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WELCOME TO HONITON RUNNING CLUB

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

Honiton Hippo

2019 Date TBA

Ottery 10K
12 May 2019 TBC

HRC and Spinners Duathlon
2019 Date tba
Payhembury

Blackdown Beauty
See FB page for 2018 photos

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

Instep Devon Championship
2018 Results

Club Charities
2018

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

Latest News

Chard Chaser 10k, Bude Pirate Run, Cream Tea Caper and Killerton 10k
On Sunday, 9th September Honiton Running Club’s Darren Roberts took part in the Chard Chaser 10k which goes along country roads and rough tracks through Cuttiford’s Door and Chardleigh Green. The race was won by Daniel Cahill in 36 minutes 40 seconds and Darren came 30th in 51:01 and was delighted to win his age category.147 runners took part.
On the same day, Olivia Higginson thought it would be a great idea to celebrate her birthday by tackling the Bude Pirate Run. This is 8.5 miles of woods, coast and trails with 1000 ft of climb but wonderful views. The race was won by Tom Carthey in 55:05 and Olivia came 95th in 1:21:10. There were227 finishers.
Last Saturday Michelle Selley and Kathy Layzell ran the Cream Tea Caper which is a 6 hour run of 3.3 mile loops around Exeter Double Locks. Both ladies set their own goals and blew these away with Kathy setting 18 miles as her goal and actually completing a full marathon of 26 miles. Michelle completed an Ultra of 35 miles winning best lady and coming 3rd overall. It was a great inaugural run with a super atmosphere; to be repeated next year from a different location.
Eight Honiton Runners made the short journey to Killerton last Sunday to take part in the Killerton 10k. This is a tough off road event within the grounds of the Killerton Estate and the runners will tell you there may be only one hill but the organisers certainly found as many different ways to run up it as possible. That said running conditions were ideal and all the Honiton runners performed well. Howard Bidmead was first back in 41st position in 56.54. He was followed by Jay Sweetman in 47th and who is running really well at the moment in a time of 57.36. The Honiton Ladies soon followed with Karen Lister in 142nd place in 1.06.00. Mandy Ward 164th in 1.08.40. Vanessa Knowles 175th in 1.09.27. Claire Melbourne 189th in 1.11.37. Debbie Vinnicombe 205th in 1.13.03 and Pip Vanham 208th in 1.13.39. There were 327 finishers and the race was won by Michael Bateman in 46.22.

City to Sea Marathon
Three ladies from Honiton Running Club Sherrie Hair, Clare Melbourne and Paula Ferris took on the challenge of "The City to Sea Marathon" on Saturday 1st of September. This is a challenging 26.60 mile run from Exeter Riverside to Babbacombe Downs in Torquay. The first 20 miles consisted of a few short climbs but relatively a flat course, travelling through beautiful Devon scenery following riverside paths, country lanes, woodlands, stunning cliff tops, beaches and harbours enjoying the coast line of Dawlish and Teignmouth. The last 6 miles after leaving Shaldon and re-joining the South West Coast Path are when things got challenging, and were by far the toughest of the route, with huge climbs, steep steps and sharp descents before reaching the finish. There were cheers of encouragement and huge support along to way. Sherrie was the 2nd lady home and 9th out of 260 runners with an outstanding performance and a finish time of 4 hours 19 minutes, Paula Ferris finished in a time of 5.33 in 61st place 13th lady and Clare Melbourne had a strong run finishing in the top half of the field 116th with a time of 6.23. All the runners enjoyed complimentary fish and chips after the race from "Hanburys" and all the monies raised from the event helps supports families with serious illness and bereavement to be able to take memory making holidays. Thanks go to all Torbay Holiday Helpers Network for a great event.

