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We are based in Honiton, East Devon, Southwest England and spend our lives running through some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK.

HRC Events

Blackdown Beast
28 Jan 2023
Entries closed

Ottery 10K

7th May 2023
Entries open Feb 23

Blackdown Beauty

July 2023

Honiton Hippo

1st October 2023

Parkrun
Report of all HRC runs last Saturday here
Killerton here
Exeter here
Seaton here
Exmouth here
Cranbrook here

Instep Devon Championship
2022 Results

Club Charity
TBD

Honiton Sports Shop
offers members 10% discount upon production of HRC card. Click here

Beginner runners 8 week course in January 2023 click to see details

Blackdown Beast
A record 240 runners came from all over the country to take part Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast. The base was at the SkyDive Centre on Dunkeswell Airfield which was an ideal venue with the staff being very accommodating. Refreshments were available both before and after the run from The Aviator. The weather was perfect for running; a little chilly but dry with no wind. The Beast is a very social, self-navigated run. Runners followed a picturesque cross country route of 7.6 miles on seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe. Here they enjoyed a delicious warm pasty and steaming hot mulled cider at Smeatharpe Village Hall as a reward for their hard work. The next leg of the run is 2.8 miles on lanes and country paths which drops down to the village of Upottery and the Sidmouth Arms which provided more sustenance to the runners. The 10 mile option finished here with minibus transport provided taking the 10 milers back to Dunkeswell, The 16 milers then took the road to Rawridge where they rejoined footpaths across country, over fields and the River Otter before climbing to the top of the ridge to the viewpoint above Luppitt for a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside. They then ran the next leg of 3.3 miles to Luppitt Village Hall and another refreshment stop. The last 2.7 mile leg of the day took runners on muddy fields and quiet country lanes back to Dunkeswell Airport for well earned drink and food. A great day was had by all and very few reported getting lost and those who did, did not stray too far before getting back on route. Well over £3000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Relief.

Axmouth Challenge & George Pemberton receiving his Instep award
On Sunday, 8th January, several Honiton Running Club members took the short journey to Axmouth to take part in this year’s Axmouth Challenge. This multi-terrain race is actually mainly on road but the parts that are off road were particularly muddy this year following some very wet weather. The weather wasn’t particularly kind to runners on the day with plenty of rain and even some thunder.
There are 4 distances on offer with HRC runners either deciding to tackle the 9 mile or 5 mile option. First back for HRC in the 9 mile race was Nick Couch who came 22nd overall in 1 hour 17 minutes and 12 seconds. Ceri Oak led the HRC ladies back winning a medal for coming 2nd in the ladies’ vet category. She came 24th in 1:17:14 and had Howard Bidmead hot on her heels just 6 seconds later. Steve Davey came 33rd in 1:20:16 just beating Will Davis to the line who came in 11 seconds later. Mark Dallyn followed coming 36th in 1:22:50 beating Rebecca Stevens by 13 seconds. Judy Davey and Rebecca had been together for much of the race and Judy finished 40th in 1:23:49. Paula Ferris finished 45th in 1:29:06 and Linda Grady completed the HRC line-up coming 58th in 1:34:04. There were 68 finishers and the race was won by Richard Hardy in 59:34.
Following a lengthy spell of injury, Lou Bennett decided to come back running the 5 mile option. She ran with husband, Johnny, and finished extremely well to come 2nd lady overall in 5th and 6th position in 39:20. Gareth Henwood followed coming 11th in 54:31.Kate Harding came just ahead of George Oldfield in 15th position in 1:00:43 with George coming in just 2 seconds later. Ella Churchill, Richard Kemp, Asilah Jarrald and Luke Holway all ran together coming 26th in 1:05:48. There were 33 finishers and the winner was Jake Hodgetts in 34:57.
Upon their return to the headquarters, runners were treated to delicious warming soup and delicious cake. Thanks to Axe Valley Runners and to all the organisers and marshals for putting on a fantastic event.
Meanwhile Roger Saunders chose the much flatter option of running the First Chance 10K along the river Exe. Luckily the heavy showers held off during the race which this year had over 500 runners. Roger ran it in a time of 51:53 which he was happy with being faster than last year. After the race George Pemberton was awarded the winner of the male under 20 category in the 2022 Instep Devon championship.

Howard's New Year Breakfast Run
Huge thanks to Howard and Helen for hosting us all at their lovely new house. A great time was had by all with great food and even great weather!

Wellington Monument 10k
On Sunday, 18th December several Honiton Running Club members travelled the short distance to Hemyock to take part in Taunton AC’s Wellington Monument 10k. This is the first time the race has been hosted since 2019. The weather had been extremely cold with plenty of ice on the ground but Sunday saw a huge change with rain all day although it was a little warmer. Runners set off from Hemyock Village and, as the name suggests, they run up to the Monument, run around it and then run back down to the finish. The race is mainly road with a short section of bridle path leading to the Monument before coming back to the road. Almost all the climb is within the first 2 ½ miles which is steep on occasions.
Steve Davey was first back for HRC finishing in 48 minutes 35 seconds and 64th place. Howard Bidmead was hot on his heels finishing just 18 seconds and 2 places later. Howard won his age category prize of over 65. Judy Davey followed finishing in 53:17 coming 91st and also won her age category prize. The family effort continued with daughter, Emma , finishing in 55:21 in 102nd position. The race was won by Chard Road Runner’s Wayne Loveridge in 36:12 and there were approximately 180 runners. They were treated to a warming mulled wine and hot mince pie as well as collecting a bottle of cider for their efforts.

