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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 EventsBeast 2017
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Latest News
Stockland Scamper & Barnstaple Half Marathon
Honiton Running Club members didn’t have to travel too far last Sunday to take part in the Stockland Scamper 10k race. This is a multi-terrain run with fields, tracks, road and several hills and is organised by Stockland Primary Academy PTFA. The overall race winner was Sam Hopton of South West Road Runners in the amazing time of exactly 40 minutes. Honiton’s first runner home was also the youngest. George Tomkins is only 13 but managed a fantastic 6th place in 44:05. The next HRC runner home was at the other end of Honiton’s age spectrum in the form of Rod Inglis. He came 13th in 49:09. He was followed by Phil Bartlett who was 1 place and just 7 seconds later. Mark Dallyn has been training hard for Bournemouth Marathon next week and came 20th in 50:15 just ahead of Dan Strawbridge who came in 40 seconds later. Adam Tomkins came 24th in 51:30 and Steve Davey came 26th in 52:08. He was followed by his wife, Judy, who collected two bottles of wine for coming 3rd lady overall and winning her age category. She was 29th in 54:29. The Davey trio was completed by daughter Jo who directly followed her mum in a time less than a minute slower in 55:26. Stockland’s Headteacher and HRC member, David Perkins, was next sporting a fetching pink tutu and matching socks. He was 36th in 57:42 crossing the line to the delight and support of several of his pupils. Tim Wigram has not been too well over the past couple of weeks but he finished 40th in 59:08 followed by George and Adam’s mum, Katherine Tomkins, who came 46th in 1:02:26. There were 58 finishers. Thanks to Stockland PTFA for putting on such a fantastic event especially the main organiser Emma Parris. 
Meanwhile, a little further afield, Jennie Sleeman, Asilah Jarrald, Debbie Vinnicombe, Vanessa Knowles and Kathy Layzell were taking part in the Barnstaple Half Marathon. Jennie finished in 1 hour 53, Asilah in 1:58:30 for her first half marathon, Vanessa back to running now finished in 2:07:51, Kathy was very pleased to finish in 2:10 getting back to last year’s form and finally Debbie completed the course in 2:20:30.
September Handicap
Bridgwater Half
Kevin Hawker, Wendy Williams, Bernice Bastin and Tom Bornet of Honiton Running Club did the Bridgwater Half on a very windy day last Sunday in preparation for Jersey Marathon at the beginning of October. Wendy and Bernice had great runs both getting personal best times; Wendy by a huge six minutes and Bernice by 2 minutes. Both finished crossing the line just a second apart in 2 hours 7 minutes. Kevin had an unfortunate run choking on a jelly baby at six miles but managed to work his way through the field to finish 4th overall. A great result but he was disappointed as he was 3 minutes slower than last year in 1:19:26. Tom had a good run looking strong at the finish. August Handicap
Well done Asilah 
Jurassic 10K
On a very windy day on Saturday 20th Aug an intrepid group of runners turned up at Budleigh Salterton Lime Kiln car park to undertake the Jurassic 10K. This run takes in great scenery along the coast path from Budleigh to Ladram Bay and back alongside the river Otter. The wind helped to push the runners along the coast path but heavy showers reduced the enjoyment of the run. Tom Bornet led HRC runners home in 20th position in 42:56, followed by Richard Harris who only just made it to the race but got a time of 45:43 after being motivated by 3 tall runners in front of him. Roger Saunders was next in 48:00 having tripped over at the start 'Mo style' collecting several flesh wounds. Pippa Westall had a good run in 49:57 and David Perkins in 52:06 who hopes to train more in the winter months. Asilah Jarrald is enjoying her running and came home in 54:51 followed by Rachel Hennessey in 55:28. Karen Lister ran it in 57:16. Tony Peek who has been harbouring several injuries recently still managed a time of 58:21. Vanessa Knowles came in at 59:12 followed by Kathy Layzell in 61:24 complete with hair again. Debbie Vinnicombe was in at 62:35, Dawn Peek in 64:04 and finally Wendy LeMasurier in 82:52 who was running with a friend and is preparing for HRCs forthcoming trip to the Jersey Marathon. The race was won by David Bruce in 34:55 and Claire Grima the first lady home in 38:50. Thanks go to the race organiser Jane Newman and Peak Physio for a great event. Some photos are available from Howard just click here and more will be revealed. Salisbury 54321
Steve Boyes ran the Salisbury 54321 marathon with a time of 4hours 20min. This trail run is an event suited to all the family, with a choice of distances from 5km to the more demanding 42k/Marathon, or even a 50k Ultra Marathon. The routes are over footpaths, bridle ways and quiet country roads in the Salisbury Wessex area. It was very hot but as Steve says not a bad time for an old duffer! July Handicap
Well done Nick! 
Great Newham 10K London Run
On Sunday, two Honiton athletes (James Denne and Gemma Collier) made the long trip up to the Olympic Park in London to take part in the Great Newham 10K London Run. More than 11,000 people took part with the race looping around Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park before giving runners the only opportunity to run into the Stadium and cross the finish line where Mo Farah and Jess Ennis-Hill won gold in 2012. On arrival, athletes were met with humid conditions with the thermometer hitting 26 degrees celsius for the start of the race. James was the first athlete overall in a time of 32.44, with a clear advantage of 40 seconds to his nearest rival (James Bellward of Bedford and County Harriers) who beat him at the first ever Honiton Hippo back in 2009. Gemma had another encouraging performance in finishing 5th lady in 41.48. "The atmosphere at the Great Newham London Run was incredible. I was in the stadium to see David Rudisha win gold at the Olympics and to think that I have followed him onto this track is amazing. I was going to sprint the last 300 metres but decided to slow down and enjoy the moment. It’s been a phenomenal day." Said James on his interview with ITV. Both James and Gemma flew the Honiton flag well and the results of these races show that the extra hard training James and Gemma do pays off. 
Ham to Lyme Ultra & Mrs E's Big Wheeze
On Saturday the 9th July, 5 Honiton Runners took part in the second annual running of the Ham to Lyme Ultra Marathon. This is a mixed terrain race organised by Albion Running with two distances on offer, 50k or the out and back 100k, needless to say the HRC runners all choose the 50k. The course followed the Liberty Trail from Ham Hill through some beautiful countryside taking in West Chinnok, Crewkerne, Misterton, Ford Abbey, Wotton Fitzpaine, Lamberts Castle and finally Lyme Regis. The race started at 9:30 and pace was relaxed from the start with all mindful of just trying to finish rather than get a PB or top place. All of the Honiton Runners stayed within a mile of each other until Lamberts castle and then they all started to stretch out as they gauged how much was left in the tank. First home for Honiton was Suzanne Spiller and Daniel Strawbridge (33rd-34th) in a time of 5:56:35. They split off from the pack so Suzanne could catch 4 more female contenders she had seen up ahead. She did catch them and nearly killed Dan in the process but it meant they had a great time and 4th lady. Next home were Tim Wigram and Simon Spiller (43rd / 44th) in 6:05:33 and then Sharon Wells in 58th in an awesome time of 6:24:59. There were 125 runners and the race was won by Iain Trickett in unimaginable time of 4:26:34. It was also great to see Tracey and Bruce Strawbridge out along the course at many places cheering the team on providing well needed encouragement. Also out to support at the finish line were Ben, Donna and the rest of the Stone family which was a great sight and well received after 50k. Last Sunday, Honiton had a great turn out for Mrs E’s Big Wheeze based at Mrs Ethelston’s Primary School in Uplyme. This hilly multi-terrain 10k was completed in conditions that were too warm for most of the runners. First home for Honiton was David Hawker who had had a battle with Rod Inglis throughout the race swapping positions many times. David came 15th in 46:26 with Rod coming 16th in 47:11. Four HRC runners followed in quick succession beginning with Steve Davey who came 18th in 47:55 followed directly by 3rd lady Ceri Oak in 48:24. Then came Mark Dallyn in 48:59 and Howard Bidmead in 50:06. Judy Davey was only 4 places later finishing in 53:05 and winning her age category. Lynn Pike came 35th in 57:26 having kept in front of Katherine Tomkins who finished 19 seconds later. Tony Peek hasn’t raced in while and although he found it tough, he came 45th in 1:02:56. Kathy Layzell has done this race before and returned because she particularly enjoyed the woods last time forgetting about the hills. She came 48th in 1:04:12. The race was won by Jake Smith in a course record of 36:04 and there were 63 finishers. Also on offer was a 5k and children’s 2k race. 
Woodland Relays & Otter Rail and River Run
On Wednesday, 6th July, Honiton Running Club hosted the Woodland Relays held at Escot. This was a competition between invited running clubs including The Met Office, Axe Valley Runners, Exmouth Harriers, Pure Endurance Tri Club, N1 and Sidmouth as well as some other random combinations of runners. It’s a great competition as teams of 3 compete against each other with adults and children running exactly the same route and at the same time. The N1 men were overall victors with Pure Endurance Tri winning the mixed team and Exmouth Harriers winning for the ladies.Honiton’s Three Stooges won for the male vets and Honiton Lady Vets won the lady vet prize. Several primary schools entered their own teams and this prize was won by West Hill. Honiton Junior Boys also won the under 15 category. A great evening full of fun with thanks going to Roger Saunders as Race Director and main organiser of the event. The results are here. Last Saturday, Honiton RC had a great turn out for the 10th anniversary running of the Otter Rail and River Run which is based at Tipton St John. This is a fairly flat multi-terrain run which boasts fast times for an off road run. The race was won by Sam Hopton in 36 minutes 29 seconds and the first back for Honiton RC was Chris Entwistle who came 13th in 42:22. Alasdair Moffett followed coming 18th in 43:48 and then came Steve Davey who was 25th in 45:15. Richard Harris came 29th in 46:04 ahead of Howard Bidmead who stormed round to come 31st in 46:14 and he was followed closely by Mark Dallyn 3 places and 23 seconds later. Sherrie Hair was the first Honiton lady to return managing to win her age category in the process. She came 36th in 46:52. Vernon Gillard was pleased with his race especially as he managed to overtake Judy Davey and Esme Moffett in the last ½ mile. Vernon came 47th in 48:29 and hot on his heels was Julie Payne who had also overtaken Judy and Esme at the same point. Julie did especially well considering she had fallen over early on in the race. She was 2 places and 4 seconds behind Vernon with Judy coming 54th in 48:58 with Esme 1 place and 8 seconds behind her. Pippa Westall was next back coming 64th in 51 minutes. Lynn Pike had a great run finishing 86th in 54:30 with Jennie Sleeman just 3 seconds behind her with Jennie winning her age category. Asilah Jarrald followed coming 104th in 56:56. Teresa Pollard followed in 144th place in 1:01:25 just 2 places and 14 seconds ahead of Kathy Layzell. Carol Turnham completed the Honiton line-up in great style coming 159th in 1:04:28. There were 196 finishers. Charmouth Challenge
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James, Kevin, Hadleigh and Gemma with their trophies at Forde Abbey
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Forde Abbey 10K
This event has been missed for a few years but Chard Running Club have revived it albeit with a different route although similar experience of mud, mud and more mud followed by a nice wade through the River Axe. There was even a stretch like Branscombe beach. A good turnout from Honiton Running resulted in many prizes for the club with James Denne as the first runner back in 41:41 and Kevin Hawker third in 44:15. Gemma Collier was first lady in 51:13 and Honiton also got the team prize. Well done to all. Fin Fuller was 14th in 48:25, Hadleigh Davies 40th in 53:22 and Richard Harris close behind in 53:39 despite arriving late as usual. Roger Saunders struggled on the hills but got home in 59:00 closely followed by Esme and Alasdair Moffett in 59:19. Pippa Westall in 60:39, Lynn Pike 65:22 and Jennie Sleeman showing she can still run as well as ride a bike in 65:47. It was Nick Thorpe's birthday so he celebrated by running in 67:00 followed by Bernice Bastin in 67:31 and Wendy Williams in 69:36. Carol Turnham and Kathy Layzell both came in together at 78:46. The evening was rounded off with a picnic hosted by Wendy. |
Tintinhull 10k, Pitchcroft 10k and Blackdown Beauty
Two Honiton Running Club members, James Denne and Gemma Collier had a busy few days last week, with two races in four days.On Wednesday, they travelled up to the village of Tintinhull in Somerset to compete in a multi-terrain race over 10K. Upon arrival, they were met by some friendly and supportive locals with temperatures warm for a nice summer’s evening. James ran hard for the first 4K before establishing a big lead then eased back to save his legs for Sunday. He won the race overall in a time of 36 minutes 14 seconds, three and a half minutes ahead of the next athlete. Gemma won the ladies race (11th overall) by two minutes in 44.37. There were 105 runners. On Sunday, they raced at the Pitchcroft 10K at Worcester Racecourse. The race consisted of a flat 3 lap course, with a strong head wind on the back straight. James was second in 32.38, in a very competitive field. Gemma ran a massive personal best by 50 seconds to finish third in the ladies race with a time of 40.01.
Quite a number of HRC members were involved with the Club’s own Blackdown Beauty last Saturday. This is a social run around the Blackdown Hills’ countryside with the option to stop at several pubs and also the very necessary stop at Stapley for a sumptuous cream tea. Runners had the choice of running anything between 10 and 19 miles and the base was at Priors Park Farm, Culmhead. Thank you to the Parry family for the use of their gorgeous garden and all the ladies of Smeatharpe WI for making the scones and serving welcome cups of tea. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way including Jim Hill and family for giving up part of the farm for the day by providing the ideal base for the run including a barn for the post run barbecue. All money raised goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Keep an eye on the website www.honitonrc.com for the winter version - The Blackdown Beast due to be held in January.
Two Honiton Running Club members, James Denne and Gemma Collier had a busy few days last week, with two races in four days.On Wednesday, they travelled up to the village of Tintinhull in Somerset to compete in a multi-terrain race over 10K. Upon arrival, they were met by some friendly and supportive locals with temperatures warm for a nice summer’s evening. James ran hard for the first 4K before establishing a big lead then eased back to save his legs for Sunday. He won the race overall in a time of 36 minutes 14 seconds, three and a half minutes ahead of the next athlete. Gemma won the ladies race (11th overall) by two minutes in 44.37. There were 105 runners. On Sunday, they raced at the Pitchcroft 10K at Worcester Racecourse. The race consisted of a flat 3 lap course, with a strong head wind on the back straight. James was second in 32.38, in a very competitive field. Gemma ran a massive personal best by 50 seconds to finish third in the ladies race with a time of 40.01.
Quite a number of HRC members were involved with the Club’s own Blackdown Beauty last Saturday. This is a social run around the Blackdown Hills’ countryside with the option to stop at several pubs and also the very necessary stop at Stapley for a sumptuous cream tea. Runners had the choice of running anything between 10 and 19 miles and the base was at Priors Park Farm, Culmhead. Thank you to the Parry family for the use of their gorgeous garden and all the ladies of Smeatharpe WI for making the scones and serving welcome cups of tea. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way including Jim Hill and family for giving up part of the farm for the day by providing the ideal base for the run including a barn for the post run barbecue. All money raised goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Keep an eye on the website www.honitonrc.com for the winter version - The Blackdown Beast due to be held in January.
June Handicap - Well done Sam!
Yeovilton Summer 5k Series
Last Wednesday, two Honiton Running Club members made the short journey to Yeovilton, Somerset to compete in the third round of the Yeovilton Summer 5K Series. Both athletes had competed just three days earlier at Fairford so still had the 10K in their legs and conditions were very humid which made running hard work. James Denne finished in 3rd place in 15.49 and Gemma Collier broke her personal best by 15 seconds to finish 8th (39th overall) in the ladies race in 19.14. There were 178 runners.
Last Wednesday, two Honiton Running Club members made the short journey to Yeovilton, Somerset to compete in the third round of the Yeovilton Summer 5K Series. Both athletes had competed just three days earlier at Fairford so still had the 10K in their legs and conditions were very humid which made running hard work. James Denne finished in 3rd place in 15.49 and Gemma Collier broke her personal best by 15 seconds to finish 8th (39th overall) in the ladies race in 19.14. There were 178 runners.