Lustleigh 10k
On Sunday, 25th August several Honiton Running Club members went to Lustleigh to take part in the Lustleigh 10k which is part of the village show. This is a challenging multi-terrain run taking runners up hilly lanes, down muddy tracks, through beautiful woodland and along the River Bovey before going back into Lustleigh. Alasdair Moffett was first back for HRC coming 31st in 47 minutes 11 seconds. Mark Dallyn was next back coming 57th in 51:03. This race is a firm favourite of Howard Bidmead and he came 84th in 54:22. Claire Rouse was first back for the Honiton ladies coming 162nd in 1:07:32 with Asilah Jarrald and Clare Melbourne coming in together in 185th place in 1:16:07. The race was won by Adam Holland in 36:24 and there were 197 finishers.

Jurassic Coast Run
On Sunday Howard Bidmead went to West Bay to take part in the Jurassic Coast Run hosted by Bridport Runners. This event combines a half marathon and a 10k. Both races take part in the beautiful coast path of the Jurassic Coast and all runners have to ascend Thorncombe Beacon the 2nd highest point on the South Coast. After all the hot weather, on Sunday runners were met with strong winds, driving rain and coastal fog which made conditions difficult. Howard elected for the 10k event and finished in 24th position in a time of 1hr 14s and was second male vet O60. 85 runners took part in the 10k which was won by Neil Wicks from Worcester Tri club in 44m 22s.

Friday evening frolic at Forest Flyer
As the heatwave finally cooled 6 Honiton runners headed for Haldane Forest for an almost 5 mile race on a sunny Friday evening. The first 4 mies of the run are through lovely forest trails with glimpses of fine views over the Exe valley. However the final 3/4 mile is all uphill (134m climb) which makes for careful pacing. Mark Newson led the HRC runners home in a time of (37:03) followed by Roger Saunders, who isn't good on hills these days, in 40:39. Jay, Sascha and Olivia had a HRC battle up the final hill with Jay walking being passed by Olivia but Jay overtook her and Sascha at the top finishing in 42:14, Sascha in 42:15 and Olivia in 42:18. Lorna Jarrald who has only recently started running with the club came in a few minutes later in a time of 49:13. This is an Instep Devon race so the men will count for club points.

St Ives 10K
Taking advantage of a holiday in Cornwall Honiton member Sherrie Hair entered the St.Ives Bay 10k. This is an off road event which starts on the beach. Sherrie had a great run winning the Ladies race and finishing 13th overall in a time of 45.33s. 146 runners took part and the race was won by by Floyd Ratcliffe in 38.33s.

Summer BBQ Runners

Exeter Park Run - Mass Turnout

Dalwood 10k
On Sunday, 22nd July 10 Honiton Running Club members took the short journey to Dalwood to take part in the Dalwood 10k multi-terrain run. The day was blisteringly hot and with an 11 am start runners were out in the hottest part of nearly the hottest day of the year. Runners struggled and personal best times were few and far between although organisers did put on 3 water stations. The race was won by Matt Clist in 41 minutes 5 seconds. Rod Inglis was first in for HRC coming 7th overall in 50:03. He was followed one place later by Richard Harris in 50:45. Hadleigh Davies had a great run to finish in 53:19 and 10th place and he was followed by 3rd lady overall and 1st lady back for Honiton, Ceri Oak. She finished 12th in 54:12. The next 3 finishers were all HRC runners with Vernon Gillard in 54:13, Jo Davey in 54:42 and Judy Davey in 55:03. Jo Davey finished as 2nd lady overall. Pippa Westall was next back coming 20th in 56:45. Tim Pepper followed coming 32nd in 1:02:58 with Rebecca Stevens coming one place and just 7 seconds later. There were 46 finishers.

Haytor Heller
On Saturday evening several Honiton runners travelled to Dartmoor to take part in the 6 mile Haytor Heller. This is a tough moorland event with a 1000 ft of Climb. Starting halfway up Haytor runners made their way to the top to be met with the most magnificent view. Ascents were steep and descents rocky. After climbing to Hound Tor runners made their way back across the moor ascending the rear of Haytor before a final sprint down to the finish. Mark Dallyn had a fine run and was first Honiton runner home finishing 69th in a time of 59 minutes 54 seconds. Mark was followed by Howard Bidmead who is running well and finished 110th in 1.05.38. Olivia Higginson was first back for the Honiton ladies and was impressive finishing just behind Howard in 123rd place in a time of 1.06.52. Claire Rouse was next back in 171st place in 1.16.16. Claire loved the event describing it as her best multiterrain race ever. Jayne Bevan was next in 182nd position in 1.18.05 followed by Lorna Jarrald in 191st place in a time of 1.19.28. There were 229 finishers and the race was won by Ceri Rees in 41.07.

