. The public is welcome to come along and support those taking part along the route.