Forces March & Fairford 10k
Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes took part in the 7th Forces March from 25th to 29th May. It involved 139 miles in 5 days with camping in between. He was joined by Axe Valley Runners Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward where some friendly rivalry took place. The first Ultra of 28 miles went from Ilfracombe to Exford. Geoff and Steve finished ahead of Stephen. They are 5 years younger so Stephen was happy enough. There were still another 4 ultra marathons to run & plenty of time for revenge. Day 2: Exford to Crowcombe where they met the locals who put on tea & cake in a steam train . Stephen was ahead of the other two but waited for them; plenty of time to beat them later. Day 3: Crowcombe to Langport - 29 miles starting with the primary school children singing to the participants. At the 26 mile point Stephen decided to reap revenge on the infamous duo finishing the leg way ahead of them. Day 4: The route meanders through various villages & finishes in lovely Maiden Bradley. The distance is almost 30 miles. Stephen was way ahead of his deadly duo trying to keep up with the front runners until at 15 miles he experienced severe pain reducing his pace dramatically leading to thoughts of dropping out. Geoff and Steve passed him at Bruton giving sympathetic gestures which almost felt genuine. Day 5: Is always the easiest, because mentally everyone wants to achieve. Stephen’s pain subsided and Geoff and Steve weren’t up for a race & even stopped for ice cream . The route Maiden Bradley to Bulford camp across Salisbury plain was 26.5 miles but Stephen managed to maintain pace and finish in 4hours 25mins. A great achievement by everyone who finished. The Forces March is organised by the Veterans Charity.
On Sunday, two Honiton RC members travelled up to the small town of Fairford, Gloucestershire to compete in the Fairford 10K. The course included a few hills over the first half with a nice flat 5k to finish. James Denne finished in 2nd place in 32.28 and Gemma Collier broke her personal best by 1 second to finish 2nd (35th overall) in the ladies race in 40.51. There were 361 runners.
Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes took part in the 7th Forces March from 25th to 29th May. It involved 139 miles in 5 days with camping in between. He was joined by Axe Valley Runners Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward where some friendly rivalry took place. The first Ultra of 28 miles went from Ilfracombe to Exford. Geoff and Steve finished ahead of Stephen. They are 5 years younger so Stephen was happy enough. There were still another 4 ultra marathons to run & plenty of time for revenge. Day 2: Exford to Crowcombe where they met the locals who put on tea & cake in a steam train . Stephen was ahead of the other two but waited for them; plenty of time to beat them later. Day 3: Crowcombe to Langport - 29 miles starting with the primary school children singing to the participants. At the 26 mile point Stephen decided to reap revenge on the infamous duo finishing the leg way ahead of them. Day 4: The route meanders through various villages & finishes in lovely Maiden Bradley. The distance is almost 30 miles. Stephen was way ahead of his deadly duo trying to keep up with the front runners until at 15 miles he experienced severe pain reducing his pace dramatically leading to thoughts of dropping out. Geoff and Steve passed him at Bruton giving sympathetic gestures which almost felt genuine. Day 5: Is always the easiest, because mentally everyone wants to achieve. Stephen’s pain subsided and Geoff and Steve weren’t up for a race & even stopped for ice cream . The route Maiden Bradley to Bulford camp across Salisbury plain was 26.5 miles but Stephen managed to maintain pace and finish in 4hours 25mins. A great achievement by everyone who finished. The Forces March is organised by the Veterans Charity.
On Sunday, two Honiton RC members travelled up to the small town of Fairford, Gloucestershire to compete in the Fairford 10K. The course included a few hills over the first half with a nice flat 5k to finish. James Denne finished in 2nd place in 32.28 and Gemma Collier broke her personal best by 1 second to finish 2nd (35th overall) in the ladies race in 40.51. There were 361 runners.
Honiton Running Club out in force at the Talaton Trotter.
It was a warm humid Saturday morning but luckily the sun stayed behind the clouds for the Talaton Trotter run on Talaton's village day with the scary scarecrows around to add extra interest. This 4.5 mile race was mainly on quiet lanes with some off-road stretches across fields. The race was won by Terry Emmett from SWRR in a time of 29:10. Steve Selley was first back for Honiton in 35:20 followed by Mark Dallyn in 35:54. Hadleigh Davies and a welcome return of Vernon Gillard came in at 36 mins. Roger Saunders recovering from another bout of man flu came in a bit further back at 38:24. Kat Tomkins a new member of the club did really well coming at 42:15 and her husband came in just behind her. Kathy Layzell, not put off by her injury last week (see below) put in a good performance coming in at 46:45 and Bernice Bastin also did well in a time of 48:30. Thanks also to Helen Bidmead, Jay Sweetman and Claire Melbourne for supporting the runners and to Robin Carter and AVR for helping to organise this annual event.
It was a warm humid Saturday morning but luckily the sun stayed behind the clouds for the Talaton Trotter run on Talaton's village day with the scary scarecrows around to add extra interest. This 4.5 mile race was mainly on quiet lanes with some off-road stretches across fields. The race was won by Terry Emmett from SWRR in a time of 29:10. Steve Selley was first back for Honiton in 35:20 followed by Mark Dallyn in 35:54. Hadleigh Davies and a welcome return of Vernon Gillard came in at 36 mins. Roger Saunders recovering from another bout of man flu came in a bit further back at 38:24. Kat Tomkins a new member of the club did really well coming at 42:15 and her husband came in just behind her. Kathy Layzell, not put off by her injury last week (see below) put in a good performance coming in at 46:45 and Bernice Bastin also did well in a time of 48:30. Thanks also to Helen Bidmead, Jay Sweetman and Claire Melbourne for supporting the runners and to Robin Carter and AVR for helping to organise this annual event.
Ashtown Tree Trial, Umborne Ug & Rock and Roll
Kathy Layzell of Honiton Running Club did The Ashtown Tree Trial 7 miles on Wednesday, 26th May. The race, near Martock, is quite flat road and off road and through a lovely nature reserve with beautiful scenery. Kathy did fall near the end but fortunately on soil although still sustained a big graze on her leg! She finished in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 43 seconds and was very pleased with her run.
On the evening of Saturday, 28th May several Honiton RC members took part in the Umborne Ug 10k multi-terrain run based at Umborne Village Hall. The forecast had been for thunder storms during the day but it was actually a lovely sunny day although once the race had started runners didn’t get far before a rumble of thunder could be heard. Luckily for everyone the rain held off for the entire race and also for the social barbecue afterwards. Terry Emmett of Axe Valley Runners won the race in a time of 43 minutes 42 seconds with Honiton’s Gemma Collier coming in as first lady. She had a fantastic race and actually came 3rd overall. Adam Hennessey also had a great race coming 7th in 49:57 as did Rod Inglis who came 11th in 51:26. Richard Harris led the next trio of Honiton runners home coming 15th in 52:57 with Steve Davey 16th in 53:22 and Ceri Oak 17th 53:23 winning her age category. Mark Dallyn followed soon after coming 21st in 54:06 just ahead of Hadleigh Davies albeit 1 minute 33 seconds quicker. Judy Davey came 29th in 57:56 followed by Kerry-Ann Upham 3 places and just 30 seconds later. Rachel Hennessey was next back coming 44th in 1:05:24 with Katherine Tomkins wearing her Honiton shirt for the first time coming 2 places later in 1:06:09. Bernice Bastin came 57th in 1:11:16 with Rachel Horwood coming 66th in 1:16:40. There were 71 finishers. Honiton’s George Tomkins won the Fun Run in 9:53 over 1 ½ minutes ahead of the second runner. Lara Oak also took part with her dad, Warren coming 28th in 15:21. George’s younger brother Harry finished 38th in 17:22. There were 51 finishers. Thanks to Rick and Eleanor Wood who were the main organisers of the event with money raised going to the upkeep of Umborne Hall.
Five ladies from Honiton RC living in Cullompton having raised over £3000 running for charity in the London Marathon, finished their running tour on bank holiday weekend running 3 races in the lovely city of Liverpool. Running the 'Rock n Roll' series of races over 2 days was amazing. Taking in all the sights of Liverpool from the docks to the Cavern Club through the park where Paul McCartney’s parents first met. Running up Penny Lane whilst singing the famous song will be something none of them will forget. It was one of the hottest weekends but Michelle Selley, Karen Lister, Anna Dalzell, Vanessa Knowles and Debbie Vinnicombe sporting injuries from the London Marathon still managed to run the 5k section dressed up carrying inflatable guitars. They said they will definitely be returning next year. The people and the city are just fantastic and the 'Rock n Roll' organisers were brilliant.
Kathy Layzell of Honiton Running Club did The Ashtown Tree Trial 7 miles on Wednesday, 26th May. The race, near Martock, is quite flat road and off road and through a lovely nature reserve with beautiful scenery. Kathy did fall near the end but fortunately on soil although still sustained a big graze on her leg! She finished in a time of 1 hour 10 minutes and 43 seconds and was very pleased with her run.
On the evening of Saturday, 28th May several Honiton RC members took part in the Umborne Ug 10k multi-terrain run based at Umborne Village Hall. The forecast had been for thunder storms during the day but it was actually a lovely sunny day although once the race had started runners didn’t get far before a rumble of thunder could be heard. Luckily for everyone the rain held off for the entire race and also for the social barbecue afterwards. Terry Emmett of Axe Valley Runners won the race in a time of 43 minutes 42 seconds with Honiton’s Gemma Collier coming in as first lady. She had a fantastic race and actually came 3rd overall. Adam Hennessey also had a great race coming 7th in 49:57 as did Rod Inglis who came 11th in 51:26. Richard Harris led the next trio of Honiton runners home coming 15th in 52:57 with Steve Davey 16th in 53:22 and Ceri Oak 17th 53:23 winning her age category. Mark Dallyn followed soon after coming 21st in 54:06 just ahead of Hadleigh Davies albeit 1 minute 33 seconds quicker. Judy Davey came 29th in 57:56 followed by Kerry-Ann Upham 3 places and just 30 seconds later. Rachel Hennessey was next back coming 44th in 1:05:24 with Katherine Tomkins wearing her Honiton shirt for the first time coming 2 places later in 1:06:09. Bernice Bastin came 57th in 1:11:16 with Rachel Horwood coming 66th in 1:16:40. There were 71 finishers. Honiton’s George Tomkins won the Fun Run in 9:53 over 1 ½ minutes ahead of the second runner. Lara Oak also took part with her dad, Warren coming 28th in 15:21. George’s younger brother Harry finished 38th in 17:22. There were 51 finishers. Thanks to Rick and Eleanor Wood who were the main organisers of the event with money raised going to the upkeep of Umborne Hall.
Five ladies from Honiton RC living in Cullompton having raised over £3000 running for charity in the London Marathon, finished their running tour on bank holiday weekend running 3 races in the lovely city of Liverpool. Running the 'Rock n Roll' series of races over 2 days was amazing. Taking in all the sights of Liverpool from the docks to the Cavern Club through the park where Paul McCartney’s parents first met. Running up Penny Lane whilst singing the famous song will be something none of them will forget. It was one of the hottest weekends but Michelle Selley, Karen Lister, Anna Dalzell, Vanessa Knowles and Debbie Vinnicombe sporting injuries from the London Marathon still managed to run the 5k section dressed up carrying inflatable guitars. They said they will definitely be returning next year. The people and the city are just fantastic and the 'Rock n Roll' organisers were brilliant.
Run Exe Relays & Clyst Hydon Huff
On Friday, four of the faster Honiton Running Club members took part in the Run Exe Relays. Honiton came 10th overall out of 48 teams and James Denne managed to post the 4th fastest leg overall out of the 192 runners. The weather was fine for the first leg but then deteriorated into heavy rain so the final leg runners got quite wet. Chris Entwistle finished in 15:10, Hadleigh Davies 16:33, Kevin Hawker 13:50 with James finishing in 12:49. Roger Saunders was running for Met Office and finished in 18:25.
On Sunday, several HRC members took part in the inaugural Clyst Hydon Huff 10k which is about 2/3 road with 1/3 in the Ash Clyst Forest. The weather was perfect and the rain held off until all the runners had returned and were safely eating cake in the village hall. The winner was Honiton’s own James Denne running his 2nd race of the weekend. He finished in 39 minutes 4 seconds almost 2 minutes ahead of the 2nd placed runner. Steve Davey was next back albeit 12 minutes behind James. Steve came 18th in 52:02. Mark Dallyn followed even though he was feeling slightly under the weather. He finished 21st in 52:34. Ceri Oak was one of the main organisers of the event but she managed to put on her running shoes finishing 1st lady for Honiton in 23rd place in 53:06. Howard Bidmead was next back coming 28th in 53:51. Judy Davey could see Howard for most of the race and came one place later in 55 minutes winning an age category prize. Jo Davey came 32nd in 55:56. Andy Ashford was next back coming 48th in 1:04:01. Clare Melbourne and Jay Sweetman were running together and enjoyed the race coming 68th in 1:11:32. There were 87 finishers. There was also a 2k race mainly for juniors with an amazing 102 runners taking part. Honiton’s Karen Hayes decided 2k was quite long enough and she came 89th and managed to enjoy watching the 10k racers finish.
The event was organised by Clyst Hydon Primary School who need to be congratulated on the success of this event. Despite the hills, most of the runners said they would return next year.
On Friday, four of the faster Honiton Running Club members took part in the Run Exe Relays. Honiton came 10th overall out of 48 teams and James Denne managed to post the 4th fastest leg overall out of the 192 runners. The weather was fine for the first leg but then deteriorated into heavy rain so the final leg runners got quite wet. Chris Entwistle finished in 15:10, Hadleigh Davies 16:33, Kevin Hawker 13:50 with James finishing in 12:49. Roger Saunders was running for Met Office and finished in 18:25.
On Sunday, several HRC members took part in the inaugural Clyst Hydon Huff 10k which is about 2/3 road with 1/3 in the Ash Clyst Forest. The weather was perfect and the rain held off until all the runners had returned and were safely eating cake in the village hall. The winner was Honiton’s own James Denne running his 2nd race of the weekend. He finished in 39 minutes 4 seconds almost 2 minutes ahead of the 2nd placed runner. Steve Davey was next back albeit 12 minutes behind James. Steve came 18th in 52:02. Mark Dallyn followed even though he was feeling slightly under the weather. He finished 21st in 52:34. Ceri Oak was one of the main organisers of the event but she managed to put on her running shoes finishing 1st lady for Honiton in 23rd place in 53:06. Howard Bidmead was next back coming 28th in 53:51. Judy Davey could see Howard for most of the race and came one place later in 55 minutes winning an age category prize. Jo Davey came 32nd in 55:56. Andy Ashford was next back coming 48th in 1:04:01. Clare Melbourne and Jay Sweetman were running together and enjoyed the race coming 68th in 1:11:32. There were 87 finishers. There was also a 2k race mainly for juniors with an amazing 102 runners taking part. Honiton’s Karen Hayes decided 2k was quite long enough and she came 89th and managed to enjoy watching the 10k racers finish.
The event was organised by Clyst Hydon Primary School who need to be congratulated on the success of this event. Despite the hills, most of the runners said they would return next year.
Haldon Heartbeat, Ottery 10k & Exeter Marathon
Honiton Running Club’s Gemma Collier competed in the Haldon Heartbeat race on Saturday starting at Exeter Racecourse. The off-road race was 8.1 miles around Harcombe Woods in Haldon Forest. Gemma finished first female in a time of 56:19, over three minutes ahead of the next female finisher. This time placed her twelfth overall out of 129 finishers.