Ham to Lyme 50k, Otter Rail and River Run, Lulworth Cove Trail Series and Blackdown Beauty
On Saturday, 7th July, another blisteringly hot day and far too hot for running, several Honiton Running Club members went to Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset to take part in the Ham to Lyme 50k Ultra Marathon. This 31 mile race follows the Liberty Trail across country all the way to Lyme Regis in Dorset taking in some beautiful locations en-route including Lambert’s Castle and a number of picturesque villages. Chris Southern won the race in 4 hours 7 minutes and Honiton’s Judy Davey was first lady as well as being first back for HRC. She ran with HRC’s Alun Gwernan-Jones, who was ticking an ultra-marathon off his bucket list, for the whole race and they finished 20th overall in 5:53. Tim Wigram came 69th in 7:06 and Rachel Hennessey and Asilah Jarald were attempting the distance for the first time running together to come 127th in 8:11. There were 172 finishers.
On yet another red hot day last Saturday, HRC were in Tipton St John to take part in the Otter Rail and River Run 10k mainly off road race. Peter Monaghan won the race in 36 minutes 46 seconds and Honiton’s Sherrie Hair was 1st lady also winning her age category. She finished an amazing 12th overall in 42:52. Mike Mears was next back coming 15th in 43:35 and Emma Davey came 117th in 1:01:36. Mandy Ward finished 120th in 1:02:08 and Kathy Layzell followed 1 place and just 12 seconds later. Pip Vanham complete the Honiton line-up coming 154th in 1:08:30 and there were 192 finishers.
On the same day, three runners from Honiton took on The Lulworth Cove Trail Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday the 14th of July along the Dorset Coast line, which was a postponed event due to take part in the height of the snow in March earlier in the year. There was also an Ultra distance and a 10km race on offer too. Temperatures were in complete contrast and baking hot in the mid 20’s for all the runners taking part. Paula Ferris set off first at 8.30am, a marathon distance to accomplish, followed by Claire Rouse and Mark Dallyn departing an hour later participating in the Half Marathon. The terrain was tough and demanding with relentless steep climbs which required precision footwork, concentration was needed on coastal paths and steep descents. The physically and mentally demanding course was worth every step to appreciate the stunning and amazing views of Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast line. Mark crossed the finish line in 2.12 in 41st place a great time over the course. Claire followed in 3.07 in 214th place out of 285 runners. Paula Ferris finished the Marathon in a time of 6.48 (despite a slightly over marked course of 29 miles not 26.2!!) achieving 18th place out of 46 runners, 2nd lady home and 2nd in her age category. The event was well supported, marked and care taken to ensure we were well looked after in the hot conditions
Also last Saturday, HRC held its own Blackdown Beauty social run which attracted about 100 participants. Runners were invited to dress with a military theme in mind to mark 100 years since WW1 and some took this on in fine style. Runners have the option of several routes varying from 10.3 miles to the longest option of 18.2 miles. There are 3 optional pub stops along the way but a mandatory cream tea stop at Pear Tree Cottage, Stapley where the WI ladies had been working hard baking delicious home-made scones. All money raised went to Macmillan Cancer Support and this year everyone returned safely with not too many accidental route deviations!

