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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

HRC Christmas Meal
Lakeview Manor
Friday, 7th December
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Let Howard know if you would like to attend

Blackdown Beast
26 Jan 2019
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Honiton Hippo

Prov 14 April 19

Ottery 10K
12 May 2019

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

Exnoor Trail Races
Early last Saturday morning several members of Honiton Running Club made their way to Malmsmead on the North Exmoor Coast for a series of races through the Doone Valley and along the North Devon Coast Path. The races are organised by the Trail Events Co. and the location selected enjoys some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. The distances offered are a 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon and an Ultra. Unfortunately due to vandalism and some signs being removed some of the distances were longer than advertised.

Wayne Trump elected to run his first ever Ultra Race. 30 miles beginning at 7.30 am. Wayne had a magnificent run and out of 88 runners he finished 10th in a time of 5.26.04. The race was won by Andrew Jones in 4.24.54

Five other members elected to run the half and due to signs being moved rather than 13 miles it became 16 1/2 miles. That didn’t stop Fran Bond being the first Honiton Runner home. Not only was she the first female she finished 5th overall in a time of 2.45.24. A tremendous achievement. Mark Dallyn was next home in 22nd position in 3.02.09. Wendy McDermott came in next having had a brilliant run in 3.29.39 and finishing in 72nd position. She was followed by Jennie Sleeman in 107th place in 3.43.26. Claire Rouse suffered a knee injury on the way round but resilient to the last she finished smiling in a time of 4.07.59 in 164th. There were 211 finishers and the race was won by Mike Wood in 2.27m.

Howard Bidmead decided to run the 10k but due to the signage being tampered with this became 11k. It didn’t stop Howard having a storming run though and he finished in 13th position in 1.00.15 and first 060. There were 186 finishers and the race won by Peter Haigh in 52.59.

Great South Run, Exmoor Stagger and Stumble
Not content with running one race on the south coast the two veterans Howard Bidmead and Roger Saunders and younger Claire Rouse of Honiton Running Club headed for the Great South Run in Southsea on Sunday 21st October. It was wall to wall sunshine and quite warm with 20,000 runners lining up at the start. The route was completely flat finishing along the sea front and there was various entertainment along the route. The winner was Chris Thompson in a time of 46:56 mins and first lady was Eilish McColggan in 54:43. Howard was the first Honiton runner home, having been paced by Roger, in a great time of 1:16:42. Roger came in at 1:19:56, just behind Iwan Thomas. Claire got round in 1:33:46 another good time.

On the same day six HRC runners tackled the tough mainly off road Exmoor Stagger. This boasts 16 miles of stunning scenery including a climb up to the highest point in Somerset, Dunkery Beacon.The run includes 3600 ft of assent but for a change it was beautiful weather and the views were breath taking. The first runner back for HRC was Wayne Trump. He came 34th in 2 hours 25 minutes. The rest of the Honiton group finished within 10 minutes of each other. They were led in by Richard Harris who came 90th in 2:45 having skinned his knee falling over. Mark Dallyn was next in 96th place in 2:47 and he had turned his ankle over. Judy Davey won her age category and came 100th in 2:48. Steve Davey followed 4 minutes later. It was daughter Jo Davey’s first Stagger and she rightly felt very nervous at the start. She had a great run though coming in just 2 minutes after Dad. The race was won by James Baker in the amazing time of 1:51. Jennie Sleeman took on the baby sister of the Stagger in the form of the 6 ½ mile Stumble. This in itself is a tough run with plenty of climb and Jennie did really well to win her age category finishing in 1:02.

Great West Run & Studland Stampede
Four Honiton Running Club members took part in Exeter’s Great West Run last Sunday on a very wet day. The forecast was for the rain to clear during the morning but it rained hard before, during and after the race although the wind had dropped from the previous day which was a blessing. There were plenty of puddles stretching the width of the road to dodge. Alun Gwernan-Jones was first back for HRC in a fantastic time of 1 hour 34 minutes and 173rd place. Judy Davey was next back and having gained a free place by winning her category last year, she managed to do the same this year. She came 342nd in 1:41 which was 21 seconds faster than 2017. Mandy Ward finished 1505th in 2:11 and finishing the HRC line-up was Andy Ashford who finished 1574th in 2:13. The race was won by Peter Le Grice in 1:06 and there were 2217 finishers.
On the same day it was just as wet on the Isle of Purbeck when eight Honiton Running Club members bravely set out to tackle the Studland Stampede which is a challenging 12km run through a mix of undulating heathland, very soft sandy paths with no traction and then a final 3km run along the beach at Studland Bay with the finish visible in the far distance for a long time! Amazingly the rain stopped and the sun came out just before the race started making the race itself a pleasant experience and wonderful views along the south coast. The winning male did it in 45:02 and the first lady in 53:27. Hadleigh Davis managed to hold off Howard Bidmead and came in 58:50 with Howard who has done this race many times at 61:05. Roger Saunders another veteran of this race came in at 63:35 unable to catch Howard. Olivia Higginson had a good run at 67:11 continuing to improve her form. Claire Rouse also did well in a time of 74:11 followed by Rachel Hennessey, who after a fall last week, made sure she stayed upright this time coming in at 74:50. Asilah Jarrald who has been targeting shorter races recently after an ultra run came in with great gusto at the end in a time of 83:38 and even managed to find time to collect sea shells on the way. Finally our amazing Vet70 runner Vanessa Glyn-Jones came in at 94:25 managing 2nd in her category. This race is definitely one to try, always well organised and in a very nice region on the south coast.

