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

Blackdown Beast 
Photos and Comments

Honiton Hippo

Sun 14 April 19
On-line entries
Postal entries
Ottery 10K
12 May 2019 
On-line entries
​Postal Entries
HRC and Spinners Duathlon
 2nd June 2019 
Payhembury
Blackdown Beauty
13 July 2019
Parkrun
Report of all HRC runs last Saturday here
Killerton here
Exeter here
​Seaton here
​Exmouth here
Instep Devon Championship
2019 Results
Club Charities
2018
Honiton Sports Shop
offers members 10% discount upon production of HRC card. Click here 
Latest News:
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Woolacombe Dunes Park Run & Bath 1/2 Marathon
Eight members from Honiton Running Club travelled to North Devon on Saturday, 16th March to test out the Woolacombe Dunes Park Run which has been given the title of the UK’s toughest Park Run. Whether you agree or not it is certainly one of the most stunning for scenery. Extremely blustery conditions greeted the 71 runners who were informed that 4/5 minutes should be added to normal average park run times.
The course started on the shingle coast path before a steep descent and a gully deep in sand took runners onto Woolacombe beach. The run along the beach was a mile in length before a steep sand dune had the runners clambering up into the dunes and following an undulating trail to the finish.
First Honiton runner back was Emilie Padmore who had a super run finishing 10th overall  and first lady home in a time of 24m 29s for the 5k Run. She was followed by Howard Bidmead finishing 17th in 26.06 and was first Male O60. Steve Davey followed and was first Male O55 and finished in 22nd position in 26.42. Other Honiton runners were Roger Saunders who finished in 30th place in 27.54. Darren Roberts 32nd in 28.24. Rachel Hennessey 33rd in 28.52. Pip Vanham 54th in 33.51 and Kathy Layzell in 56th position in 35.26. The event was won by Clinton Winfield finishing in 21m31s.
The members then enjoyed a superb breakfast in the Woolacombe Bay Hotel arranged by Pip Vanham and vowed they would be back all having agreed that a fab morning had been had by all.
 
After running with just 70 runners at the wonderful windy Woolacombe parkrun Roger Saunders decided to run with over 12,000 runners a day later at the Bath Half Marathon - a different challenge. Surprisingly for Bath it is a virtually flat course of 2 loops along the river Avon and the weather was kind with sunshine and less wind than of late. Roger was running for Swallow a charity which helps people with learning disabilities and managed to raise over £300 for them. The winner was Chris Thompson (1:03:09) and first lady Kate Reed (1:12:44). Roger, who has been slowing down of late, was very pleased with his time of 1:48:24 in 2854 position. The event was well organised and would be good for those contemplating a first half marathon

