The Mendip Muddle is Weston AC's toughest race yet is arguably the most enjoyable. Enjoyable that is if you don't mind over 1400ft of climb over the 12.6 mile course. Held in the glorious and spectacular setting of the Mendip Hills near Weston-super-Mare, the Muddle attracts a hardy bunch of runners who appreciate the dramatic views from the highest point of the race, at Beacon Batch. The weather gods were firmly against us this year with heavy rain falling throughout the race and providing such a contrast to the summer like conditions from 2008. Despite the rain, the marshals and race volunteers kept their spirits high and cheered on the runners throughout the course.

The poor weather meant that the hills felt a bit steeper than usual (if that is possible!) and the ground that extra bit muddy but despite that, the finishing times were very quick. First across the finish line was Richard Phillips (Senior Male – Serpentine Running Club) in 1h 20m 19s, with Hugh Aggleton (Senior Male - Mynyddwyr De Cymru) in 1h 24m 20s and Matt Marshall (Senior Male – Chippenham Harriers) in 1h 25m 12s following closely behind. For the ladies, first home, and in a new course record, was Helen Fines (Senior Female – Calder Valley Fell Runners) in 1h 30m 08s, with Robyn Golding (Senior Female – Westbury Harriers) in 1h 32m 41s and Clare Prosser (Senior Female – Wells City Harriers) in 1h 36m 30s making up the other major placings.

Thanks to the bumper entry of 314 entrants and generous sponsorship of the race, we were once again able to donate a significant sum to the Wrington Vale branch of the RNLI. A big thank you to the Weston AC and RNLI marshals and volunteers who gave up their time to make sure the runners got around safely and for also giving them generous encouragement along the route.