Bristol Half Marathon, Minster Challenge and Jersey Marathon
Thousands of runners struggled to keep dry and warm before the start of the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday, 23rd September. Three members of Honiton Running Club were very pleased that conditions improved during the race, the heavy rain giving way to almost perfect conditions and then sunshine for the finish. Richard Harris was first in for Honiton in 1 hour 35 minutes and 27 seconds and 4th in his category; next came Pippa Westall with a PB in 1:45:15 and third in her category and Claire Rouse also got a PB finishing in 1:59:08. The race was won by Matt Clowes of Cardiff AAC in 1:05:10. There were 7028 finishers.
Last Sunday, HRC runners went to Axe Valley Community College to take part in the Minster Challenge multi-terrain 7 ½ mile race. The weather was lovely which was a relief following a very wet Saturday. It did mean that the going was muddy in places. Nick Silkstone was first back for HRC having had a fantastic run and winning a podium position of 2nd place in 50 minutes 56 seconds. Adam Hennessey was next back coming 6th in 52:53. He was followed by Rod Inglis who came 10th in 57:52. Mark Dallyn came 17th in 1:01:56. Steve Davey is getting back on form following a few months off running and came 23rd in 1:03:22 having had a sprint up the last hill with his daughter, Jo, who finished just one second later. Howard Bidmead is also running well and was pleased with his 28th place in 1:04:24. Judy Davey came 30th in 1:06:15. Jennie Sleeman stopped to help fellow HRC runner, Rachel Hennessey, who had fallen over. Rachel was forced to pull out but Jennie continued to come 41st in 1:19:54. This was Emma Davey’s first time of wearing the HRC vest and the furthest she had ever run. She thoroughly enjoyed the event and came 43rd in 1:21:20. There were 52 finishers and the race was won by Matt Clist of Axe Valley Runners in 49:05. Young Oscar Divine tackled the 0.8 mile fun run with his mum Asilah.
On the same day Richard Harris and Pippa Westall were out once again but this time much further afield. They went to St Hellier in Jersey to take part in the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon. Richard came 92nd in 3:39:32. This was Pippa’s first ever marathon and although she was nervous about completing the distance, she did well to finish 207th in 4:08:48. The race was won by Dan Tanui in 2:19:32 and there were 393 marathon finishers. There seemed like more as marathon runners also ran alongside relay teams splitting the marathon distance between them.

Stockland Scamper
Last weekend saw rain, rain and more rain and although it put many racers off taking the journey to Stockland to take part in the Stockland Scamper 10k multi-terrain run, it didn’t put off 6 Honiton Running Club members. Racers were unsure of what to wear as it was still raining hard and felt pretty cold but at 10 o’clock the rain ceased for the start of the race. Decisions made, the runners were off and the rain stayed off for an hour; enough for all of the Honiton runners to return to base. Delicious chocolate brownies greeted runners at the finish but these soon had to be taken in as the heavens opened again. Rod Inglis was first back for HRC coming 6th overall in 48 minutes 41 seconds. Newish HRC runner Wayne Trump came 8th in 49:10 and next was David Perkins in 16th place in 53:16. Judy Davey was next back coming 1st lady overall and hot on her heels just 2 places later was daughter Jo who finished in 55:35 and also picked up a prize as 2nd lady. It was a family affair as Dad, Steve, followed just 50 seconds later; his first race for several months. There were 31 finishers. Thanks to the marshals for keeping runners on track in such bad weather, the cake makers, the landowners and the rest of the organisers, especially Emma Parris who bravely took on the event once again after battling with hornets last year.

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!

This Week

12/11/2018

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
Poppy run at 6:30pm please wear red + Hi Vis. Start at Community College.
Tuesday Juniors meet at HCC.
Wednesday
Howard's Fartlek training. Meet Community College at 6:30. Hi vis essential.
Thursday
No activity.
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
HRC en masse at Exmouth Parkrun at 9am.
Sunday
Castle Drogo 10 mile

Maps and Parking here

Club Kit Page

Order Form for kit here

Page Editors
Judy, Roger