Westdown Wander
On Sunday the 27th November at 11am - 5 Honiton Running Club Members took on a brand new 1st edition race event organised by the Exmouth Harriers. The weather was perfect and the rain that was forecast never transpired - although the coast paths were treacherously slippy, muddy and tough for all. It was a beach start for 1 mile and then climbing for the first half of the course! Heading to Orcombe point on the SW coastal path past the geoneedle towards Budleigh Salterton, passing Westdown Beacon on the way, before running through East Devon golf club and followings footpaths, and cycleways back to Exmouth. First back for Honiton was Nick Couch 1.19, closely followed by Rebecca Stevens 1.23 Paula Ferris 1.28 Roger Saunders 1.30 and Lin Grady 1.40.
A well marked and marshalled course with something for everyone and a running buff for all finishers.

Drogo 10
Several Honiton Running Club members travelled to Castle Drogo to take part in the off road 10 mile very challenging race. From the Castle the route meanders down to the River Teign crossing the water and taking runners to Fingle Bridge where the first of two seemingly never ending hills greeted runners. However, the breath taking views of the stunning Teign Valley made it all worthwhile. At mile 6, runners are taken adjacent to the river along a mainly flat path back to Fingle Bridge. After crossing the bridge, runners turn left and are taken up the notoriously tough Hunters’ Path. The race boasts a total climb of about 1760 ft.
First back for Honiton was Pete Nicholls who finished 73rd in 1 hour 27 minutes and 47 seconds. Leading the HRC ladies home was Esme Moffett who came 82nd in 1:29:16. Howard Bidmead won his age category coming 144th overall in 1:36:57. Rebecca Stevens had a stonking run about 5 minutes faster than last time. She came 133rd in 1:35:47.
Other HRC runners: 109th Hadleigh Davies 1:31:55, 115th Steve Davey 1:32:37, 181st Judy Davey 1:40:51, 205th Paula Ferris 1:43:39, 208th Pippa Westall 1:44:15, 232nd Clare Melbourne 1:47:13, 235th Richard Harris 1:47:45, 255th Rachel Hennessey 1:50:37 and 300th Simon Bates 1:56:29.
The race was won by Luke Roberts in the amazing time of 1:05:50 and there were 429 finishers. Half of the race entry fee went to the National Trust which has made a spectacular job of renovating the Castle of the last few years.

Honiton Take on the Quantock Hills!!!
On Sunday the 9th of October an early start greeted over 36 Honiton Running Club runners and supporters for the first club trip in 3 years. Destination – The beautiful Quantock hills. Excitement and slight nervous tension was the order of the day as the autumn sun shone. The course was going to be tough with hills, hills, hills. Two distances of a 10km and a half marathon on offer. The club is very proud to welcome all new members especially our couch to 5km cohort who have become determined members and have welcomed the ethos of the club, making friends and facing challenges through the clubs training programmes. This was their time to put all the hard work to the test, taking great advice from seasoned club members.
The event was organised well with helpful crew and marshals and the course well marked and briefed. At 9am on the dot the Half Marathon race got underway closely followed by the 10km at 9.10am. Both groups followed the same course up to 4 miles (which included 2 long hilly sections)and then the split in the event approached - with 10km heading left and the half taking the right turn. The course was challenging and technical with loose stones and gravel underfoot, woodland and stream section and then climbing again for the wonderful views of the coast. The last mile of the course was tackling the steep down hill that you had climbed at the start!! At the finish roars of cheers and applause with a wooden medal for all finishers. A huge thank you is extended to Prosper Events who organised the event.
The 10km results - Ceri Oak 6th overall and 1st lady in 1.12.09 followed by Howard Bidmead 10th, 1.21.35 and Clare Melbourne 14th and 3rd lady, 1.22.22 Gareth Lewis 20th,1.25.12 Roger Saunders 24th 1.27.50, Ella Churchill 34th 1.36.31 Sue Jones 35th,1.37.41 Sarah Yates 36th , 1.37.43 Katy Lancaster 46th, 1.43.01 and Kathy Layzell 47th ,1.45.09. The event was won by Sam Carden in 58.20.
The Half Marathon results Kevin Hawker 6th ,1.53.41 Alasdair Moffett 7th ,1.58.17 Johnny Bennett 11th , 2.05.43 Nick Couch 26th , 2.13.19 Steve Davey 38th,2.20.00 Rebecca Stevens and Tim Wigram 61 & 62 place, 2.30.24 closely followed by Paula Ferris 65th,2.32.51 Steph Mabbutts 82nd, 2.39.19 Anna Drake 83rd, 2.39.35 Andy Punter 96th, 2.42.21 Jennie Sleeman 96th,2.44.04 Lyn Grady 101st, 2.46.03 Ben Welch 105th,2.49.58 Helen Williams 157th ,3.40.16 and completing the HRC team Victoria Henwood and Rachel Welch crossing the line together in 4.03.02.
A meal at the Plough Inn at Holford was enjoyed by all and truly well deserved.