Forde Abbey 10k and Charmouth Challenge
Running a 10k cross country race on a hot midsummer’s evening in the heart of West Dorset with the promise of strawberries and ice cream at the end was irresistible to six members of Honiton Running Club. Forde Abbey 10k takes runners across the stunning country estate through woodlands and meadows with two river crossings and plenty of hills, starting and finishing on the lawns of this former cistercian monastary. The temperature was 26 degrees at the start of the race on Wednesday 27th June and no-one was expecting a PB! First home for Honiton was Richard Harris, 35th in 50:42 followed two minutes and two seconds later by Mark Newson who came 45th. Mark had run a marathon the previous weekend and was suffering from an injury. Pippa Westall came next – 74th in 57:31; Darren Roberts was 113th in 1:03:45 and Asilah Jarrald and her sister Lorna Jarrald crossed the finishing line together in 1:16:24 coming 208th and 209th. This was a tough hot run with a plague of flies to add to the challenge, but everyone agreed the strawberries at the end were worth it! There were 271 finishers.

Last Saturday, on the hottest day of the year so far, 6 HRC runners went to Charmouth to take part in the Charmouth Challenge 8 mile fell run. There are 3 very challenging hills including the climb up to Golden Cap which is the highest sea cliff on the South Coast 191 m above sea level. However, runners are rewarded with spectacular views over Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Mark Dallyn has had a bit of a rest from racing but did amazingly well to come 95th in 1:18:06. Jo Davey attempted the race for the first time and was 1st HRC lady back coming 106th in 1:19:54. Howard Bidmead loves this race and was pleased with his placing of 123rd in 1:22:49. It was also Paula Ferris’ first Charmouth and she enjoyed it coming 130th in 1:23:28. Sharon Wells came 182nd in 1:30:37 and Mandy Ward completed the HRC line-up to come 281st in 1:46:28. There were 344 finishers and the race was won by Chris McMillan in 53:32.

Umborne Ug and North Devon Marathon and Half Marathon
Last Sunday several Honiton Runners took the very short journey to Umborne to take part in the 10k multi-terrain Umborne Ug. This is a very friendly race with money raised going to the upkeep of the village hall. After the hottest week this year, the weather was actually ideal; a bit or rain to cool everyone down with no mud to be seen. The race was won by James Green of Axe Valley Runners in 41 minutes 42 seconds. First back for HRC was Mike Mears who came 8th overall in 48:13. Rod Inglis was next back winning his age category to come 12th in 50:23. Richard Harris followed soon after in 15th place in 51:17. Ceri Oak was the first lady back for HRC coming 3rd lady overall in 21st place. Judy Davey followed not too far behind coming 25th in 55:57 and winning her age category. Daughter Jo followed 4 places later in 56:47 and next was Pippa Westall who came 34th in 58:52. Tim Pepper, in his first race for the club, did really well to come 43rd in 1:00:51. Rebecca Stevens came 47th in 1:03:46 winning a category prize. Lorna Jarald thoroughly enjoyed the race finishing 57th in 1:08:50 having battled with Mandy Ward for much of the race. Mandy finished 2 places and 27 seconds later. Kathy Layzell completed the HRC line-up having enjoyed the race to come 79th in 1:16:40. There were 83 finishers. HRC’s Bea Knight and Emily Pepper took part in the Ug Fun Run with Bea winning overall for the girls coming 8th overall in 13:44 and Emily coming 21st overall in 17:17. There were 30 finishers and the winner was Harvey Green of AVR in 10:48. Thanks to the main race organisers Rick and Eleanor Wood for another well organised event as well as the marshals and landowners.

Sunday the 24th of June was the North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon. With temperatures soaring there was not even a coastal breeze on the start line at Woolacombe to cool the 563 runners. The route was stunning and views were amazing as the marathon runners departed at 10am with a 15 minute head start before the half marathon race got underway. Water stops and food stations were every 2 miles and this certainly helped tremendously as the day hotted up. The race took in the coastline, the beach and steep climbs making it challenging from lots of different aspects. First home for Honiton was Mark Dallyn in a time of 2.08.16. Paula Ferris 2.14.31 Sharon Wells 2.37.26 and Claire Rouse 2.48.35. The half marathon was won in a time of 1.27.15 with a field of 403 finishers. Howard Bidmead our very own Chairman took on his role as “back marker” for the Half Marathon, motivating and encouraging along the route, getting every runner back safely. As the marathon runners passed through the half way point to take on the rest of the course they were cheered and spirits lifted by all the spectators willing them on as the second half of the course was known to be very testing. Honiton’s Mark Newson completed the Marathon in a fantastic time of 5.06.59 finishing 63 out of 160 runners. A fantastically organised event raising money for Hospicecare

