Page updated: November 11, 2008

Tar Barrels Half Marathon (plus a bit) 2008

August 30th 2008

A fine but not too hot day greeted us all in The Square at the 'off'. Those pictured below were there at the time - a few more joined en route - and we set off at about 11.05 - almosts exactly on schedule. We stopped a few of times, once in Monkokehampton where the familiar face of Ros the Town Crier met us, and then at Winkleigh Cider just before 1.30pm where we were well-looked after by David and Kylie (see picture) with samplers of Sams Medium.

After a short rest we pulled onwards to the Seven Stars (see picture) where the hospitality was excellent. Pork baps and chips plus a great selection of beers were available. Only the cocktails were suspect, but Ali and Chris were not to blame for those as they were 'forfeits' paid by 'transgressors' of several rules, including this writer (I did do some pulling - honest!).

The day had become much warmer by the time we left Winkleigh at around 4pm for the return journey. We stopped first at Winkleigh Cider for more refreshments, then we retraced our original steps as far as the Barwick turnoff where the team decided to divert to the Duke of York at Iddesleigh, adding another 2 miles to the walk!

Ros met us again at the Duke of York and we spent a valued hour or so resting before the final leg back to H.

Things started to get tough somewhere around Week Moor Cross but the lads kept going regardless. A few took a swim in the river and then it was up to the Hatherleigh Moor, where a short rest was taken at the Monument. Then it was back to Town, arriving in The Square at 8pm, where a largish crowd came out to greet us.

The time went past much faster than expected and we reached our target points with ease. Nearly 500 images were taken, some of which are shown below. As always this was a great event to photograph - our thanks to everyone who tolerated the intrusion.

High spots for us were:

• The excellent send-off.
• Laura running with the handbell as the barrels dashed into the Square at Winkleigh. That still raises the hairs on the back of my neck!
• Passing sign posts showing the distances getting less and less.
• The homecoming, and the people who met us.

First - grateful thanks to our hosts en route
David and Kylie at Winkleigh Cider ...	Ali and Chris at the Seven Stars in Winkleigh
The Opening
The starting team (if you're not here then please come earlier next time!)
Sisters Wilma and Tess who accompanied us	Discussing strategy
Time and place	Ady, left, from the Tally Ho, supplied a round of drinks before the off The 'off''
Leaving Town Passing Stone Cross	Climbing up to the Moor
Crossing the Moor ... to infinity and beyond!
To Winkleigh
This was one of the wide lanes!	via Monkokehampton
Some gave willingly ... others not. Ah well, you can't win them all.	A short break, somewhere in Devon
Riding on the support trailer - hey, weren't you supposed to be walking? OK, sometimes you did!	Elisha travelled with Mum Mandy in the lead vehicle for the entire distance
Another way point	Suddenly we were at Winkleigh Cider, where it was ...
... time to sample Sam's	Sam's Medium? That'll do nicely. Sam's? Who cares about Sam's
Arriving at the Seven Stars	Relaxing in the Seven Stars!
Eating in the Seven Stars	Oyez! Let it be known that X must pay a forfeit!
Preparing to leave the Seven Stars	Leaving Winkleigh Square
The return journey
A short walk to Winkleigh Cider, where Kylie (left) and David (right) were ready to revive us once again
David and Kylie deliver sustenance	I told you Sam's had a funny effect
Leaving Winkleigh	Passing Helen's fields ... we hope!
The detour
Next a sharp right turn to Barwick Cross and Iddesleigh	Through the deep jungle that is West Devon
Finally we found civilisation again	The Duke of York lies dead ahead
The strain begins to tell	Glad of the rest.
Glad of the rest	It's easy. I don't know what the fuss is all about?
The last leg
Come on, keep up	A brief halt at the River, and a swim for some
What's that strange fish down there?	On the road again - this time approaching Hatherleigh Moor
The final climb	Daylight fades as we near the Monument - safely back from infinity
At the top	The final straight
The support crew, who did a great job
Nearly there	The Church is in sight (honest! look very carefully!)
Flaring down Market Street	The homecoming
Ouch!	The barrels go home We could show you some feet as well ... but!