The Ottery 10k race organised by Honiton Running Club took place last Sunday on a gorgeous sunny spring day. Ottery Carnival Committee provided many of the marshals on the day and although many HRC members were involved with organisation on the day, the Club still managed to sport 27 runners. This all road course is around the streets of Ottery St Mary and is billed as fairly flat although in the heat of the day most runners disagreed with this. The race was won by Andrew Chambers in 33 minutes 32 seconds with Robert Mann coming 2nd and Ryan Snell 3rd. The winner for the ladies was Ellie Dominey who had a hotly contested race to the finish line with 2nd placed lady Elizabeth Dyson. Cathy Newman was 3rd lady. Young George Tomkins showed the adults how it was done by leading the HRC runners home to come 14th in 38:49. Richard Harris was several minutes later in 44th place in 44:02. Jo Davey was first lady home for Honiton coming 69th in 47:04 beating her time of last year by over a minute. Other Honiton runners were: 46th Tom Bornet 44:13, 49th Mark Dallyn 44:23, 50th Dan Strawbridge 44:36, 56th Vernon Gillard 46:00, 66th Stephen Boyes 46:47, 70th Brent Dicks 47:25, 72nd Paula Ferris 47:29, 73rd Mark Andow 47:38, 82nd Pippa Westall 47:29, 88th Katy Campbell 50:13, 91st Rachel Hennessey 50:45, 98th Linda Pike 51:37, 105th Darren Roberts 52:07, 112th Katherine Tomkins 52:54, 113th Andy Ashford 53:03, 136th Matt Phillips 55:58, 146th Asilah Jarrald 56:49, 159th Joe Daly 59:01, 166th Teresa and Sam Pollard 1:00:56, 171st Bernice Bastin 1:01:32, 178th Carol Turnham 1:03:43, 204th Miranda Maybank 1:11:50 and 210th Vanessa Glyn-Jones 1:14:26. There were 215 finishers. There was also a 1 mile fun run open to youngsters. HRC’s Harrison Stone came 2nd winning chocolate, a trophy, a medal and a tee-shirt for his efforts. Huge thanks to all the sponsors, the Cricket Club, the Carnival Club and anyone else who made the day such a success.
Whilst most of Honiton were involved in the Ottery run, David Perkins took on the challenge of the Exeter marathon. David was sweating his round representing the Honiton colours and although he struggled with heat, he still managed to improve his PB by 11 minutes finishing in 4hrs 24mins.
Honiton Running Club’s Gemma Collier competed in the Haldon Heartbeat race on Saturday starting at Exeter Racecourse. The off-road race was 8.1 miles around Harcombe Woods in Haldon Forest. Gemma finished first female in a time of 56:19, over three minutes ahead of the next female finisher. This time placed her twelfth overall out of 129 finishers.
The Ottery 10k race organised by Honiton Running Club took place last Sunday on a gorgeous sunny spring day. Ottery Carnival Committee provided many of the marshals on the day and although many HRC members were involved with organisation on the day, the Club still managed to sport 27 runners. This all road course is around the streets of Ottery St Mary and is billed as fairly flat although in the heat of the day most runners disagreed with this. The race was won by Andrew Chambers in 33 minutes 32 seconds with Robert Mann coming 2nd and Ryan Snell 3rd. The winner for the ladies was Ellie Dominey who had a hotly contested race to the finish line with 2nd placed lady Elizabeth Dyson. Cathy Newman was 3rd lady. Young George Tomkins showed the adults how it was done by leading the HRC runners home to come 14th in 38:49. Richard Harris was several minutes later in 44th place in 44:02. Jo Davey was first lady home for Honiton coming 69th in 47:04 beating her time of last year by over a minute. Other Honiton runners were: 46th Tom Bornet 44:13, 49th Mark Dallyn 44:23, 50th Dan Strawbridge 44:36, 56th Vernon Gillard 46:00, 66th Stephen Boyes 46:47, 70th Brent Dicks 47:25, 72nd Paula Ferris 47:29, 73rd Mark Andow 47:38, 82nd Pippa Westall 47:29, 88th Katy Campbell 50:13, 91st Rachel Hennessey 50:45, 98th Linda Pike 51:37, 105th Darren Roberts 52:07, 112th Katherine Tomkins 52:54, 113th Andy Ashford 53:03, 136th Matt Phillips 55:58, 146th Asilah Jarrald 56:49, 159th Joe Daly 59:01, 166th Teresa and Sam Pollard 1:00:56, 171st Bernice Bastin 1:01:32, 178th Carol Turnham 1:03:43, 204th Miranda Maybank 1:11:50 and 210th Vanessa Glyn-Jones 1:14:26. There were 215 finishers. There was also a 1 mile fun run open to youngsters. HRC’s Harrison Stone came 2nd winning chocolate, a trophy, a medal and a tee-shirt for his efforts. Huge thanks to all the sponsors, the Cricket Club, the Carnival Club and anyone else who made the day such a success.
Whilst most of Honiton were involved in the Ottery run, David Perkins took on the challenge of the Exeter marathon. David was sweating his round representing the Honiton colours and although he struggled with heat, he still managed to improve his PB by 11 minutes finishing in 4hrs 24mins.
Beer Blazer
It was the hottest day of the year so far last Sunday and Honiton Running Club was well represented at the Beer Blazer 10k off road run. The course takes in some of the Grizzly course including the length of Branscombe Beach and the infamous Stairway to Heaven. James Denne won the race and led HRC home too in the fantastic time of 40 minutes 57 seconds over 3 minutes ahead of the 2nd runner. James’ other half Gemma Collier was first lady back for HRC and 2nd lady overall in 52:01. She had only decided she would run ½ an hour before the race so was obviously delighted with the result. Rod Inglis surprised everyone to finish next in 20th place and 54:28 as his speed has been steady in training recently. Sherrie Hair came back saying she had changed her mind about running the Grizzly next year but she had a great run finishing 4th lady, 22nd overall in 55:06. Mark Dallyn led the next trio of HRC runners home coming 24th, 25th and 26th with Mark finishing in 56:19, David Hawker 5 seconds later and Steve Davey 7 seconds after David. Dan Strawbridge never really found his pace finishing 29th in 57:13. Howard Bidmead came 35th in 58:56 trying desperately to keep Judy Davey behind him which he managed. Judy finished 38th in 59:38. Jo Davey was another who found this race particularly tough and also says she has been put off running the Grizzly! She finished 50th in 1:02:50.Linda Pike had yet another great run although she found it hot. She finished 61st in 1:05:56. Brent Dicks enjoyed Branscombe Beach so much he lay down to bask in the sun before finishing the race in 63rd place in 1:06:49. Nicola Greenland enjoys off road races particularly and came 67th in 1:07:42. Claire Rouse was happy with her run coming 79th in 1:11:12. Kathy Layzell completed the HRC line-up whilst sporting a new hair cut after having her head shaved for the King’s House Day Hospice and Send a Cow charities in memory of her father. Perhaps it made her more aerodynamic as she came 105th in 1:17:44. There were 130 finishers. There were also 5k and 1 mile options with money raised going to Beer Primary School.
It was the hottest day of the year so far last Sunday and Honiton Running Club was well represented at the Beer Blazer 10k off road run. The course takes in some of the Grizzly course including the length of Branscombe Beach and the infamous Stairway to Heaven. James Denne won the race and led HRC home too in the fantastic time of 40 minutes 57 seconds over 3 minutes ahead of the 2nd runner. James’ other half Gemma Collier was first lady back for HRC and 2nd lady overall in 52:01. She had only decided she would run ½ an hour before the race so was obviously delighted with the result. Rod Inglis surprised everyone to finish next in 20th place and 54:28 as his speed has been steady in training recently. Sherrie Hair came back saying she had changed her mind about running the Grizzly next year but she had a great run finishing 4th lady, 22nd overall in 55:06. Mark Dallyn led the next trio of HRC runners home coming 24th, 25th and 26th with Mark finishing in 56:19, David Hawker 5 seconds later and Steve Davey 7 seconds after David. Dan Strawbridge never really found his pace finishing 29th in 57:13. Howard Bidmead came 35th in 58:56 trying desperately to keep Judy Davey behind him which he managed. Judy finished 38th in 59:38. Jo Davey was another who found this race particularly tough and also says she has been put off running the Grizzly! She finished 50th in 1:02:50.Linda Pike had yet another great run although she found it hot. She finished 61st in 1:05:56. Brent Dicks enjoyed Branscombe Beach so much he lay down to bask in the sun before finishing the race in 63rd place in 1:06:49. Nicola Greenland enjoys off road races particularly and came 67th in 1:07:42. Claire Rouse was happy with her run coming 79th in 1:11:12. Kathy Layzell completed the HRC line-up whilst sporting a new hair cut after having her head shaved for the King’s House Day Hospice and Send a Cow charities in memory of her father. Perhaps it made her more aerodynamic as she came 105th in 1:17:44. There were 130 finishers. There were also 5k and 1 mile options with money raised going to Beer Primary School.
London Marathon
On Sunday, 24th April several Honiton Running Club runners and their supporters were in London to take part in the Virgin London Marathon. Chris Entwistle was running London for the 3rd time and had been training for a sub 3 hour marathon and although he missed out on that, he did finish in the awesome time of 3:08 which is top 8% of finishers. He was on course for his time up until 30k but despite the help and support of the crowds and the odd familiar face he hit the wall at Canary Wharf. He continued on and as he ran up the Mall, he heard over the PA that Dame Kelly Holmes had started her final push which geared him up to try and get ahead of her. He was pleased with his time and managed to beat Dame Kelly! He raised money for the Neuro Foundation which works to improve the lives of those affected by Neurofibromatosis.
Esme Moffett was next back having an amazing run which all went to plan. She had been training hard for months hardly deviating from her rigorous schedule so her result was well deserved. She completed in 3:20; a massive personal best time by 9 minutes and coming in the top 3% of all ladies. She was supporting the charities Farming Community Network and A Mile in Her Shoes which helps women remove any barriers by finding their feet through running.
Brent Dicks thoroughly enjoyed his 2nd London and felt great afterwards – two feelings he missed out on last time! After deferring his place from last year he managed to achieve a pb to finish in 4:06 and will be entering again for next year!
Sharon Wells got her place by winning Honiton RC’s ballot place. After actually believing the place was hers she wasn’t sure she wanted to thank the Club! Nevertheless her training schedule began and raising money for the Club’s charity, the Stroke Association, she made it to the start line. She enjoyed the whole experience and completed in a time she never thought imaginable of 4:21 which is a massive pb of 10 minutes set in London 9 years ago. Summing up her experience for everyone else; she said she would be wearing the smile, medal and tee shirt for a very long time to come.
Sue Phillips and Michelle Selley were also running for charity and were delighted to finish in 4:25 and 4:38 respectively. Well done and congratulations to all London finishers.
On Sunday, 24th April several Honiton Running Club runners and their supporters were in London to take part in the Virgin London Marathon. Chris Entwistle was running London for the 3rd time and had been training for a sub 3 hour marathon and although he missed out on that, he did finish in the awesome time of 3:08 which is top 8% of finishers. He was on course for his time up until 30k but despite the help and support of the crowds and the odd familiar face he hit the wall at Canary Wharf. He continued on and as he ran up the Mall, he heard over the PA that Dame Kelly Holmes had started her final push which geared him up to try and get ahead of her. He was pleased with his time and managed to beat Dame Kelly! He raised money for the Neuro Foundation which works to improve the lives of those affected by Neurofibromatosis.
Esme Moffett was next back having an amazing run which all went to plan. She had been training hard for months hardly deviating from her rigorous schedule so her result was well deserved. She completed in 3:20; a massive personal best time by 9 minutes and coming in the top 3% of all ladies. She was supporting the charities Farming Community Network and A Mile in Her Shoes which helps women remove any barriers by finding their feet through running.
Brent Dicks thoroughly enjoyed his 2nd London and felt great afterwards – two feelings he missed out on last time! After deferring his place from last year he managed to achieve a pb to finish in 4:06 and will be entering again for next year!
Sharon Wells got her place by winning Honiton RC’s ballot place. After actually believing the place was hers she wasn’t sure she wanted to thank the Club! Nevertheless her training schedule began and raising money for the Club’s charity, the Stroke Association, she made it to the start line. She enjoyed the whole experience and completed in a time she never thought imaginable of 4:21 which is a massive pb of 10 minutes set in London 9 years ago. Summing up her experience for everyone else; she said she would be wearing the smile, medal and tee shirt for a very long time to come.
Sue Phillips and Michelle Selley were also running for charity and were delighted to finish in 4:25 and 4:38 respectively. Well done and congratulations to all London finishers.
London Marathon Times, well done to all four great achievement
Dicks, Brent Nigel (GBR) 1:58:43 04:06:54
Entwistle, Christopher Jonn (GBR) 1:28:36 03:08:21
Moffett, Esme (GBR) 01:38:32 03:20:50
Wells, Sharon (ENG) 02:09:46 04:21:40
Dicks, Brent Nigel (GBR) 1:58:43 04:06:54
Entwistle, Christopher Jonn (GBR) 1:28:36 03:08:21
Moffett, Esme (GBR) 01:38:32 03:20:50
Wells, Sharon (ENG) 02:09:46 04:21:40
April Handicap - Well done Dan!
Link to Joe Daly's photos of the Hippo:
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2nltzdw7bgdq9fu/AAALqSwUDv6f9eMLIWihaVlJa?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/2nltzdw7bgdq9fu/AAALqSwUDv6f9eMLIWihaVlJa?dl=0
See link for photos of the Hippo courtesy of Alex Walton - Midweek Herald
http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/honiton_hippo_run_1_4499644
http://www.midweekherald.co.uk/news/honiton_hippo_run_1_4499644
Congratulations to everyone who took part in the Honiton Hippo today. Thank you for supporting Honiton Running Club. Provisional results are listed via the link to the left. Please advise us of any anomalies.
Items of lost property:We have one pair of Mizuno trainers, size 8. One trainer which is probably a cycling shoe. It's size 5 and has Air Tech written inside. A blue Sondico Medium t shirt. Perhaps we are looking for a bare chested one legged cyclist. We have a blue and white Nike towel. Also a SWRR medium size vest - hopefully we can return that one as it still had its number pinned on. Email howard811bidmead@btinternet.com
Items of lost property:We have one pair of Mizuno trainers, size 8. One trainer which is probably a cycling shoe. It's size 5 and has Air Tech written inside. A blue Sondico Medium t shirt. Perhaps we are looking for a bare chested one legged cyclist. We have a blue and white Nike towel. Also a SWRR medium size vest - hopefully we can return that one as it still had its number pinned on. Email howard811bidmead@btinternet.com
Latest News
Honiton Hippo and Calf
Honiton Running Club held its Hippo and Calf runs last Sunday with the base at Honiton Primary School. It was fabulous running weather albeit a little on the chilly side for spectators and marshals. The main Honiton Hippo race is just over 7 miles in length involving plenty of variety. Runners first run down the road to the entrance of Combe Woods before circling the woods and coming back on the road to Combe Raleigh. They then face the challenging St Cyres’ Hill running on road and through woods. Next it’s down towards Awliscombe to be taken off road and into the Land Rover Experience only to go straight back up the hill again. A quick run around the Land Rover Experience follows involving several muddy soakings and under a net forcing runners to take a traumatic dunking into freezing cold water. Runners soon came across two river crossings although not as deep as they have been in previous years. Luckily help was on hand to pull runners out before any fear of drowning. The race was won by the reigning champion, Honiton Running Club’s own James Denne beating the previous course record made by himself last year to complete in 46 minutes and 24 seconds and the first lady home was Elizabeth Dyson in 54:45. Many Honiton RC members were involved in helping or marshalling but quite a few took part with the first back after James being Kevin Hawker who won his category to come 5th overall in 53:18. Findlay Fuller was next coming 8th in 56:35 but Honiton RC members were waiting with baited breath to find out the outcome of the next two members. A fierce competition was promised and the Club was not disappointed. Dan Strawbridge had challenged David Hawker for the finish line several weeks ago and he managed to come 23rd just 2 places ahead of David. They ran together up until the very end when Dan finished in 1:01:49 with David just 13 seconds later. Both thoroughly enjoyed the friendly rivalry and were delighted with their results. Gemma Collier had a good run to lead the Honiton ladies home to finish in 1:00:46 in 19th place. Sherrie Hair had a fantastic run winning her category to come 30th in 1:03:00. Other Honiton runners put in gutsy performances and many for the first time. These included:
46th Stephen Boyes 1:08:41, 48th Vernon Gillard 1:09:03, 49th Hadleigh Davies 1:09:07, 53rd Jo Davey 1:09:53, 61st Emilie Tones 1:11:46, 64th Paula Ferris 1:12:10, 74th Linda Pike 1:15:13, 79th Michala Hudd 1:16:54, 94th Sarah Warren 1:19:49, 105th Bernice Bastin 1:22:03, 115th Andy Ashford 1:23:45, 118th Wendy Williams 1:24:14, 134th Liam Dushynsky 1:27:50, 144th Teresa Pollard 1:29:01 and 163rd Rachel Mandrupsa 1:32:22, 178th Carol Tunrham 1:40:00. There were 209 finishers.