Claire Rouse narrowly missed a pb at the 5th Weymouth 1/2 Marathon on Sunday, 17th March. Runners were treated to near perfect running conditions as they took in a historical and scenic tour of Weymouth. Runners ran along Weymouth seafront for 8 miles then into the town before heading out into the old town towards Portland Harbour, finally looping back to the finish at the Pavilion. Claire came 532nd in 2 hours 54 seconds, the winner was Jacek Cieluszecki in 1 hour 12 minutes and there were 973 finishers.
Grizzly Runs
Honiton Running Club had a huge turnout for the infamous Grizzly and Cub races last Sunday, 10th March. The races are put on by Axe Valley Runners and attract literally thousands of runners to Seaton and even more spectators. The race was won by Ceri Rees of Wild Running in the fantastic time of 2 hours 19 minutes. HRC’s first runner back was Kevin Hawker who finished 48th in 2:45. Adam Hennessey came 56th in 2:47 and Alasdair Moffett finished just under 3 hours in 2:59 and 125th place. Sherrie Hair was the first lady back for HRC and 7th lady overall. She came 137th in 3:01.
Other Honiton runners; 151st Nick Silkstone 3:03, 208th Mike Mears 3:13, 239th Alun Gwernan Jones 3:16, 330th Rod Inglis 3:23, 332 Judy Davey 3:23, 345th Stephen Boyes 3:23, 346th Tom Bornet 3:24, 467th Jo & Steve Davey 3:34, 533rd David Perkins 3:41, 602nd Wendy McDermott 3:46, 627th Gavin Rice 3:47, 650th Paula Ferris, Simon Spiller and Hadleigh Davies 3:50 (ran together), 680th Julian Gigg 3:51, 691st Sharon Wells 3:51, 692nd Tim Wigram 3:52, 826th Michelle and Steve Selley 4:03, 998th Rachel Hennessey 4:17, 1009th Olivia Higginson 4:19, 1114th Andy Ashford 4:26, 1264th Anna Dalzell 4:43, 1314th Simon Gilbert , Sean Corbett and Claire Rouse 4:48, 1333rd Mandy Ward 4:48, 1343rd Vanessa Knowles 4:50, 1388th Richard Kemp & Luke Holway 5:00, 1405th Pip Vanham 5:02 and 1423rd Katy Campbell 5:05.  There were 1589 finishers.
The 9 mile Cub Run is a tough race in itself but attracted several HRC runners. First back for HRC was Suzanne Spiller who came 3rd lady overall, 28th position in 1:23, Thomas Lilley isn’t old enough to take part in the full Grizzly but was next back for HRC to come 29th also in 1:23. Other HRC runners: 41st Ceri Oak 1:26, 110th Roger Saunders 1:37, 181st Tracey Perry 1:46, 214th Rebecca Stevens 1:50, 238th Kate Harding 1:53, 306th Simon Bates 2:00, 365th Alan Nicholls 2:06, 366th Denis Costello 2:07, 395th Helen Oliff 2:10, 475th Emma Davey 2:16, 484th Teresa Pollard 2:17 and 550th Clare Melbourne 2:27. There were 590 finishers and the race was won by Sidmouth Running Club’s Ben Chesters in 1:10.
The Grizzly and Grizzly Cub races formed part of the Grizzly Fest weekend and some HRC juniors took part in the Junior Grizzly held on Saturday, 9th March. The race was won by Jacob Bell in 15 minutes 55 seconds. Ben Matthews came 12th in 19:12, Maicey Bennet came 23rd in 21:53 and Skye Simmons came 25th in 22:08. There were 31 finishers. There was also a Junior Cub run which was won by Will Birchall of Mrs Ethelston’s School and there were 128 children taking part. A further 129 children took part in the fun run which was won by Exmouth Harriers’ Ellis Brown.
Thanks to Axe Valley Runners’ Grizzly Committee, the landowners, the marshals especially the 8 from the club, sponsors and everyone else who was involved in any way in putting on this fabulous, well organised weekend. 
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Looe 10 miler.
Honiton Running Club had a sole representative at the Looe 10 miler on Saturday, 23rd February. This is an undulating run, and with 1600ft of total ascent, it is as advertised 'hilly and hellish'! The race is organised by Looe Pioneers Running Club; Sherrie Hair ran this in memory of the club’s founder Ian Slee who was a good family friend and running inspiration. There were 517 finishers, with Tony Brewer winning in a time of 1:01:13. Sherrie was 2nd lady, finishing in 1:17:19.
George (7yrs) and Samuel (5yrs) Hair took part in the 1 mile fun run. All funds were raised for Cornwall Air Ambulance.
Dalwood 3 Hills' Challenge
Several Honiton Running Club members took the short journey to Dalwood to take part in the Dalwood 3 Hills’ Challenge last Sunday which is a tough 10 mile multi-terrain race boasting 4 hills rather than the suggested 3. It was the hottest day of the year so far and Dalwood was bathed in glorious sunshine. There are some stunning views at the top of the hills and with the visibility excellent this was a treat for all. Although the weather was dry, it didn’t follow that the ground was dry and runners were not disappointed with the amount of mud to wade through. Adam Hennessey was the first back for HRC coming 6th overall in 1 hour 16 minutes and 3 seconds. Steve Davey followed in 41st place in 1:37:15 having just overtaken HRC’s first lady back, Ceri Oak, who finished 43rd in 1:37:41. Ceri and Judy Davey raced each other down the last hill and Judy finished just 7 seconds behind her winning her age category prize. Paula Ferris had a great run, much faster than last year, storming home to come 50th in 1:39:53. Simon Spiller feels his training is lacking distance so he did well to finish 57th in 1:43:47. Rachel Hennessey was next back coming 81st in 1:57:35. This is the furthest race Emma Davey has tackled and it’s not an easy one! She came 85th in 2:02:02. Claire Rouse was using this as a training run and came 91st in 2:08:57 and finishing the HRC line-up was Pip Vanham who came 95th in 2:26:13. The race was won by Axe Valley Runners’ James Green in a time of 1:08:50 and there were 97 finishers.  
Several HRC juniors took part in the Fun Run which was won by Oscar Purchase in 11 minutes 4 seconds.  Max Spiller led HRC home to come 5th in 11:32 and he was followed by Mason Peck who came 9th in 12:09. Max’s sister Ella was the 1st girl back for HRC coming 11th in 12:30. Next came a trio of brothers in the form of Harry, Ben and Charlie Entwistle who came 13th in 13:55, 18th in 15:31 and 22nd in 19:41 respectively. Maicey Bennett set out to tackle the Fun Run but ended up running the Mini Challenge so she did well to be given a time of 37 minutes. There were 24 finishers.
 Thanks to Dalwood Run Committee, the landowners and marshals for another great Dalwood race. 
February 2019 Handicap - Well done Bernice!
Exeter Half Marathon
The Exeter Half Marathon took place on Sunday the 10th of February with a 9am start. The weather was kind and the rain had eased when the race started.  A very well organised event by Exeter Community City Trust, mainly traffic free, flat route, run along the footpaths and cycle tracks around the River Exe and Exeter Canal. The course provided a fantastic opportunity for spring marathon training. This is exactly why Paula Ferris from Honiton Running Club took on the event, to gain an idea of how training was coming along in preparation for her 1st London Marathon in April. The 2 lap route gave the advantage of knowing what lay ahead and the pace could be monitored. Feeling strong throughout the race Paula finished in a respectable time of 1 hour 43 minutes and 18 seconds, achieving 1st place in her age category. 5th lady, and 29th place overall. There were a total of 293 runners and the race was won by Paul Sawford in 1.22.48. Paula is running the London Marathon to raise money in aid of the “Baton Charity”. If you would like to support this wonderful worthwhile cause Paula’s fundraising page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulaFerris 
Hestercombe and Hurtle Humdingers
Several Honiton Running Club members had a lot of fun  in Somerset with variable weather conditions from bright sunshine to strong headwinds and hail storms last Sunday for the Humdinger Half Marathon. Kathy Layzell ran the 5 mile Hestercombe Hurtle in 46 minutes 20 seconds and was a little peeved that she was awarded with no medal or t shirt but a biscuit! The Half Marathon is a brutal, hilly race on quiet country roads through the Quantock Hills. First home for HRC was Mike Mears who came 19th in 1.34.28. Next came the first lady for HRC, Jennie Sleeman who was 1st in her age category and finished in 1.57.17. Rachel Hennessey was next in 2.01.14 and Olivia Higginson 5 mins later in 2.06. 12 Mandy Ward did her usual sprint finish in 2.13.09.. Finishers for this race did get a t shirt and a biscuit for their efforts and enjoyed delicious cake provided by Jennie and hot chocolate from Kathy.
 