Woodland Relays
Honiton Running Club joined Sidmouth RC, Axe Valley Runners, Exmouth, Met Office and runners from West Hill to take part in this year’s Woodland Relays hosted by Sidmouth Running Club. It was a fantastic scenic route starting on Observatory Hill above Sidmouth and going out through the woods towards the coast. With adults and juniors there were about 65 teams taking part and HRC made up 20 of them. HRC took home more than their fair share of prizes too with the senior ladies winning their category made up of Ceri Oak, Jo Davey and Sherrie Hair. The vet ladies’ team also won consisting of Judy Davey, Pippa Westall and Fran Bond. Exmouth won both the senior male and vet male team prizes. HRC also took the mixed prize with the team made up of Sherrie Hair, Adam Hennessey and Kevin Hawker. Special congratulations to Sherrie Hair who not only ran 2 legs for different teams ensuring both teams took a prize but she was also the fastest female of the night. Kevin also ran 2 legs and fell over cutting his hand badly on his first leg. Not to be beaten, whilst his 2nd runner was on the course he was patched up and managed to complete leg 3 which was part of the mixed winning team. After the event it was a quick trip to hospital to be stitched up. HRC juniors were also out in force and took prizes for coming 2nd and 3rd U16 male teams. The U11s did a shorter course and HRC girls came 1st and was made up of Bea Knight, Izzy Pollard and Ella Spiller. The U11 mixed team category was also won by HRC made up of Josie Willey, Alfie Harding and Emily Pepper and the HRC U11 boys came second. It’s fantastic to see juniors as young as 8 taking part in such event alongside those of much more mature years! Thanks to Sidmouth RC and especially Terry Bewes for putting on such a great event on a beautiful summer’s evening.
The woodland relay teams on Observatory Hill above Sidmouth before the fun began. Honiton RC won several categories: First Ladies Team (Sherrie, Ceri & Jo), First Mixed Team (Kev, Sherrie & Adam), and First Ladies Vet team (Judy, Fran & Pippa). Well done to all including the many Juniors. The results are now posted here.

Payhembury Duathlon
Honiton RC and Honiton Spinners came together to host a Duathlon based from Payhembury village hall on 3rd June. It was a lovely sunny day and 20 teams set out to do the run-bike-run challenge around east devon. The road resurfacing teams necessitated a last minute change to the bike route but everyone got round the revised route. Marcus Durant won the sole male team with a superfast bike ride and our own Sherrie Hair was the first solo ladies team. Team Spiller won the mixed team just beating team Ferris!. Alan Nicholls and his grandson Ashleigh (running) together with John Burgess (riding) won the all male team. Finally Sharon Wells (runner) and Joanne Davey (rider) won the all female team. The full results are here.

This Week

17/09/2018

Club Calendar

Mon-Wed nights meet at 6:30pm at Honiton Community College unless
advised otherwise below.

In Winter Hi Vis Essential for club runs
Monday
Roncombe Valley (Map 26) Parking is the Little Nature Reserve on the Seaton Road approx 1km on the right after Hare & Hounds.at 6:40pm.
Tuesday Juniors meet at Community College at 6:30pm.
Wednesday
Final 5K handicap run of year from Cotleigh Village Hall Register at 6:30pm.
Thursday
No activity.
Friday
Faster group - meet Honiton Market Car Park - 7.6 miles - Cotleigh loop
Steadier paced group if confirmed by Tony
Saturday
Killerton Parkrun at 9am en masse
Exeter Parkrun at 9am
Seaton Parkrun at 9am
Exmouth Parkrun at 9am.
Sunday

Maps and Parking here

Club Kit Page

Order Form for kit here

Page Editors
Judy, Roger