The Calf is open to youngsters of 9 years and over and is approximately 1 ¾ miles in length although younger children are allowed if they run with an adult. It follows the same route as the Hippo until coming out of Combe Woods when the Calf runners are sent back to base. This year they were able to go through the Hippo’s second water crossing. The race was won by Honiton’s own George Tomkins in 11 minutes 39 seconds and the female winner was Kate Marriett of Sidmouth. Honiton’s Jasmine Stone was 2nd female back just one place and 30 seconds behind Kate. Other HRC members including Sam and Archie Dowson who were running for their primary school of Upottery winning the primary school cup for the 3rd year running. Sam came 3rd boy overall in 12:21. Also representing HRC juniors was Harrison Stone who came 26th in 15:34. There were 63 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing all those feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Ottery 10k on 15th May. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
Honiton Running Club held its Hippo and Calf runs last Sunday with the base at Honiton Primary School. It was fabulous running weather albeit a little on the chilly side for spectators and marshals. The main Honiton Hippo race is just over 7 miles in length involving plenty of variety. Runners first run down the road to the entrance of Combe Woods before circling the woods and coming back on the road to Combe Raleigh. They then face the challenging St Cyres’ Hill running on road and through woods. Next it’s down towards Awliscombe to be taken off road and into the Land Rover Experience only to go straight back up the hill again. A quick run around the Land Rover Experience follows involving several muddy soakings and under a net forcing runners to take a traumatic dunking into freezing cold water. Runners soon came across two river crossings although not as deep as they have been in previous years. Luckily help was on hand to pull runners out before any fear of drowning. The race was won by the reigning champion, Honiton Running Club’s own James Denne beating the previous course record made by himself last year to complete in 46 minutes and 24 seconds and the first lady home was Elizabeth Dyson in 54:45. Many Honiton RC members were involved in helping or marshalling but quite a few took part with the first back after James being Kevin Hawker who won his category to come 5th overall in 53:18. Findlay Fuller was next coming 8th in 56:35 but Honiton RC members were waiting with baited breath to find out the outcome of the next two members. A fierce competition was promised and the Club was not disappointed. Dan Strawbridge had challenged David Hawker for the finish line several weeks ago and he managed to come 23rd just 2 places ahead of David. They ran together up until the very end when Dan finished in 1:01:49 with David just 13 seconds later. Both thoroughly enjoyed the friendly rivalry and were delighted with their results. Gemma Collier had a good run to lead the Honiton ladies home to finish in 1:00:46 in 19th place. Sherrie Hair had a fantastic run winning her category to come 30th in 1:03:00. Other Honiton runners put in gutsy performances and many for the first time. These included:
46th Stephen Boyes 1:08:41, 48th Vernon Gillard 1:09:03, 49th Hadleigh Davies 1:09:07, 53rd Jo Davey 1:09:53, 61st Emilie Tones 1:11:46, 64th Paula Ferris 1:12:10, 74th Linda Pike 1:15:13, 79th Michala Hudd 1:16:54, 94th Sarah Warren 1:19:49, 105th Bernice Bastin 1:22:03, 115th Andy Ashford 1:23:45, 118th Wendy Williams 1:24:14, 134th Liam Dushynsky 1:27:50, 144th Teresa Pollard 1:29:01 and 163rd Rachel Mandrupsa 1:32:22, 178th Carol Tunrham 1:40:00. There were 209 finishers.
The Calf is open to youngsters of 9 years and over and is approximately 1 ¾ miles in length although younger children are allowed if they run with an adult. It follows the same route as the Hippo until coming out of Combe Woods when the Calf runners are sent back to base. This year they were able to go through the Hippo’s second water crossing. The race was won by Honiton’s own George Tomkins in 11 minutes 39 seconds and the female winner was Kate Marriett of Sidmouth. Honiton’s Jasmine Stone was 2nd female back just one place and 30 seconds behind Kate. Other HRC members including Sam and Archie Dowson who were running for their primary school of Upottery winning the primary school cup for the 3rd year running. Sam came 3rd boy overall in 12:21. Also representing HRC juniors was Harrison Stone who came 26th in 15:34. There were 63 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing all those feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Ottery 10k on 15th May. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
Team Honiton ready to run the Honiton Hippo.
Taunton Marathon & Half Marathon, Reading Half Marathon and Cheddar Gorge 10k & 5k
On Sunday, 3rd April, Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes took part in Taunton marathon. It was not his best ever run but he was reasonably happy with the result of 98th in 3 hours 54 minutes although his two Axe Valley Runner rivals, Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward, both got the better of him! The race was won by Toby Chapman in 2:46 and there were 182 finishers. Andy Ashford tackled the Half Marathon which is one loop of the Marathon and finished in 1:55 coming 472nd out of 1023 finishers. James Laing won this race in 1:12.
On the same day Jennie Sleeman was the sole Honiton runner at Reading Half Marathon. She was 5488th out of 10980 finishers in 2.02. Jennie found it uncomfortably hot but the atmosphere as runners entered the Madejski Football Stadium was amazing and more than made up for it.
An early start was required for 6 Honiton runners last Sunday as they travelled to the lovely village of Cheddar in Somerset. Having read the pre race notes runners were told that there was a walk to the start - this walk turned out to be a climb of 420 foot over a third of a mile which would be good training for anyone thinking of mountain climbing. However once at the start runners were greeted with the most stunning views where you could see for miles. Being an open field meant that the wind doth blow and there was little escape from it. The 5k & 10k races started at the same time and point. The first part was another climb but once at the top runners were treated to a fantastic view of Cheddar Reservoir. The race split at about 2k sending the 10k route on an out and back run meaning that runners got to see the first place runners on their way back. The route had rocky paths needing extra care with the wind blowing as it was. At one stage runners were sent up “Devils Steps” which have to give the Grizzly’s “Stairway to Heaven” a run for its money. This was a particular challenge for young Jasmine Stone as the steps were almost too much for her little legs to climb! Jasmine and Nicola Greenland both did the 5k run with Jasmine leading the way for the ladies being 4th back and 1st female in a time of 24 min 23sec. Nicola finished in a time of 29.06 coming in 16th place out of 60.
Howard Bidmead was first back for Honiton on the 10k route finishing in 56th place in 59:03, Tony Peek was next back in 95th in 1:06:58. Claire Rouse was next back 119th in 1:09:35 followed closely by Bernice Bastin coming 4 places later in a time of 1:10:37. There were 169 runners and the winner was Tom Jordan in 44.25. This is the 1st run in a set of 4 at the Gorge. Honiton runners will return!
On Sunday, 3rd April, Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes took part in Taunton marathon. It was not his best ever run but he was reasonably happy with the result of 98th in 3 hours 54 minutes although his two Axe Valley Runner rivals, Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward, both got the better of him! The race was won by Toby Chapman in 2:46 and there were 182 finishers. Andy Ashford tackled the Half Marathon which is one loop of the Marathon and finished in 1:55 coming 472nd out of 1023 finishers. James Laing won this race in 1:12.
On the same day Jennie Sleeman was the sole Honiton runner at Reading Half Marathon. She was 5488th out of 10980 finishers in 2.02. Jennie found it uncomfortably hot but the atmosphere as runners entered the Madejski Football Stadium was amazing and more than made up for it.
An early start was required for 6 Honiton runners last Sunday as they travelled to the lovely village of Cheddar in Somerset. Having read the pre race notes runners were told that there was a walk to the start - this walk turned out to be a climb of 420 foot over a third of a mile which would be good training for anyone thinking of mountain climbing. However once at the start runners were greeted with the most stunning views where you could see for miles. Being an open field meant that the wind doth blow and there was little escape from it. The 5k & 10k races started at the same time and point. The first part was another climb but once at the top runners were treated to a fantastic view of Cheddar Reservoir. The race split at about 2k sending the 10k route on an out and back run meaning that runners got to see the first place runners on their way back. The route had rocky paths needing extra care with the wind blowing as it was. At one stage runners were sent up “Devils Steps” which have to give the Grizzly’s “Stairway to Heaven” a run for its money. This was a particular challenge for young Jasmine Stone as the steps were almost too much for her little legs to climb! Jasmine and Nicola Greenland both did the 5k run with Jasmine leading the way for the ladies being 4th back and 1st female in a time of 24 min 23sec. Nicola finished in a time of 29.06 coming in 16th place out of 60.
Howard Bidmead was first back for Honiton on the 10k route finishing in 56th place in 59:03, Tony Peek was next back in 95th in 1:06:58. Claire Rouse was next back 119th in 1:09:35 followed closely by Bernice Bastin coming 4 places later in a time of 1:10:37. There were 169 runners and the winner was Tom Jordan in 44.25. This is the 1st run in a set of 4 at the Gorge. Honiton runners will return!
Easter Bunny 10K & Eton 10K
On Easter Monday, five Honiton runners ran the Easter Bunny 10K, starting at Yeovilton. Although the course was flat, runners had a flood and a strong wind to contend with.
Steve Selley led the Honiton runners home in a time of 46.28 and 124th. Jennie Sleeman followed in 52.51 and 205th (3rd in her age category based on chip time). Then came Nick Thorpe, still fighting off a heavy cold, in 57.07 and 253rd, Sandra Thorpe in 1.01.24 and 299th and Vanessa Glynn Jones in 1.15.12 and 356th.
The winner was Simon Nott of Calne running club in 33.20. There were 366 finishers.
Howard Bidmead spent last weekend in Surrey for his grandaughter’s 1st birthday. He took part in the Eton 10k at Windsor which is about the flattest run anywhere and therefore totally boring compared to running amongst the hills in Devon. The base was beautiful at the Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake and there were three distances on offer; 5k, 10k and half marathon. Howard did the 10k which was twice round the lake and finished in 45.44. The 5k was obviously once round and the half 4 times. The course uses tarmac paths around the lake also used for cycling events. Howard was pleased he only had to run twice round saying he would have lost the will repeating the laps twice more. The races started at 1.30pm and as it was 18 degrees he found it very warm. The only resistance was a little bit of headwind up one side of the lake. Howard was pleased with how he ran but it is not a race he will be repeating.
On Easter Monday, five Honiton runners ran the Easter Bunny 10K, starting at Yeovilton. Although the course was flat, runners had a flood and a strong wind to contend with.
Steve Selley led the Honiton runners home in a time of 46.28 and 124th. Jennie Sleeman followed in 52.51 and 205th (3rd in her age category based on chip time). Then came Nick Thorpe, still fighting off a heavy cold, in 57.07 and 253rd, Sandra Thorpe in 1.01.24 and 299th and Vanessa Glynn Jones in 1.15.12 and 356th.
The winner was Simon Nott of Calne running club in 33.20. There were 366 finishers.
Howard Bidmead spent last weekend in Surrey for his grandaughter’s 1st birthday. He took part in the Eton 10k at Windsor which is about the flattest run anywhere and therefore totally boring compared to running amongst the hills in Devon. The base was beautiful at the Olympic rowing venue at Dorney Lake and there were three distances on offer; 5k, 10k and half marathon. Howard did the 10k which was twice round the lake and finished in 45.44. The 5k was obviously once round and the half 4 times. The course uses tarmac paths around the lake also used for cycling events. Howard was pleased he only had to run twice round saying he would have lost the will repeating the laps twice more. The races started at 1.30pm and as it was 18 degrees he found it very warm. The only resistance was a little bit of headwind up one side of the lake. Howard was pleased with how he ran but it is not a race he will be repeating.
Kilmington Kanter
On Good Friday, Honiton Running Club managed a fantastic turnout at Kilmington Primary School’s Kilmington Kanter. The race is just under 7 miles and starts on the playing fields with runners being taken through Shute and close to Umborne before coming back through Seaton Junction. There is a fair amount of road but plenty of tracks, fields and styles and even a footbridge over the railway line. There are two very challenging hills of a mile each with the rest being mainly flat or down hill. Honiton’s James Denne won the race in the swift time of 41 minutes 54 seconds. Kevin Hawker was next back for Honiton winning his age category to come 7th in 44:43. Ian Stewart hasn’t raced for a while but came 11th in 47:24. Tim Legg followed coming 19th in 49:20 and then came Findlay Fuller 2 places later in 51:36. Richard Harris led a crowd of Honiton runners home who ended up very close together. Richard was 36th in 54:27, Richard Harvey and David Hawker took the next 2 places in 54:38 and 54:44 respectively. Another runner took 39th place but Honiton’s Dan Strawbridge, Rod Inglis and Ceri Oak took the next 3 spots finishing in 56:03, 56:10 and 56:27. Steve Davey was next coming 44th in 56:55 followed by Mark Dallyn 48th in 57:38. Judy Davey came 54th in 58:48 and Paula Ferris came 57th managing to finish just under the hour in 59:47. Jo Davey came 60th just missing the hour mark in 1:00:56. Pippa Westall was 66th in 1:02:43, Linda Pike 70th in 1:04:31, Shane Hudd 75th in 1:05:58, Jennie Sleeman 83rd in 1:08:02, Richard Tricky Terry 88th in 1:09:27, Claire Rouse 101st in 1:12:51, Joe Daly 102nd in 1:12:52, Bernice Bastin 108th in 1:13:51 and completing Honiton’s impressive line-up was Wendy Williams who came 118th in 1:25:53. There were 119 finishers and best of all runners were greeted on the finish line with a tray of delicious hot cross buns!
On Good Friday, Honiton Running Club managed a fantastic turnout at Kilmington Primary School’s Kilmington Kanter. The race is just under 7 miles and starts on the playing fields with runners being taken through Shute and close to Umborne before coming back through Seaton Junction. There is a fair amount of road but plenty of tracks, fields and styles and even a footbridge over the railway line. There are two very challenging hills of a mile each with the rest being mainly flat or down hill. Honiton’s James Denne won the race in the swift time of 41 minutes 54 seconds. Kevin Hawker was next back for Honiton winning his age category to come 7th in 44:43. Ian Stewart hasn’t raced for a while but came 11th in 47:24. Tim Legg followed coming 19th in 49:20 and then came Findlay Fuller 2 places later in 51:36. Richard Harris led a crowd of Honiton runners home who ended up very close together. Richard was 36th in 54:27, Richard Harvey and David Hawker took the next 2 places in 54:38 and 54:44 respectively. Another runner took 39th place but Honiton’s Dan Strawbridge, Rod Inglis and Ceri Oak took the next 3 spots finishing in 56:03, 56:10 and 56:27. Steve Davey was next coming 44th in 56:55 followed by Mark Dallyn 48th in 57:38. Judy Davey came 54th in 58:48 and Paula Ferris came 57th managing to finish just under the hour in 59:47. Jo Davey came 60th just missing the hour mark in 1:00:56. Pippa Westall was 66th in 1:02:43, Linda Pike 70th in 1:04:31, Shane Hudd 75th in 1:05:58, Jennie Sleeman 83rd in 1:08:02, Richard Tricky Terry 88th in 1:09:27, Claire Rouse 101st in 1:12:51, Joe Daly 102nd in 1:12:52, Bernice Bastin 108th in 1:13:51 and completing Honiton’s impressive line-up was Wendy Williams who came 118th in 1:25:53. There were 119 finishers and best of all runners were greeted on the finish line with a tray of delicious hot cross buns!