Run Jurassic Half Marathon.
The September sun shone on an early race start for the Run Jurassic half marathon which took place on Sunday 25th of September from Burton Bradstock. The event was organised by White Star Running who had a very efficient operation in place, enabling a very effective and prompt start.
3 Honiton Running Club ladies took on the challenge which included steep climbs on the coast path to sweeping downhill through farmland, footpaths and woodland. Then came the tough relentless accent up to Golden Cap which was certainly worth the effort of burning calf muscles and sheer determination.
The route was lined with motivating marshals and morning walkers encouraging us as we passed. Paula Ferris led the trio home in a time of 2 hours 34 minutes closely followed by Jennie Sleeman in 2 hours 39 and Rachel Hennessay was pleased to cross the line in 2hours 46.
The girls agreed "The views were worth the climb!"

Honiton Hipoo and Calf
Well done to everyone who took part today. Please see the provisional results below and let us know if there are any anomalies
j.davey416@btinternet.com
Honiton Hippo Provisional Results - here
Hippo Calf - here

Honiton Hippo and Calf
Sunday, 18th September saw Honiton Running Club’s own Honiton Hippo and Calf races. Based at Honiton Primary School runners are taken up some very challenging hills, through Combe Woods and St Cyres. The race is over 7 miles and the highlight has to be the Landrover Experience when runners have no choice but to pass through several different water features. Water is also on the agenda with the 2 river crossings which is waist height for most runners!
The race was won by Roger Easterbook of Teignbridge Trotters in 50 minutes 57 seconds and first lady back was Yael Rowan-Wicks in the impressive time of 59:15. Most HRC members were either marshalling or carrying out another duty but quite a few took up the challenge of the event. George Pemberton, who is only 14, was first back for HRC coming 3rd overall in 51:58. One of the sponsors of the event is Norcotts Cider who donated the prizes and poor George couldn’t take it away with him. We’ll have to get him something else! Johnny Bennett followed coming 12th in 59:46. HRC’s first lady back was Anna Drake who was racing for the Club for the first time. She came 59th in 1:16;30.
Other HRC runners were: 18th Nick Couch 1:02:55, 41st Steve Davey 1:10:05, 67th Gareth Lewis 1:19:13, 91st Emma Davey 1:27:07, 124th Helen Williams 1:46:58, 125th Michelle Selley & Vanessa Knowles 1:47:05 and 131st Victoria Henwood 1:50:38. There were 138 finishers.
The Calf is the baby of the Hippo and mainly for youngsters over the age of 9. It is just under 2 miles in length and takes the runners around Combe Woods before coming back up the hill to the finish. The race was won by Olly Morris of Exeter Harriers in 11:31 and he was followed closely by HRC Junior runner, Max Spiller who finished in 13:01. HRC’s Mia Morris was 1st female and 3rd overall in 13:11. Lyra Webb was 2nd female, 4th overall in 13:24. Alex Yapp won his category coming 5th in 13:30 and he was followed by Taylor Anderson who also won his category coming 6th in 13:42. Chloe Phare won the female under 13 category coming 11th overall in 14:38.
Other HRC Calf runners: 10th Noah Pemberton 14:33, 14th Isaac Clarke 15:06, 15th Ella Spiller 15:07, 19th Imogen Clarke 16:05, 20th Keir Osborne 16:23 and 21st Grace Jean 16:41. There were 25 finishers.
Thanks to all the helpers ably managed by Race Director, Howard Bidmead and to all the sponsors including Bradfords, Synergy, Positive Energy, Combe Garden Centre, Norcotts Cider, Four Elms Fruit Farm and To an Fro. Also, thanks to the landowners for allowing runners to trample their land. Without all these people, the event could not take place.

This Week from

30 January 2023

Club Calendar

Mon-Wed nights meet at 6:30pm at Silver St Car Park unless advised below. If you need a lift just ask on FB or email.

Hi Vis/Reflectors are essential for club runs in the winter and head torches when out of town.
Monday 30 Jan - Cathy's Honiton Run
Suitable for all. Park at Silver St car park at 6:30pm. High Vis to be worn.
Tuesday 31 Jan - Kev's speed training
Contact Kev for details.
Wednesday 1 Feb - Katy's Ottery Run
Park at Caanan Way car park at 6:30pm. What3Words - blockage.character.building. 3 distances to run.
Saturday: Parkruns
Killerton Parkrun at 9am
Exeter Parkrun at 9am
Seaton Parkrun at 9am
Exmouth Parkrun at 9am.
Haldon Forest Parkrun at 9am

Maps and Parking here

Club Kit Page

Order Form for kit here

Page Editors
Judy, Roger