If there’s a race out there with a USP, I’m interested. Race the Tide is one of them and I finally made it to the start line to embark on the “long half marathon”.
Race the TIde is based in Devon, hosted by the brilliant Outeredge Events. This is my second outing with them having already embarked on The Dartmoor Volcano . They say forewarned is forearmed so I knew this would be challenging but most of all, a lot of fun.
Generally, I prefer running events with a difference. It’s rare for me to enter a fast, flat course. Aside from the unnecessary mental pressure, I like an interesting and diverse course. It could be the scenery or terrain that appeals, or something a little extra. I first came across Race the Tide quite a few years ago, researching races with a difference for a running brand. Since then, it has been on my race bucket list and I’ve finally ticked that box.
About Race the Tide
Race the Tide takes place on the Flete Estate in Mothecombe, south Devon. I hadn’t heard of it either but it’s a gem of a place. The event offers 3 distances: a long marathon of almost 29 miles, a long half marathon, advertised as 15 miles, and a long 10k which covers 8.5 miles. There is something for everyone. Regardless of the distance opted for, all runners have to cross the River Erme before the tide comes in. There are check point cut off times too, obviously in place for safety reasons.
The start of the race depends on the tide times. For us, it was 2pm which meant I had a leisurely morning strolling around Totnes. The long half runners and 8.5 milers start together. Those taking on the marathon distance start earlier.
A trail of two halves
When I look back at Race the Tide, for me, it really was a race of two halves. The first being relatively smooth, and the second proving a tad more challenging.
After a swift registration and prompt start, we took a gradual downhill trail along the estuary. It was a hot day and I was nervous about how the heat would impact me. I needn’t have worried, the first 7 miles we have some lovely shade and coverage from the woodland, it was all very manageable.
As race day approached, we had quite a bit of rain in the south west. This meant the first half along the woodland trail was wet and muddy. For me, this proved to be quite a lot of fun. I noticed runners ahead of me dodging the mud and sludge. After a while, I wondered what the point was and just went straight through it all. Race the Tide is a trail race afterall.
I felt too that there was quite a chilled and friendly vibe amongst those taking on the adventure. There seemed to be lots of couples and friends embarking on the different distances, stopping for photos as they knocked off the miles.
As I’ve never competed in Race the Tide before, I had no idea what to expect. At about the 10k mark I checked my watch and thought to myself how well I was doing. My actual thought was, “at this rate, I may make under 3 hours.” Silly me, I didn’t know what was coming!
Crossing River Erme
The approach to the River Erme came considerably earlier in than expected. For some reason, I thought it was in the last 3-5 miles of the race. Considering I’d checked the route online about 173 times, I’ve no idea why I made this assumption.
By the time I reached the River Erme, the tide was definitely on it’s way in and was slightly more than ankle deep. The water was brown so didn’t look inviting, but once in, it was clear underfoot. I could hear shrieks and laughter ahead, and big smiles all round for the course photographer who was clearly spending the day crouching in the water.
I have to say, crossing the River Erme is what this race is all about. It was a welcome relief to get my feet and legs in cool water. It’s pretty much impossible to run and just a blast to experience. On the other side of the water, people were on the beach, clapping and cheering. There was an incredible atmosphere.
Heading onto Devon’s south west coast path
Unbeknown to me, after racing the tide, and thankfully making it in time, the hard work was about to start. Stopping at an aid station after the crossing for some coke and sweets, it was time to take on the coast path.
It was during this part of the race that I walked more. As the miles racked up, my legs ached and boy it was hot. Runners completing the shorter distance headed one way, back to race HQ and the finish line. I momentarily envied them.
We started with a snaking climb amongst wild garlic and other overgrown coastal and seasonal foilage. Again, I was thankful for the shade and happy to pick up the pace once more. It proved to be more of a stop-start 8 miles to the finish but credit where it’s due, the views are incredible here.
Looking ahead as I ran or walked, I was amazed the marathon runner ahead of me was still giving it some pace. I greeted long stretches of flat coast path with as a “thank goodness”, as it offered a reprieve from the climb just before, or the next one to come. There was one climb which was absolutely ridiculous! It turned away from the coast and felt practically vertical. It’s a good job I have no aspiration to climb Everest! I wondered why there weren’t steps here. It was that bad, it actually made me laugh.
From here, my memory is a bit sketchy but you can see from the pics that the scenery was outstanding. Eventually, we took a path or trail which stretches away from the Devon coastline and eventually meets the road. I tell myself that there can’t be long to go now. Surely, meeting up with the road is a good sign, right?
The long marathon Race the Tide is advertised as a 15 mile but at 15 miles there was no sign of the finish line. I guess that’s 15 coastal miles! 😅
Finish line not finish time
The final bit of the Race the Tide route took us down a rock path. I was hard to tank it downhill with large slippery rocks sticking up. It also meant that despite trying to move more gingerly, I slipped and went flat on my bottom.
Thankfully, no damage was done. The rocky path joined up with the original outbound trail we started on some hours earlier. Looking at the route in preparation for the race, I knew this would be the case. It also meant there would be a slow, gradual uphill before the finish.
At this point, my legs were sore. I tried to run in places but I was tired. As the incline ahead came into view, I saw most people were walking this. Psychologically, this seems to make me walk too (not that I’m blaming others!). It’s a sign of how strenuous it is. While I hate to say it, but at this point, I kind of admitted to myself that running wasn’t going to happen, and we know how much mindset can influence our actions. The incline wasn’t that steep, it just seemed to go on and on and on. On a different day with fresher legs, I think I wouldn’t been able to tackle it with more gusto.
At the top came a sharp left turn and I knew the field with the finish line was literally just around the corner. As always, I found some life in my legs and smile came to my lips. The end sight is always so sweet whether it’s a 5k or 15 miles. Smiling for the camera and feeling relief and a huge sense of achievement, I crossed the line and bowed my head for my well earned medal.
A few Race the Tide extras
I have to say, this was a well organised and thoroughly enjoyable event. Challenging? Definitely. I liked it so much, I am considering the shorter distance next year. There is also a winter version called Race the Light – the course is different but it involves a double crossing of the River Erme.
With all good events, Race the Tide have course photographers. Despite them being in situ, even on the finish line, I seem to have dodged all professional photos. I’ve got be honest, a finishers snap would’ve been nice. I know how hard event and course photographers work too, long hours on the course then having to get the shots out as quickly as possible.
Additional recommendations if you’re staying in Devon
I decided to make a weekend of it, and stay in Devon for a couple of nights. I stayed in this sweet, bijou shepherd’s hut, with hosts who were welcoming and helpful. Situated just outside Totnes, It’s about 30 minutes from the start. I’d also recommend the local pub where I went for a hearty dinner after the race. The Cott Inn not only serves delicious food but it has a great ambience. It’s a busy place too so you will need to book.