Yeovil Half Marathon & Fleet Half Marathon
Four Honiton Running Club ladies flew the flag for the Club and travelled to Somerset to take part in the Yeovil Half Marathon last Sunday. The weather was perfect for running being dry and with a chill in the air. Esme Moffett, who is training hard for London Marathon, led the Club home coming 81st overall in the fantastic time of 1 hour 32 minutes coming 4th in her very tough age category. Jennie Sleeman managed a great 5th in her category to complete just under 2 hours in 1:58. Anna Dalzell was next back finishing in 2:10 and Clare Melbourne completed the line-up finishing in 2:22. There were 1104 finishers and the race was won by Ryan Holroyd in the amazing time of 1:10.
On the same day, Honiton’s new Chairman, Howard Bidmead, travelled to Fleet to compete in the popular Fleet Half Marathon. There were over 2,500 entrants and Howard was running with his wife Helen's daughter, Anna in her first run over that distance. The weather was dry but cold and the course undulating. The pair ran all the way and finished in 2.07.18s and were positioned in 1,997 and 1,998. The race was won by Michael Kallenburg from the RAF in 1.07.49.
Four Honiton Running Club ladies flew the flag for the Club and travelled to Somerset to take part in the Yeovil Half Marathon last Sunday. The weather was perfect for running being dry and with a chill in the air. Esme Moffett, who is training hard for London Marathon, led the Club home coming 81st overall in the fantastic time of 1 hour 32 minutes coming 4th in her very tough age category. Jennie Sleeman managed a great 5th in her category to complete just under 2 hours in 1:58. Anna Dalzell was next back finishing in 2:10 and Clare Melbourne completed the line-up finishing in 2:22. There were 1104 finishers and the race was won by Ryan Holroyd in the amazing time of 1:10.
On the same day, Honiton’s new Chairman, Howard Bidmead, travelled to Fleet to compete in the popular Fleet Half Marathon. There were over 2,500 entrants and Howard was running with his wife Helen's daughter, Anna in her first run over that distance. The weather was dry but cold and the course undulating. The pair ran all the way and finished in 2.07.18s and were positioned in 1,997 and 1,998. The race was won by Michael Kallenburg from the RAF in 1.07.49.
March Handicap
Well done Liam!
Well done Liam!
Honiton running club having fun in the sun at the start of the Grizzly in Seaton.
Grizzly, Cub and Junior Races
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for local Axe Valley Runners’ Grizzly and Cub runs last weekend. Chris Entwistle has been training hard and led the Honiton group home coming 110th beating the 3 hour mark to finish in 2:58. Tom Bornet also had an exceptional run to finish 188th in 3:09. Sarah Wheeler, Steve Davey and David Hawker had run together for much of the race but Sarah eventually came out on top coming 259th in 3:18 with Steve and David having a sprint to the line coming 278th and 279th in 3:20. Adam Hennessey is another who has been training hard and he sprinted off at the start until the terrain and distance got the better of him. He finished 316th in 3:24. Judy Davey was next home coming 343rd in 3:27 having overtaken Richard Harvey within the last 2 miles. Richard came 351st in 3:28. Richard Harris was also having a great run until about 15 miles but he managed to finish respectably in 426th place in 3:34. Julian Gigg and Judy had run the entire race with one just ahead of the other until the beach when Julian dropped off to finish 451st in 3:35. Simon Spiller was running with a friend and looked as fresh as a daisy when he crossed the line in 554th in 3:43. Paula Ferris was running the Grizzly for the first time and followed just 2 minutes later in 578th place. Linda Pike was delighted to crack the 4 hour mark for the first time coming 685th in 3:56 but Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry had finely tuned it better than Linda coming within the last minute, 3:59, in 733rd place. Sharon was spurred on by other runners especially at the finish when about 4 raced to the line. Sharon came 786th in 4:03. Nicola Greenland thoroughly enjoyed it to come 881st in 4:11. Wendy Williams completed the line-up with a gutsy run to come 1214th in 4:50. There were 1393 finishers.
Even more Honiton runners took part in the 9 mile Cub run which is still a challenging race with beach running and plenty of hills. Julie Payne has been off the running scene for a while but managed to lead Honiton home coming 37th in 1:24. Roger Saunders needed to drive to London later in the day so did the Cub finishing just behind Julie in 1:26. Dan Strawbridge wanted to tackle the full Grizzly but was sensibly persuaded to tackle the Cub for his first time. He came a very respectable 44th in 1:27. Hadleigh Davies and Howard Bidmead have both suffered a recent injury. Hadleigh came 48th in 1:28 with Howard 59th in 1:30. Donna Stone has been unwell and it was touch and go whether she would make the start but she ended up having a fantastic run to come 84th in 1:35.
Other Honiton Cub results: 72nd Pippa Westall 1:33, 118th Mark Andow 1:40, 124th Sarah Warren 1:41, 127th Tony Peek 1:41, 195th Bernice Bastin 1:48, 209th Joe Daly 1:50, 251st Charlotte Boyes 1:54, 252nd Helen Olliffe 1:54, 259th Clare Melbourne 1:55, 262nd Juliet Hall 1:55, 276th Pete Lyus 1:57, 294th Jo Taylor 1:58, 295th Dawn Peek 1:59, 310th Geraldine Terry 2:01, 337th Katie Sherjan 2:05, 405th Claire Dare 2:22, 495th Tracey Halley 2:26, 416th Sara Trumper 2:26
During the weekend some Honiton juniors had taken part in their appropriate runs. George Tomkins had a fantastic run and was 2nd overall in the Junior Grizzly finishing in 14 minutes 58 seconds. Likewise, Jasmine Stone also had a great run coming 2nd female and 8th overall in 17:22. There were 33 finishers. There was also a 2k for even younger runners and 9 year old Harrison Stone led the Honiton youngsters back with a fantastic result of 13th place in 9:18. Younger Honiton runners who are even too young for the Club also took part and were led back by Max Spiller who came 105th in 12:26. Douglas Wigram came 107th in 12:42 followed by his sister, Bebe, 2 seconds later. Max’s sister Ella completed the line-up coming 135th in 13:41.
Thanks to AVR and particularly race director Dave Thomas for great organisation of fantastic runs. Special thanks as well to the encouraging and often very vocal marshals and supporters along the route.
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for local Axe Valley Runners’ Grizzly and Cub runs last weekend. Chris Entwistle has been training hard and led the Honiton group home coming 110th beating the 3 hour mark to finish in 2:58. Tom Bornet also had an exceptional run to finish 188th in 3:09. Sarah Wheeler, Steve Davey and David Hawker had run together for much of the race but Sarah eventually came out on top coming 259th in 3:18 with Steve and David having a sprint to the line coming 278th and 279th in 3:20. Adam Hennessey is another who has been training hard and he sprinted off at the start until the terrain and distance got the better of him. He finished 316th in 3:24. Judy Davey was next home coming 343rd in 3:27 having overtaken Richard Harvey within the last 2 miles. Richard came 351st in 3:28. Richard Harris was also having a great run until about 15 miles but he managed to finish respectably in 426th place in 3:34. Julian Gigg and Judy had run the entire race with one just ahead of the other until the beach when Julian dropped off to finish 451st in 3:35. Simon Spiller was running with a friend and looked as fresh as a daisy when he crossed the line in 554th in 3:43. Paula Ferris was running the Grizzly for the first time and followed just 2 minutes later in 578th place. Linda Pike was delighted to crack the 4 hour mark for the first time coming 685th in 3:56 but Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry had finely tuned it better than Linda coming within the last minute, 3:59, in 733rd place. Sharon was spurred on by other runners especially at the finish when about 4 raced to the line. Sharon came 786th in 4:03. Nicola Greenland thoroughly enjoyed it to come 881st in 4:11. Wendy Williams completed the line-up with a gutsy run to come 1214th in 4:50. There were 1393 finishers.
Even more Honiton runners took part in the 9 mile Cub run which is still a challenging race with beach running and plenty of hills. Julie Payne has been off the running scene for a while but managed to lead Honiton home coming 37th in 1:24. Roger Saunders needed to drive to London later in the day so did the Cub finishing just behind Julie in 1:26. Dan Strawbridge wanted to tackle the full Grizzly but was sensibly persuaded to tackle the Cub for his first time. He came a very respectable 44th in 1:27. Hadleigh Davies and Howard Bidmead have both suffered a recent injury. Hadleigh came 48th in 1:28 with Howard 59th in 1:30. Donna Stone has been unwell and it was touch and go whether she would make the start but she ended up having a fantastic run to come 84th in 1:35.
Other Honiton Cub results: 72nd Pippa Westall 1:33, 118th Mark Andow 1:40, 124th Sarah Warren 1:41, 127th Tony Peek 1:41, 195th Bernice Bastin 1:48, 209th Joe Daly 1:50, 251st Charlotte Boyes 1:54, 252nd Helen Olliffe 1:54, 259th Clare Melbourne 1:55, 262nd Juliet Hall 1:55, 276th Pete Lyus 1:57, 294th Jo Taylor 1:58, 295th Dawn Peek 1:59, 310th Geraldine Terry 2:01, 337th Katie Sherjan 2:05, 405th Claire Dare 2:22, 495th Tracey Halley 2:26, 416th Sara Trumper 2:26
During the weekend some Honiton juniors had taken part in their appropriate runs. George Tomkins had a fantastic run and was 2nd overall in the Junior Grizzly finishing in 14 minutes 58 seconds. Likewise, Jasmine Stone also had a great run coming 2nd female and 8th overall in 17:22. There were 33 finishers. There was also a 2k for even younger runners and 9 year old Harrison Stone led the Honiton youngsters back with a fantastic result of 13th place in 9:18. Younger Honiton runners who are even too young for the Club also took part and were led back by Max Spiller who came 105th in 12:26. Douglas Wigram came 107th in 12:42 followed by his sister, Bebe, 2 seconds later. Max’s sister Ella completed the line-up coming 135th in 13:41.
Thanks to AVR and particularly race director Dave Thomas for great organisation of fantastic runs. Special thanks as well to the encouraging and often very vocal marshals and supporters along the route.
Combe St Nicholas 10k
Kathy Layzell entered her first race for ages as she is just getting back to running. She did the Combe St Nicholas 10k last Sunday and did it in 1hr 3mins 8sec. Kathy was very pleased as she is finding it hard getting back into running and it’s a very hilly course.
Kathy Layzell entered her first race for ages as she is just getting back to running. She did the Combe St Nicholas 10k last Sunday and did it in 1hr 3mins 8sec. Kathy was very pleased as she is finding it hard getting back into running and it’s a very hilly course.
Dalwood 3 Hills
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for the Dalwood 3 Hills last Sunday. The weather was ideal with bright sunshine bringing just a little bit of warmth for this 10 mile multi-terrain race. This is a very challenging course with an extra hill thrown in for good measure. The winner was Axe Valley Runner’s Tim Lenton in a time of 1 hour 9 minutes. Karl Hodson was first back for Honiton coming 11th in 1:19. He was followed by Chris Entwistle who had turned up to the race expecting to back mark. When given the offer to race he grabbed the chance and had a great race coming 16th in 1:25. David Hawker is improving with every race and this was no exception with David having a fantastic race coming 27th in 1:30.Steve Davey followed 2 places later in 1:32. Dan Strawbridge was racing for Honiton for the first time and had a great run finishing 36th in 1:36. Judy Davey had Dan in her sights for most of the race and finished 2 places later in 1:37. Roger Saunders managed a prize for winning his age category finishing 41st in 1:39. Tim Wigram was next back finishing 48th in 1:44. Linda Pike was next having achieved a pb for the course knocking an incredible 10 minutes off her time of last year. Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry was next back coming 61st in 1:51 being followed by his wife Geri who was racing for the first time. She came 81st in 2:25 and there were 85 finishers.
The Mini Challenge is open to anyone over the age of 12 who wants to complete 4 miles of the 3 Hills course. Honiton juniors had a great result with George Tomkins winning it in a time of 24 minutes 11 seconds and Jasmine Stone coming 1st female and 5th place overall in 28:59. This race included one of the infamous hills so presented quite a challenge for competitors.
The Fun Run also saw Honiton runners taking part with Harrison Stone finishing 8th, Harry McMahon 9th and Fred McMahon 28th. There were 36 finishes.
Thanks to the Dalwood Run Committee for putting on another great event and providing great refreshments upon the runners’ return.
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for the Dalwood 3 Hills last Sunday. The weather was ideal with bright sunshine bringing just a little bit of warmth for this 10 mile multi-terrain race. This is a very challenging course with an extra hill thrown in for good measure. The winner was Axe Valley Runner’s Tim Lenton in a time of 1 hour 9 minutes. Karl Hodson was first back for Honiton coming 11th in 1:19. He was followed by Chris Entwistle who had turned up to the race expecting to back mark. When given the offer to race he grabbed the chance and had a great race coming 16th in 1:25. David Hawker is improving with every race and this was no exception with David having a fantastic race coming 27th in 1:30.Steve Davey followed 2 places later in 1:32. Dan Strawbridge was racing for Honiton for the first time and had a great run finishing 36th in 1:36. Judy Davey had Dan in her sights for most of the race and finished 2 places later in 1:37. Roger Saunders managed a prize for winning his age category finishing 41st in 1:39. Tim Wigram was next back finishing 48th in 1:44. Linda Pike was next having achieved a pb for the course knocking an incredible 10 minutes off her time of last year. Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry was next back coming 61st in 1:51 being followed by his wife Geri who was racing for the first time. She came 81st in 2:25 and there were 85 finishers.
The Mini Challenge is open to anyone over the age of 12 who wants to complete 4 miles of the 3 Hills course. Honiton juniors had a great result with George Tomkins winning it in a time of 24 minutes 11 seconds and Jasmine Stone coming 1st female and 5th place overall in 28:59. This race included one of the infamous hills so presented quite a challenge for competitors.
The Fun Run also saw Honiton runners taking part with Harrison Stone finishing 8th, Harry McMahon 9th and Fred McMahon 28th. There were 36 finishes.
Thanks to the Dalwood Run Committee for putting on another great event and providing great refreshments upon the runners’ return.
February Handicap - Well done Wendy!
Southwest Schools' Cross Country Championship
Honiton Junior Running Club’s Jasmine Stone took part in the Southwest Schools’ Cross Country Championships at Cheltenham on Saturday 6th February representing Devon . The weather conditions were very wet and muddy under foot! Jasmine ran well and came 21st and was the 4th Devon runner home from their team of 10 contributing to Devon coming 2nd out of the 7 counties represented. Kyle Hartnell took part in the Intermediate Boys race and came 37th. George Tomkins did well to come 32nd helping the Devon Junior Boys to win over the other Counties. All races had 66 finishers.
Honiton Junior Running Club’s Jasmine Stone took part in the Southwest Schools’ Cross Country Championships at Cheltenham on Saturday 6th February representing Devon . The weather conditions were very wet and muddy under foot! Jasmine ran well and came 21st and was the 4th Devon runner home from their team of 10 contributing to Devon coming 2nd out of the 7 counties represented. Kyle Hartnell took part in the Intermediate Boys race and came 37th. George Tomkins did well to come 32nd helping the Devon Junior Boys to win over the other Counties. All races had 66 finishers.
Handicap Results
Blackdown Beast
After the wet weather recently the forecast was perfect for this year’s Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast; mild and dry. There was a good amount of mud and other substances to sap the legs meaning the 16.3 miles were hard work. The Beast is always a sell out and this year was no different with about 160 runners taking part with merry makers coming from all over Devon and some from further afield. It was Burn’s Night that evening and the event had a contingency of Scots’ men and women all adorned with kilt, sporran and ginger beard! The event is a social run with several stops on route taking in the scenery of the beautiful Blackdown Hills. The event began and ended at the Highfield Sport and Social Club, Dunkeswell. The first stop, after 7 ½ miles, was Smeatharpe Village Hall where participants were treated to delicious hot sweet mulled cider and equally delicious warming pasties. Thanks to the ladies of the WI for making and serving this very welcome sustenance. The next stop was the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery where some runners took the opportunity of taking a mini bus back to Dunkeswell having completed 10 miles. For others, it was on to the Luppitt Inn; one of the smallest pubs in the country! Organisers made sure the landlady knew runners were coming as opening times are flexible! The shortish last leg then takes runners across private land back to Dunkeswell.
