More than 400 runners looking to shed the excesses of an indulgent Christmas gathered on Outney Common on the outskirts of Bungay on Boxing Day.
Among the 421 contestants in Bungay Black Dog Running Club’s annual Groggy Doggy cross country race, some were more bleary-eyed than the many happy and more bright eyed and bush tailed four-legged dogs who joined them.
The course, set out before dawn by club stalwarts Bobbie Sauerzapf and Chris Chorley, was perfect; with recent rain ensuring the ground was deliciously soft and, in parts, very muddy.
Some brave runners chose to include crossing a stream with other more sensible competitors taking to the bridge.
Thanking Bobbie, Chris and the many event helpers, BBDRC chairman Robin Ashe hailed the event as “a great success”.
He went on: “Thanks to the efforts of everyone who helped out, this event has grown over the years and is very popular with both runners and dogs.”
He also thanked the Common owners who allow the club to use Outney Common for the race each year.
On the running side of things, there were races for juniors running a shorter course and other events for runners with dogs and without dogs over either one or two laps.
Among the Black Dogs, congratulations go to junior Joseph Smith for winning his 13-16 years age category, Tess Andrews for winning her girls 9-12 years age category, to her mum Jo Andrews for winning the senior ladies’ two lap race and to Sabrina Norton for winning the senior ladies’ one lap race.
Other junior results included 9-12 years boys’ winner Billy Eccles and 13-16 years girls’ winner Brooke Oram.
Among the seniors, the men’s one lap without dog winner was Mark Smith and first home in the two lap men’s without dog race was Colin High.
First among those running the one lap race with dog was Seb Herrod with Dougal while the two laps with dog event was won by Lee Cooke with Benji. The Muddiest Runner award went to Oscar, the events youngest competitor who spent the race on the shoulders of his dad who was also running with the family dog. A trophy was also awarded for the best fancy dress. It was judged by the town mayor and won by Nick Hammond against some excellent competition.
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