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Blackdown Beast 
The annual Blackdown Beast social run over the Blackdown Hills (10 or 16 miles) organised by Honiton Running Club is getting ever more popular with more than 230 runners taking part this year ensuring a good sum is raised for MacMillan Cancer. There were many happy runners with some of the Honiton contingent on the left. The pasties and mulled wine at the 7 mile point was especially welcome. More Photos on Beast Page.
First Chance 10K
Although still called the First Chance 10K in Exeter this race is getting later in January to allow for the effect of the tide. This year the course had been slightly altered to take account of the flood barrier works and the suspicion was it was 100m more than 10K. As always there was a good turnout from Honiton Running Club seeking for a good time early in the new year. The race was won by Jim Cole in a time of 32:29 and first lady back was Susannah Reid in 38:28. For the Honiton runners chairman Howard Bidmead was just first back at 45:56 with Jay Sweetman just 2 secs behind. Howard was second in his Vet60 category. Michael Killen was happy with his run at 51:32 ahead of his partner Olivia. Katy Campbell newly returned to the club did a very good time in 52:07 after her year long cycle around the world just beating Olivia Higginson at 52:17. Ashleigh Ford, a Honiton Junior helper, came second in the under 20 female category in a time of 56:37. Wendy Hawker who has taken more than a year off from running due to injuries managed to run a great time in 56:52 which is a PB so she finished with a big smile. Next came Clare Melbourne doing a short run for her in 57:42 and Pip Vanham did an impressive PB for her in 1:00:11 so she was overjoyed. Judging by the happy faces at the finish most runners enjoyed this event. 
Oh My Obelisk
​Honiton Running Club’s Kevin Hawker, Luke Holway, Mandy Ward and Simon Gilbert ran the Oh My Obelisk 13.4 mile race from Dawlish Leisure Centre. This is a very hilly course up to the Obelisk but coming back was not all downhill with some tough ascents over the last couple of miles. First home for Honiton was Kev Hawker coming home first vet 40 in 10th place in 1hr 33. Next home was Luke Holway in 2hr 20 running which was 20 minutes quicker than he expected. Mandy Ward was down to run the 9 mile but opted for the longer version on the day and had a fantastic run. Simon Gilbert ran his first half for a decade and loved it. Mike Mears did the shorter 9 mile version after suffering from a bad cold and came a great place winning a category prize. 