As always all participants thoroughly enjoyed the day with many looking forward to the summer version; the Blackdown Beauty. The date has been set for 25th June and places are likely to go fast for this event too so look out for further information on www.honitonrc.com and to register your interest very soon. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible including the landowners for allowing runners to churn up the already churned fields. Money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Feed back from the runners is here.
After the wet weather recently the forecast was perfect for this year’s Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast; mild and dry. There was a good amount of mud and other substances to sap the legs meaning the 16.3 miles were hard work. The Beast is always a sell out and this year was no different with about 160 runners taking part with merry makers coming from all over Devon and some from further afield. It was Burn’s Night that evening and the event had a contingency of Scots’ men and women all adorned with kilt, sporran and ginger beard! The event is a social run with several stops on route taking in the scenery of the beautiful Blackdown Hills. The event began and ended at the Highfield Sport and Social Club, Dunkeswell. The first stop, after 7 ½ miles, was Smeatharpe Village Hall where participants were treated to delicious hot sweet mulled cider and equally delicious warming pasties. Thanks to the ladies of the WI for making and serving this very welcome sustenance. The next stop was the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery where some runners took the opportunity of taking a mini bus back to Dunkeswell having completed 10 miles. For others, it was on to the Luppitt Inn; one of the smallest pubs in the country! Organisers made sure the landlady knew runners were coming as opening times are flexible! The shortish last leg then takes runners across private land back to Dunkeswell.
As always all participants thoroughly enjoyed the day with many looking forward to the summer version; the Blackdown Beauty. The date has been set for 25th June and places are likely to go fast for this event too so look out for further information on www.honitonrc.com and to register your interest very soon. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible including the landowners for allowing runners to churn up the already churned fields. Money raised will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Feed back from the runners is here.
Devon Schools' Cross Country Champs and First Chance
Honiton junior Jasmine Stone travelled to Stover last Saturday to take part in the Devon schools’ Cross Country Champs . Jasmine represented the Kings school in the year 7 race and was very happy to finish 6th and qualify for the south west championships at Cheltenham in February to represent Devon.
There was a good size turn out of Honiton runners at the First Chance 10k last Sunday. This is a traffic free fast and flat course in Exeter’s Riverside Valley park. The race was won by Tom Merson who set a new course record of 30 minutes 10 seconds winning £100 for his efforts. The weather was dry and just right for running and several of the Honiton runners managed a personal best time. Hadleigh Davies had only grabbed a place at the last minute and led the Honiton runners home finishing 110th in 43:02. Sam Pollard was next back coming 230th in 49:08 and he was followed by Jay Sweetman who had left Tony Peek at the 4 mile marker having run together until that point. Jay was 243rd in 49:28 and Tony 269th in 50:56. The first lady for Honiton was Linda Pike who had also only just secured her place. She had a fantastic run coming 273rd in 51:05. However, the stand out result for Honiton was an ecstatic Wendy Williams who smashed her PB which was over the hour. Such a joy to see someone so happy with their running! She was 366th in 56:21.
Other Honiton runners: 323 Nick Thorpe 53:53, 338 Phil Hall 55:07, 343 Teresa Pollard 54:58, 370 Clare Melbourne 56:21, 375 Sandra Thorpe 56:38, 402 Bernice Bastin 58:43, 409 Sam Shute 58:47, 414 Joanne Davey 59:20, 450 Asilah Jarrald 1:02:27, 480 Dawn Peek 1:03:14 and 495 Vanessa Glyn-Jones 1:09:11. There were 515 finishers.
Honiton junior Jasmine Stone travelled to Stover last Saturday to take part in the Devon schools’ Cross Country Champs . Jasmine represented the Kings school in the year 7 race and was very happy to finish 6th and qualify for the south west championships at Cheltenham in February to represent Devon.
There was a good size turn out of Honiton runners at the First Chance 10k last Sunday. This is a traffic free fast and flat course in Exeter’s Riverside Valley park. The race was won by Tom Merson who set a new course record of 30 minutes 10 seconds winning £100 for his efforts. The weather was dry and just right for running and several of the Honiton runners managed a personal best time. Hadleigh Davies had only grabbed a place at the last minute and led the Honiton runners home finishing 110th in 43:02. Sam Pollard was next back coming 230th in 49:08 and he was followed by Jay Sweetman who had left Tony Peek at the 4 mile marker having run together until that point. Jay was 243rd in 49:28 and Tony 269th in 50:56. The first lady for Honiton was Linda Pike who had also only just secured her place. She had a fantastic run coming 273rd in 51:05. However, the stand out result for Honiton was an ecstatic Wendy Williams who smashed her PB which was over the hour. Such a joy to see someone so happy with their running! She was 366th in 56:21.
Other Honiton runners: 323 Nick Thorpe 53:53, 338 Phil Hall 55:07, 343 Teresa Pollard 54:58, 370 Clare Melbourne 56:21, 375 Sandra Thorpe 56:38, 402 Bernice Bastin 58:43, 409 Sam Shute 58:47, 414 Joanne Davey 59:20, 450 Asilah Jarrald 1:02:27, 480 Dawn Peek 1:03:14 and 495 Vanessa Glyn-Jones 1:09:11. There were 515 finishers.
Oh My Obelisk
Six Honiton runners travelled to Dawlish Leisure Centre last Sunday to take part in the ‘Oh My Obelisk’ race which is about 11 miles long and multi-terrain. All runners found the going very tough with mud, puddles, goo of some sort in the fields and a few hills along the way. Runners are taken up to the Obelisk and then back down again. Thankfully, just for a change, the rain held off and it was actually a pleasant morning. Steve Davey was first back for Honiton in a time of 2 hours 41 minutes which was 17 minutes slower than when he last did it although the course was almost a mile longer this year. Mark Dallyn followed about a minute and a half later having never really felt he had got into the race. Sharon Wells and Tony Peek had a game of cat and mouse throughout the race with Sharon over taking Tony at the 1 mile marker as he was a little overdressed for conditions and had to strip off his top base layer. It took Tony until the Obelisk before he overtook Sharon again but not happy with that Sharon got her own back on the very last incline holding Tony off to the finish line. Both Sharon and Tony were pleased with their times as Sharon took 15 mins off last year’s time with Tony taking off 8 mins despite the lengthened course. Shane and Michaela Hudd ran the race together as this was the furthest they have run for some time and they were holding hands as they crossed the finish line.
Six Honiton runners travelled to Dawlish Leisure Centre last Sunday to take part in the ‘Oh My Obelisk’ race which is about 11 miles long and multi-terrain. All runners found the going very tough with mud, puddles, goo of some sort in the fields and a few hills along the way. Runners are taken up to the Obelisk and then back down again. Thankfully, just for a change, the rain held off and it was actually a pleasant morning. Steve Davey was first back for Honiton in a time of 2 hours 41 minutes which was 17 minutes slower than when he last did it although the course was almost a mile longer this year. Mark Dallyn followed about a minute and a half later having never really felt he had got into the race. Sharon Wells and Tony Peek had a game of cat and mouse throughout the race with Sharon over taking Tony at the 1 mile marker as he was a little overdressed for conditions and had to strip off his top base layer. It took Tony until the Obelisk before he overtook Sharon again but not happy with that Sharon got her own back on the very last incline holding Tony off to the finish line. Both Sharon and Tony were pleased with their times as Sharon took 15 mins off last year’s time with Tony taking off 8 mins despite the lengthened course. Shane and Michaela Hudd ran the race together as this was the furthest they have run for some time and they were holding hands as they crossed the finish line.
Axmouth Challenge
After the excesses of Christmas and New Year, several Honiton Running Club members thought it would be a good idea to take part in Axe Valley Runners’ Axmouth Challenge last Sunday. The days before the event had been extremely wet and some runners struggled to get to Axmouth avoiding flooding roads. Of course, this meant that a race which is traditionally muddy and wet was even more so and the race director made a last minute route change avoiding a particularly slippery steep field taking runners towards the finish. It had rained heavily all morning until the start of the race when it hammered it down even harder. Fortunately, this only lasted for the first 5 minutes before it eased off and actually stopped for most of the time runners were out.
The 10 miler, which was in fact just over 9 miles due to the route change, was won by AVR’s own Jake Smith in the great time of 57 minutes 43 seconds. Honiton’s Chris Entwistle followed not too far behind in 11th place in 1:08:08. Steve Davey was second in his category coming 18th in 1:15:02. He had been swapping places with Mark Dallyn and Tom Bornet throughout the race and Mark finished 28 seconds and 1 place behind Steve. Tom Bornet was 2 places behind Mark to finish in 1:15:48. The muddy wet conditions obviously suited David Hawker who had a fantastic race finishing 28th in 1:19:48. Howard Bidmead struggled a bit with injury but finished 36th in 1:21:55 just ahead of Honiton’s first lady back, Judy Davey, who finished in 1:23:42. Tim Wigram gave Jo Davey someone to follow for most of the race with Tim ending up 40th in 1:27:43 with Jo one place and 13 seconds later. Coming back to rapturous applause from the rest of his team mates was Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry. Tricky hasn’t run a great deal recently but managed to finish in great style in 50th place in 1:34:17. There were 59 finishers.
Honiton Junior, Jasmine Stone, took part in the 3 mile race finishing 2nd overall and first female in 27:44. Her brother, Harrison, tackled the 1 mile event which turned into 2 as he was sent the wrong way. This made his finishing time of 20:34 quite a bit more impressive than first thought.
Huge thanks to Garry Perratt and AVR for putting on the event which raised money for the Village Hall funds and thanks to all the marshals for standing out in the wet and the caterers for providing sustenance in the form of bacon butties and homemade soup upon runners return.
After the excesses of Christmas and New Year, several Honiton Running Club members thought it would be a good idea to take part in Axe Valley Runners’ Axmouth Challenge last Sunday. The days before the event had been extremely wet and some runners struggled to get to Axmouth avoiding flooding roads. Of course, this meant that a race which is traditionally muddy and wet was even more so and the race director made a last minute route change avoiding a particularly slippery steep field taking runners towards the finish. It had rained heavily all morning until the start of the race when it hammered it down even harder. Fortunately, this only lasted for the first 5 minutes before it eased off and actually stopped for most of the time runners were out.
The 10 miler, which was in fact just over 9 miles due to the route change, was won by AVR’s own Jake Smith in the great time of 57 minutes 43 seconds. Honiton’s Chris Entwistle followed not too far behind in 11th place in 1:08:08. Steve Davey was second in his category coming 18th in 1:15:02. He had been swapping places with Mark Dallyn and Tom Bornet throughout the race and Mark finished 28 seconds and 1 place behind Steve. Tom Bornet was 2 places behind Mark to finish in 1:15:48. The muddy wet conditions obviously suited David Hawker who had a fantastic race finishing 28th in 1:19:48. Howard Bidmead struggled a bit with injury but finished 36th in 1:21:55 just ahead of Honiton’s first lady back, Judy Davey, who finished in 1:23:42. Tim Wigram gave Jo Davey someone to follow for most of the race with Tim ending up 40th in 1:27:43 with Jo one place and 13 seconds later. Coming back to rapturous applause from the rest of his team mates was Richard ‘Tricky’ Terry. Tricky hasn’t run a great deal recently but managed to finish in great style in 50th place in 1:34:17. There were 59 finishers.
Honiton Junior, Jasmine Stone, took part in the 3 mile race finishing 2nd overall and first female in 27:44. Her brother, Harrison, tackled the 1 mile event which turned into 2 as he was sent the wrong way. This made his finishing time of 20:34 quite a bit more impressive than first thought.
Huge thanks to Garry Perratt and AVR for putting on the event which raised money for the Village Hall funds and thanks to all the marshals for standing out in the wet and the caterers for providing sustenance in the form of bacon butties and homemade soup upon runners return.
Handicap - December Results and 2015 Final Results
The rain cleared for the final handicap of the year, but the night was strangely a little warm for running considering its supposed to be winter. A good crown turned up for this month’s run with 14 runners but only 13 finishers (Brent decided he didn’t like his lunch so decided this was a clear sign to stop after 1 lap!!). Liam was still in with a chance to win and looked pretty focused and up for the challenge. This focus continued well into the last lap where he was still right up the front of the pack and could snatch the trophy if he placed first or second. Unfortunately he couldn’t hold of the rest of the pack and eventually finished 6th after a valiant effort. This meant that Bernice who turned up to run despite still being ill had won the Handicap trophy for 2015 with some really great runs. The Davey’s also had some positions to fight for and Steve had found his form finishing just behind Chris who flew around to win Decembers Handicap. For Steve this second place meant he finished ahead of the other Davey’s in the final point total, this gives him bragging rights in the Davey house hold for now at least….. Wendy Williams also had a great run with a PB and a 5th place. We had two new runners one of which decided to the course was to short and added on a bit extra. Thanks to all who came tonight and those who have helped throughout the year, we look forward to another great competition next year.
Otterton Reindeer Run
Six Honiton runners braved strong winds to take part in last Saturday's Otterton Reindeer Run organised by Sidmouth Running Club. Starting at Otterton church the race made its way along lanes and muddy fields which had runners battling against the wind. However there were breathtaking views across Lyme Bay before the runners headed back towards Otterton along the River Otter. Howard Bidmead and Roger Saunders ran the first part of the race together before Howard pulled away and finished strongly coming in 31st in 47 minutes 35 seconds. Roger was not far behind in 44th place in a time of 50.54. Linda Pike came next in 87th place 56.10. Wendy Williams 154th 1.05.54. Rachael Mandrupson 162nd in 1.07.03. Nicola Greenland 169th in 1.09.09 and Teresa Pollard in 170th place in 1.19.10.
The race was won by Graham Hill from Sidmouth in 39.20. There were 211 finishers.
Six Honiton runners braved strong winds to take part in last Saturday's Otterton Reindeer Run organised by Sidmouth Running Club. Starting at Otterton church the race made its way along lanes and muddy fields which had runners battling against the wind. However there were breathtaking views across Lyme Bay before the runners headed back towards Otterton along the River Otter. Howard Bidmead and Roger Saunders ran the first part of the race together before Howard pulled away and finished strongly coming in 31st in 47 minutes 35 seconds. Roger was not far behind in 44th place in a time of 50.54. Linda Pike came next in 87th place 56.10. Wendy Williams 154th 1.05.54. Rachael Mandrupson 162nd in 1.07.03. Nicola Greenland 169th in 1.09.09 and Teresa Pollard in 170th place in 1.19.10.
The race was won by Graham Hill from Sidmouth in 39.20. There were 211 finishers.
Bicton Blister & Bicton Lite
Honiton Running Club had a great turn out at last Sunday’s Bicton Blister organised by Exmouth Harriers. This is a 10 mile race on Woodbury Common with the base at Bicton College. It offers something for everyone including a road section at the start and finish with the rest being sandy, stony and muddy paths around the Common. It was a bit blustery but otherwise weather conditions were pretty good. The race was won by Barihu Hadera who finished just under the hour in 59 minutes 48 seconds. Karl Hodson was first back for Honiton coming 52nd in 1 hour 14 minutes. Richard Harvey managed to keep Karl within his sights for the first 3 miles before Karl vanished into the distance. Richard came 95th in 1:20. Not too far behind but slower than last year was Steve Davey who finished 115th in 1:22. Mark Dallyn had a great run hot on the heels of Steve finishing 5 places and 45 seconds later. Howard Bidmead was happy with his race coming 140th in 1:25. First Honiton lady was Judy Davey who finished 166th in 1:26. Brent Dicks found this race harder than Castle Drogo two weeks earlier finishing 181st in 1:28. Frances McMahon is still suffering with her hand problem so did well to finish 205th in 1:30. Paula Ferris enjoyed the run finishing 296th in 1:39 and Nicola Greenland completed the line-up to come just 8 places and 1 minute later. There were 413 finishers.
Also on offer was the Bicton Lite which is a 4 ½ mile version of the main run. This was won by Toby Garrick in 30 minutes 18 seconds. First back for Honiton was Tony Peek who has been suffering with a cold so he did well to come 31st in 44:29. Tony’s wife Dawn was next back coming 75th in 54:43 and having thoroughly enjoyed the race, Katie Sherjan was next back in 90th place in 58:25. There were 102 finishers.
Honiton Running Club had a great turn out at last Sunday’s Bicton Blister organised by Exmouth Harriers. This is a 10 mile race on Woodbury Common with the base at Bicton College. It offers something for everyone including a road section at the start and finish with the rest being sandy, stony and muddy paths around the Common. It was a bit blustery but otherwise weather conditions were pretty good. The race was won by Barihu Hadera who finished just under the hour in 59 minutes 48 seconds. Karl Hodson was first back for Honiton coming 52nd in 1 hour 14 minutes. Richard Harvey managed to keep Karl within his sights for the first 3 miles before Karl vanished into the distance. Richard came 95th in 1:20. Not too far behind but slower than last year was Steve Davey who finished 115th in 1:22. Mark Dallyn had a great run hot on the heels of Steve finishing 5 places and 45 seconds later. Howard Bidmead was happy with his race coming 140th in 1:25. First Honiton lady was Judy Davey who finished 166th in 1:26. Brent Dicks found this race harder than Castle Drogo two weeks earlier finishing 181st in 1:28. Frances McMahon is still suffering with her hand problem so did well to finish 205th in 1:30. Paula Ferris enjoyed the run finishing 296th in 1:39 and Nicola Greenland completed the line-up to come just 8 places and 1 minute later. There were 413 finishers.
Also on offer was the Bicton Lite which is a 4 ½ mile version of the main run. This was won by Toby Garrick in 30 minutes 18 seconds. First back for Honiton was Tony Peek who has been suffering with a cold so he did well to come 31st in 44:29. Tony’s wife Dawn was next back coming 75th in 54:43 and having thoroughly enjoyed the race, Katie Sherjan was next back in 90th place in 58:25. There were 102 finishers.
November 2015 Handicap
Castle Drogo 10
Last Sunday it was the Castle Drogo 10 race and 11 Honiton runners travelled to Drewsteignton to take part in this 9.6 off road run organised by South West Road Runners. It is always a tough run with three very challenging hills including the infamous muscle sapping Hunters’ Path facing runners at mile 8. Running through Fingle Bridge and for several miles along the River Teign, it is in a truly stunning location offering breathtaking views of the Teign Valley once runners have reached the top of the hill. The race was won by Ceri Rees who just missed the hour mark to finish in 1 hour and 1 minute. First back for Honiton was Karl Hodson who came 35th overall in 1:14:46. He had a great run despite falling on the slippery mud. Sometime later, Steve Davey finished coming 143rd in 1:28:23 with Roger Saunders hot on his heels having had a fantastic run to come 152nd in 1:28:57. Howard Bidmead and Roger had tracked each other throughout the race before Roger came out on top. Howard came 174th in 1:31:08. Despite being in pain with her wrist Fran McMahon led the ladies home to come 203rd in 1:33:37. Judy Davey was gaining on Fran in the final stages and finished just one place and 4 seconds behind. Brent Dicks had been overtaken by Judy on Hunters’ Path and was next back finishing 209th in 1:34:34. Paula Ferris thoroughly enjoyed the race and cheered on by her family came 272nd in 1:41:48. Nicola Greenland was next back coming 367th in 1:52:21. Juliet Hall and Clare Melbourne ran together for most of the race having great fun enjoying the mud. Juliet finished 405th in 2:00:19 with Clare placed 3 positions and 15 seconds later. There were 477 finishers. Half the entry fee went towards the upkeep of Castle Drogo which is undergoing extensive restoration at the moment.
Last Sunday it was the Castle Drogo 10 race and 11 Honiton runners travelled to Drewsteignton to take part in this 9.6 off road run organised by South West Road Runners. It is always a tough run with three very challenging hills including the infamous muscle sapping Hunters’ Path facing runners at mile 8. Running through Fingle Bridge and for several miles along the River Teign, it is in a truly stunning location offering breathtaking views of the Teign Valley once runners have reached the top of the hill. The race was won by Ceri Rees who just missed the hour mark to finish in 1 hour and 1 minute. First back for Honiton was Karl Hodson who came 35th overall in 1:14:46. He had a great run despite falling on the slippery mud. Sometime later, Steve Davey finished coming 143rd in 1:28:23 with Roger Saunders hot on his heels having had a fantastic run to come 152nd in 1:28:57. Howard Bidmead and Roger had tracked each other throughout the race before Roger came out on top. Howard came 174th in 1:31:08. Despite being in pain with her wrist Fran McMahon led the ladies home to come 203rd in 1:33:37. Judy Davey was gaining on Fran in the final stages and finished just one place and 4 seconds behind. Brent Dicks had been overtaken by Judy on Hunters’ Path and was next back finishing 209th in 1:34:34. Paula Ferris thoroughly enjoyed the race and cheered on by her family came 272nd in 1:41:48. Nicola Greenland was next back coming 367th in 1:52:21. Juliet Hall and Clare Melbourne ran together for most of the race having great fun enjoying the mud. Juliet finished 405th in 2:00:19 with Clare placed 3 positions and 15 seconds later. There were 477 finishers. Half the entry fee went towards the upkeep of Castle Drogo which is undergoing extensive restoration at the moment.
October Handicap
Exmoor Stagger, Great West Run & Eden Marathon
Sunday, 18th October was a busy weekend for Honiton Running Club members who travelled to 3 different races. Alasdair and Esme Moffett went to Minehead to take part in the Exmoor Stagger.This 15.1 mile race provides a challenging off road course using the steep and varied terrain with total ascent of 3627 ft. The route runs from Minehead to the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon and then back to Minehead. Alasdair finished 52nd in 2 hours 31 minutes and Esme came 108th in 3:08. The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners in 1:50.
Seven HRC members turned out, ready and prepared for the 31st Great West Half Marathon. Running conditions were very favourable dry with a slight breeze and set fair for the duration. Over 3,000 runners took part with the streets packed full of support - friends and family cheering on everyone who had put in the time, effort, dedication and long hours of training to get around the course. The race started at 9 am and behind the starting gun was four- time Olympian Jo Pavey a fantastic inspiring start for all runners. The course combined the energy of a city centre road race with pretty country lanes and stunning views across Exeter. Undulating hills were present along the route and a climb at mile 8 caught a few runners having to dig deep into the legs for reserves through gritted teeth, perseverance prevailed as cheers from the crowd spurred them on. First home for the HRClub was David Hawker in a fantastic time of 1:48 which was 12 mins faster than last year, Paula Ferris managed a PB on the course with 1:49 running for the Children’s Hospice. Tim Wigram also clocked the same time. They were closely followed across the line by Tony Peek with a time of 2:00 and Sharon Wells with a beaming smile with a time of 2:01 finishing 17th out of 65 in her category. Katie Sherjan finished her first half marathon in a very impressive time of 2:28 and very proud of her achievements. Alan Rowe 2:22 and Liam Dushynsky 2:32 completed the finishing Honiton line up.The men’s race was won in an astonishing time of 1:10:07 by Shaun Antell of Bideford AAC and the first lady home was Annabel Granger of Bristol and West 1:21:16.Runners ran proud and determined for local charities close to their hearts including Children’s Hospice South West, Devon Air Ambulance, CLIC Sargent, and Hospice Care to name just a few. Thank you to all supporters along the way.
Lastly but definitely not least, 3 HRC members took part in the Eden Half and full marathon. Kevin Hawker and Steve Boyes took part in the full marathon. A challenging multi terrain course with over 2000 feet climbing which also includes a climb or walk to the top of a tor. Kevin Hawker came a well deserved 2nd place overall and first veteran runner in a time of 2:59 just a minute after the winner. An achilles injury hampered Kevin but on reflection he was happy and now will take a good rest after running over 1100 miles training for the event. Steve Boyes found the event tough and came home in 4:03 and 2nd in his age group. Both Kevin and Steve were aching for a few days. Michelle Selly had a fantastic time running the half and finished in 2:24.
Sunday, 18th October was a busy weekend for Honiton Running Club members who travelled to 3 different races. Alasdair and Esme Moffett went to Minehead to take part in the Exmoor Stagger.This 15.1 mile race provides a challenging off road course using the steep and varied terrain with total ascent of 3627 ft. The route runs from Minehead to the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon and then back to Minehead. Alasdair finished 52nd in 2 hours 31 minutes and Esme came 108th in 3:08. The race was won by James Baker of Chichester Runners in 1:50.
Seven HRC members turned out, ready and prepared for the 31st Great West Half Marathon. Running conditions were very favourable dry with a slight breeze and set fair for the duration. Over 3,000 runners took part with the streets packed full of support - friends and family cheering on everyone who had put in the time, effort, dedication and long hours of training to get around the course. The race started at 9 am and behind the starting gun was four- time Olympian Jo Pavey a fantastic inspiring start for all runners. The course combined the energy of a city centre road race with pretty country lanes and stunning views across Exeter. Undulating hills were present along the route and a climb at mile 8 caught a few runners having to dig deep into the legs for reserves through gritted teeth, perseverance prevailed as cheers from the crowd spurred them on. First home for the HRClub was David Hawker in a fantastic time of 1:48 which was 12 mins faster than last year, Paula Ferris managed a PB on the course with 1:49 running for the Children’s Hospice. Tim Wigram also clocked the same time. They were closely followed across the line by Tony Peek with a time of 2:00 and Sharon Wells with a beaming smile with a time of 2:01 finishing 17th out of 65 in her category. Katie Sherjan finished her first half marathon in a very impressive time of 2:28 and very proud of her achievements. Alan Rowe 2:22 and Liam Dushynsky 2:32 completed the finishing Honiton line up.The men’s race was won in an astonishing time of 1:10:07 by Shaun Antell of Bideford AAC and the first lady home was Annabel Granger of Bristol and West 1:21:16.Runners ran proud and determined for local charities close to their hearts including Children’s Hospice South West, Devon Air Ambulance, CLIC Sargent, and Hospice Care to name just a few. Thank you to all supporters along the way.
Lastly but definitely not least, 3 HRC members took part in the Eden Half and full marathon. Kevin Hawker and Steve Boyes took part in the full marathon. A challenging multi terrain course with over 2000 feet climbing which also includes a climb or walk to the top of a tor. Kevin Hawker came a well deserved 2nd place overall and first veteran runner in a time of 2:59 just a minute after the winner. An achilles injury hampered Kevin but on reflection he was happy and now will take a good rest after running over 1100 miles training for the event. Steve Boyes found the event tough and came home in 4:03 and 2nd in his age group. Both Kevin and Steve were aching for a few days. Michelle Selly had a fantastic time running the half and finished in 2:24.
Studland Stampede
Several Honiton runners took a mini bus to Studland Beach in Dorset to take part in the Studland Stampede which is a 7 ½ mile off road run. It is run mainly on National Trust land and is a fairly flat course although runners are tested with muscle sapping sand dunes in the second half of the race. Once off the dunes the last 2 miles is all along Studland Beach but it was quite a relief as the sand was wet and much easier to run on than the dunes. Runners did have to dodge the waves though. It was predictably windy on the beach but it was an unseasonably warm breeze which made for perfect conditions for racing. The race was won by Andrew Ridley in a time of 46 minutes 56 seconds and the first back for Honiton was Tom Bornet who finished 50th in 58:10. Steve Davey was next back coming 63rd in 59:16 having taken a tumble crossing a stream. Howard Bidmead had a good run despite nursing a calf injury coming 75th in 1:00:13. Not too far behind was Roger Saunders who was running the race for the first time. He finished 87th in 1:01:33. Roger had overtaken Judy Davey running down a hill and managing to stay ahead leaving Judy to come 100th just 34 seconds later. Lynn Pike continued her run of speedy finishes to come 201st in 1:09:40. Nicola Greenland enjoyed the run coming 234th in 1:12:12. Nick Thorpe was another who took a fall and finished in the first aid tent. He came 246th in 1:13:05 with Jennie Sleeman hot on his heels coming just 2 places and 11 seconds later. Sandra Thorpe was happy with her run coming 313th in 1:19:06. Carol Turnham was a last minute entry and she came 352nd in 1:23:11. Wendy Williams followed soon after coming 362nd in 1:24:15 providing delicious apple cake to her team mates upon their return. Kathy Layzell completed the Honiton line-up finishing in fine form to come 378th in 1:25:42. Runners were treated to a great goody bag and a free ice-cream which they enjoyed in the beautiful autumn sunshine. There were 419 finishers.
Several Honiton runners took a mini bus to Studland Beach in Dorset to take part in the Studland Stampede which is a 7 ½ mile off road run. It is run mainly on National Trust land and is a fairly flat course although runners are tested with muscle sapping sand dunes in the second half of the race. Once off the dunes the last 2 miles is all along Studland Beach but it was quite a relief as the sand was wet and much easier to run on than the dunes. Runners did have to dodge the waves though. It was predictably windy on the beach but it was an unseasonably warm breeze which made for perfect conditions for racing. The race was won by Andrew Ridley in a time of 46 minutes 56 seconds and the first back for Honiton was Tom Bornet who finished 50th in 58:10. Steve Davey was next back coming 63rd in 59:16 having taken a tumble crossing a stream. Howard Bidmead had a good run despite nursing a calf injury coming 75th in 1:00:13. Not too far behind was Roger Saunders who was running the race for the first time. He finished 87th in 1:01:33. Roger had overtaken Judy Davey running down a hill and managing to stay ahead leaving Judy to come 100th just 34 seconds later. Lynn Pike continued her run of speedy finishes to come 201st in 1:09:40. Nicola Greenland enjoyed the run coming 234th in 1:12:12. Nick Thorpe was another who took a fall and finished in the first aid tent. He came 246th in 1:13:05 with Jennie Sleeman hot on his heels coming just 2 places and 11 seconds later. Sandra Thorpe was happy with her run coming 313th in 1:19:06. Carol Turnham was a last minute entry and she came 352nd in 1:23:11. Wendy Williams followed soon after coming 362nd in 1:24:15 providing delicious apple cake to her team mates upon their return. Kathy Layzell completed the Honiton line-up finishing in fine form to come 378th in 1:25:42. Runners were treated to a great goody bag and a free ice-cream which they enjoyed in the beautiful autumn sunshine. There were 419 finishers.
Cardiff Half Marathon & Minster Challenge
Four Honiton runners joined 22,000 other competitors in last Sunday's Cardiff Half marathon. With conditions perfect for running the race started in front of Cardiff Castle. Mark Dallyn and Howard Bidmead were on the start line together but lost sight of each other in the first mile. The route took in many of Cardiff's attractions and apart from a strenuous climb at mile 12 the route was relatively flat. Mark was the first Honiton runner back in 1.37.02. Howard was close behind in 1.37.52. The ladies were next back. Paula Ferris and Sharon Wells were running their second Cardiff Half Marathon. Paula finished in 1.54.01 and Sharon in 2.00.51.
On the same day, other Honiton runners took the much closer trip to Axminster Community College to take part in the Minster Challenge. This race is a 7.4 mile multi-terrain run with its fair share of hills and the runners even found mud and a bog despite the spell of dry weather. Young Iain Ross has been concentrating on swimming rather than running recently but managed to pull a great run out of the bag to finish 4th overall in 51:55. Steve Davey was next back delighted to finish under the hour. He was 20th in 59:49. Judy Davey led the Honiton ladies home to come 27th in 1:04:59. She was followed less than two minutes later by her daughter Jo who was running her second ever multi-terrain race. She finished 32nd in 1:06:56. Lynn Pike pushed herself as hard as she could and was rewarded to come 47th in 1:10:42. Claire Rouse had a good run coming 63rd in 1:20:19 and Carol Turnham completed the Honiton line-up having enjoyed the run coming 77th in 1:28:41. There were 82 finishers and the race was won by Arran Tocknell in 45:38.