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Axmouth Challenge
​Last Sunday several Honiton Running Club members went to Axmouth to take part in the Axmouth Challenge which is a tough 9 mile multi-terrain race organised by Axe Valley Runners. It had been very cold the previous day but quite a bit warmer on the day which pleased racers. First back for Honiton was Vernon Gillard who finished 24th in 1 hour 12 minutes and 38 seconds just ahead of Jo Davey who stormed home to knock 3 minutes off her time for last year meaning she came first lady. This completed a superb running weekend for Jo who also came first lady at the Seaton Park Run on Saturday. Jo finished 9 seconds behind Vernon.  Jo’s dad, Steve, followed having battled with Jo’s mum, Judy, during the race. Steve came 34th in 1:16:55 with Judy finishing just 10 seconds later. Pippa Westall finished 52nd in 1:23:49. Mark Dallyn was suffering from lack of oxygen following a virus and came 57th in 1:24:38. Rachel Hennessey came 71st in 1:29:45 and Mandy Ward came 80th in 1:35:44. Finishing the line-up for HRC was Emma Davey who had never tackled this distance before. She finished 86th in 1:39:05. The race was won by James Green of AVR in a time of 55:50 and there were 95 finishers. There were other distances on offer including 5 mile, 3 mile and 1 mile races. HRC’s Harrison Stone took on the 3 mile race. He came 8th in 31:26. The race was won by Alexandra Carter in 22:12. Once runners finished and returned to the village hall they were treated to very welcome soup and bacon butties. 

This Week

18/03/2019

Club Calendar

Mon-Wed nights meet at 6:30pm at Honiton Community College unless
​advised otherwise below. 
New venue to meet in the gym at the rear of the college, Room P1. 
In Winter Hi Vis Essential for club runs
Monday
"Hi/Lo with booty like JLo" run from Honiton Community College. Meet at 18:30pm for briefing by Paula.
Tuesday
Juniors meet Community College
Wednesday 
5km Handicap run from play park off Old Elm Rd. Registration from 6:30pm. 
Thursday
No event 
Friday
Friday tempo run. Meet at car park on corner of Silver St/School Lane at 18:30. 1 or 2x Loops around Town.Suitable for all you run at your own pace or with others.
Saturday ​
Killerton Parkrun at 9am 
Exeter Parkrun at 9am
​Seaton Parkrun at 9am
Exmouth Parkrun at 9am. 
Haldon Forest Parkrun at 9am
Sunday

Maps and Parking here

Club Kit Page

Order Form for kit here
Page Editors
Judy, Roger