Jasmine Stone represented the club in the 5k finishing 7th overall and 1st female in 23:24. The race was won by Axe Valley Runner Ethan Day in 19:49 and there were 54 runners. Jasmine’s brother Harrison took part in the junior race coming 9th overall out of 41 runners.
Four Honiton runners joined 22,000 other competitors in last Sunday's Cardiff Half marathon. With conditions perfect for running the race started in front of Cardiff Castle. Mark Dallyn and Howard Bidmead were on the start line together but lost sight of each other in the first mile. The route took in many of Cardiff's attractions and apart from a strenuous climb at mile 12 the route was relatively flat. Mark was the first Honiton runner back in 1.37.02. Howard was close behind in 1.37.52. The ladies were next back. Paula Ferris and Sharon Wells were running their second Cardiff Half Marathon. Paula finished in 1.54.01 and Sharon in 2.00.51.
On the same day, other Honiton runners took the much closer trip to Axminster Community College to take part in the Minster Challenge. This race is a 7.4 mile multi-terrain run with its fair share of hills and the runners even found mud and a bog despite the spell of dry weather. Young Iain Ross has been concentrating on swimming rather than running recently but managed to pull a great run out of the bag to finish 4th overall in 51:55. Steve Davey was next back delighted to finish under the hour. He was 20th in 59:49. Judy Davey led the Honiton ladies home to come 27th in 1:04:59. She was followed less than two minutes later by her daughter Jo who was running her second ever multi-terrain race. She finished 32nd in 1:06:56. Lynn Pike pushed herself as hard as she could and was rewarded to come 47th in 1:10:42. Claire Rouse had a good run coming 63rd in 1:20:19 and Carol Turnham completed the Honiton line-up having enjoyed the run coming 77th in 1:28:41. There were 82 finishers and the race was won by Arran Tocknell in 45:38.
Jasmine Stone represented the club in the 5k finishing 7th overall and 1st female in 23:24. The race was won by Axe Valley Runner Ethan Day in 19:49 and there were 54 runners. Jasmine’s brother Harrison took part in the junior race coming 9th overall out of 41 runners.
September Handicap
Several Honiton Running Club members took part in the second running of the Stockland Scamper last weekend. There was a field of 54 for the main 10k but many more for the 3k and fun run. It was organised by Stockland Academy PTFA with the help of Axe Valley Runners. The race was won by local Simon Durrant in a time of 42 minutes 29 seconds. First Honiton runner home and 2nd overall and also winner of his category was Karl Hodson who finished in 43:13. Next back was Chris Entwistle who finished 8th in 48:47. He was followed by Howard Bidmead who had yet another fantastic run winning his category and finishing 10th in 49:27. Steve Davey was next back coming 16th in 52:02. Judy Davey was 3rd lady home winning her category to finish 19th overall in 53:53. Paul Williams was tracked by Fran McMahon for most of the race but Paul managed to stay in front to come 22nd in 54:48 with Fran just 7 seconds behind winning her age group. Brent Dicks turned up despite the hills and came 25th in 56:01. Jim Hill was another Honiton age category winner coming 31st in 59:26 with Linda Pike hot on his heels just 8 seconds later having had a fantastic run. David Perkins, although a Honiton RC member, was running for Stockland School as its headteacher. Sporting a pink dressing gown which must have been a little warm on what was a beautiful day, he managed to avoid falling in dubious substances on route to come 41st in 1:05:46 crossing the line to rapturous applause from the Stockland children. Carol Turnham was next back coming 51st in 1:13:18 having enjoyed the beautiful weather whilst running in beautiful countryside. Wendy Williams had run with her friend Rachel and finished 54th in 1:15:19.
The 3k race saw an amazing 124 finishers with Simon Davies the overall winner in 11:47. Honiton’s Jasmine Stone had a fantastic run and finished as 2nd female in 12th place overall in 14:11. Jasmine’s younger brother Harrison came 45th in 17:26.
Much of the race was run on private ground so thanks must go to the kind farmers for allowing the runners on their land. Thanks also to the organisers and marshals for a great event.
The 3k race saw an amazing 124 finishers with Simon Davies the overall winner in 11:47. Honiton’s Jasmine Stone had a fantastic run and finished as 2nd female in 12th place overall in 14:11. Jasmine’s younger brother Harrison came 45th in 17:26.
Much of the race was run on private ground so thanks must go to the kind farmers for allowing the runners on their land. Thanks also to the organisers and marshals for a great event.
Cotleigh Canters
Honiton Running Club held its Cotleigh Canter races last Sunday with plenty of records broken. It was a perfect day for running which brought out the crowds. Together with the weather and Teignbridge Trotters making it their club trip and bringing a double decker bus through the narrow country lanes of Cotleigh, this made for a record number of entries in all 3 races. First race off was the 3k Fun Run with 57 runners finishing. This really was a race for everyone with the youngest competitor aged just 3 and unbelievably the oldest had 90 years on this child at 93! The winning male was Sam Yearling in 11 minutes 42 seconds with Cameron Bryson coming 2nd in 12:05. The first female was Phoebe Clark who finished 4th overall in 12:22. She was followed by Faith Rosenwald of Clyst Hydon Primary School who came 12th overall in 13:58. Jamie Porter was the first runner back for Honiton RC coming 6th in 13:20. Harrison Stone came 21st in 15:45. Lara Oak represented the girls of Honiton coming 34th in 18:15. On his birthday, Alfie Pike came 36th in 18:31. The primary school to win the Alan Rowe Cup was Upottery School.
The 5k was next off the mark with Honiton’s own 15 year old Kyle Hartnell smashing the course record to finish in 17:30. Ross Wayne of Purbeck Runners smashed his own personal best time to come 2nd male in 19:14. Ellie Dominey came 1st lady in 19:02 and 2nd place overall, just one second off the course record set by Ellie herself in 2013. Second female was Victoria Hall of Hatch Warren Runners who was 8th overall in 21:44. Other Honiton 5k runners were: 6th Sam Dowson 21:08, 7th Thomas Lilley 21:25, 10th Katelyn Wells 23:24, 11th George Tomkins 23:44, 12th Morgan Davy 24:03, 15th Hattie Taviner 26:55 and 20th Zayna Small 32:00. There were 23 finishers.
There were plenty of records broken in the 10k race and lots of pb times too. Jake Smith of Axe Valley Runners, having set the course record last year came 1st overall in 33:48 and he was followed by Peter Monaghan of Torbay AC in 35:13 with a new record for his age category. The winning lady, Helen Anthony of Teignbridge Trotters, also broke the course record finishing in 38:53 in 9th place overall. The 2nd lady home was Honiton’s Suzanne Spiller who finished 27th in 43:19. Other Honiton runners were: 19th Hadleigh Davies 41:58, 20th Steve Selley 42:09 (winning his category), 21st Chris Entwistle 42:22, 33rd Mark Dallyn 44:46, 38th Ceri Oak 46:01, 40th Jo Davey 46:34, 42nd David Hawker 46:39, 53rd Jim Hill 49:54, 63rd Linda Pike 52:31, 68th Claire Rouse 54:59, 71st Phil Hall 56:09 and 74th Bernice Bastin 57:10 who was determined to finish under the hour which she did by nearly 3 minutes. There were 89 finishers.
Many thanks to the locals of Cotleigh for putting up with the disruption especially Dennis Retter who allowed us to use a field as a car park.
Honiton Running Club held its Cotleigh Canter races last Sunday with plenty of records broken. It was a perfect day for running which brought out the crowds. Together with the weather and Teignbridge Trotters making it their club trip and bringing a double decker bus through the narrow country lanes of Cotleigh, this made for a record number of entries in all 3 races. First race off was the 3k Fun Run with 57 runners finishing. This really was a race for everyone with the youngest competitor aged just 3 and unbelievably the oldest had 90 years on this child at 93! The winning male was Sam Yearling in 11 minutes 42 seconds with Cameron Bryson coming 2nd in 12:05. The first female was Phoebe Clark who finished 4th overall in 12:22. She was followed by Faith Rosenwald of Clyst Hydon Primary School who came 12th overall in 13:58. Jamie Porter was the first runner back for Honiton RC coming 6th in 13:20. Harrison Stone came 21st in 15:45. Lara Oak represented the girls of Honiton coming 34th in 18:15. On his birthday, Alfie Pike came 36th in 18:31. The primary school to win the Alan Rowe Cup was Upottery School.
The 5k was next off the mark with Honiton’s own 15 year old Kyle Hartnell smashing the course record to finish in 17:30. Ross Wayne of Purbeck Runners smashed his own personal best time to come 2nd male in 19:14. Ellie Dominey came 1st lady in 19:02 and 2nd place overall, just one second off the course record set by Ellie herself in 2013. Second female was Victoria Hall of Hatch Warren Runners who was 8th overall in 21:44. Other Honiton 5k runners were: 6th Sam Dowson 21:08, 7th Thomas Lilley 21:25, 10th Katelyn Wells 23:24, 11th George Tomkins 23:44, 12th Morgan Davy 24:03, 15th Hattie Taviner 26:55 and 20th Zayna Small 32:00. There were 23 finishers.
There were plenty of records broken in the 10k race and lots of pb times too. Jake Smith of Axe Valley Runners, having set the course record last year came 1st overall in 33:48 and he was followed by Peter Monaghan of Torbay AC in 35:13 with a new record for his age category. The winning lady, Helen Anthony of Teignbridge Trotters, also broke the course record finishing in 38:53 in 9th place overall. The 2nd lady home was Honiton’s Suzanne Spiller who finished 27th in 43:19. Other Honiton runners were: 19th Hadleigh Davies 41:58, 20th Steve Selley 42:09 (winning his category), 21st Chris Entwistle 42:22, 33rd Mark Dallyn 44:46, 38th Ceri Oak 46:01, 40th Jo Davey 46:34, 42nd David Hawker 46:39, 53rd Jim Hill 49:54, 63rd Linda Pike 52:31, 68th Claire Rouse 54:59, 71st Phil Hall 56:09 and 74th Bernice Bastin 57:10 who was determined to finish under the hour which she did by nearly 3 minutes. There were 89 finishers.
Many thanks to the locals of Cotleigh for putting up with the disruption especially Dennis Retter who allowed us to use a field as a car park.
Bridgwater Half & Englefield 10k
Kevin Hawker, Julie Payne and Kathy Layzell ran the Bridgwater half last Sunday. It was a very hot day on a fairly flat course with a few hills in the middle. Kevin came a brilliant 5th overall and first in age group in 1:16:30. He was particularly pleased as it is part of his marathon training and follows a heavy mileage week. Julie also had a very impressive run finishing in 1:35:20 and first in age group, 55th overall. Kathy had a good run but suffered from the heat during the last 3 miles finishing in 2:16:27 and 257th place. The race was won by Oliver Berry of Taunton AC in a time of 1:13:48 and there were 297 finishers.
Howard Bidmead was in North Hampshire at the previous weekend and took part in the Englefield 10k, a multi terrain run which takes place completely in the grounds of Englefield House. Conditions were warm and humid as 262 runners took on a relatively flat course across fields and tracks which had stunning views. Runners struggled with a long steep hill between 7 and 8k before a sharp descent to the finish. Howard continued his fine form finishing 39th in 46.32. The race was won by Scott Kennedy from Blackwater Valley Runners in 37.35.
Kevin Hawker, Julie Payne and Kathy Layzell ran the Bridgwater half last Sunday. It was a very hot day on a fairly flat course with a few hills in the middle. Kevin came a brilliant 5th overall and first in age group in 1:16:30. He was particularly pleased as it is part of his marathon training and follows a heavy mileage week. Julie also had a very impressive run finishing in 1:35:20 and first in age group, 55th overall. Kathy had a good run but suffered from the heat during the last 3 miles finishing in 2:16:27 and 257th place. The race was won by Oliver Berry of Taunton AC in a time of 1:13:48 and there were 297 finishers.
Howard Bidmead was in North Hampshire at the previous weekend and took part in the Englefield 10k, a multi terrain run which takes place completely in the grounds of Englefield House. Conditions were warm and humid as 262 runners took on a relatively flat course across fields and tracks which had stunning views. Runners struggled with a long steep hill between 7 and 8k before a sharp descent to the finish. Howard continued his fine form finishing 39th in 46.32. The race was won by Scott Kennedy from Blackwater Valley Runners in 37.35.
Jurassic Coast 10k
Honiton Running Club members turned out in force on Saturday, 22nd August for the Jurassic Coast 10km Race. The course included a range of terrains involving public footpaths, quiet rural roads and coast paths with amazing coastal views. The weather finally was on our side as the sun shone on all runners positioned ready at the start line on the seafront at Budleigh Salterton.
First home for Honiton was Karl Hodson positioned 8th in a time of 40 minutes 56 seconds - a great race, with other club members crossing the line in quick succession including Tom Bornet who finished 28th in 45:28. Steve Selley finished in 34th place in 46.04. Jim Hill, possibly the oldest competitor, followed in 86th place in 54:07 and then came the ladies of the club with Frances McMahon, the first of the bunch, still with a spring in her step passing through the finish line one place and 9 seconds behind Jim. She was followed by Paula Ferris, 3 places later in 54.40. Both ladies are fairly new to the club and felt rightly proud with their performances claiming under the hour milestone as did Sharon Wells who was next back coming 127th in 57:51. Dawn Peek and Asilah Jarrald claimed the same time of 1.12.06 crossing the line together in 215th place. Katie Sherjan ran a first race as new Honiton club member with a very respectable time of 1.16.58 and 239th place despite the gradients and the hot conditions. The finish line was packed with supporters cheering in runners from all clubs and independent runners alike. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and respect for all participants who had tackled the tough course.
The race was won by Howard Bailey in a time of 38.04 and there were 254 finishers. Many thanks to all the race organisers, marshals and volunteers who were involved in the event and on the day. The event ran very smoothly with all runners looking as colourful as the medals they had won. All monies raised will be donated to Force Cancer Charity.
First home for Honiton was Karl Hodson positioned 8th in a time of 40 minutes 56 seconds - a great race, with other club members crossing the line in quick succession including Tom Bornet who finished 28th in 45:28. Steve Selley finished in 34th place in 46.04. Jim Hill, possibly the oldest competitor, followed in 86th place in 54:07 and then came the ladies of the club with Frances McMahon, the first of the bunch, still with a spring in her step passing through the finish line one place and 9 seconds behind Jim. She was followed by Paula Ferris, 3 places later in 54.40. Both ladies are fairly new to the club and felt rightly proud with their performances claiming under the hour milestone as did Sharon Wells who was next back coming 127th in 57:51. Dawn Peek and Asilah Jarrald claimed the same time of 1.12.06 crossing the line together in 215th place. Katie Sherjan ran a first race as new Honiton club member with a very respectable time of 1.16.58 and 239th place despite the gradients and the hot conditions. The finish line was packed with supporters cheering in runners from all clubs and independent runners alike. The atmosphere was filled with admiration and respect for all participants who had tackled the tough course.
The race was won by Howard Bailey in a time of 38.04 and there were 254 finishers. Many thanks to all the race organisers, marshals and volunteers who were involved in the event and on the day. The event ran very smoothly with all runners looking as colourful as the medals they had won. All monies raised will be donated to Force Cancer Charity.
August Handicap
Dalwood 10k
Several Honiton Running Club members braved the heavy rain on Sunday morning to take part in the Dalwood Fair 10k multi-terrain run. The rain did stop about an hour before the race and held off for about 20 minutes of runners setting off. It wasn’t too cold but rain earlier in the week, together with rain on the day, made for very slippery conditions. First back for Honiton was young Flo Swan who continues to show everyone else how it should be done. She was 7th overall and 1st lady. Steve Selley had a great run coming 17th in exactly 49 minutes. Howard Bidmead had his run of the year coming just 2 places later in 49:39. He showed Steve Davey a clean pair of heels early on in the race with Steve coming 24th in 51:20. There was a bit of a gap but Mark Dallyn came 25th in 52:18 having also had a great run. David Hawker came 33rd in 54:32 having overtaken Judy Davey as she had just picked herself up from falling off a stile. Judy came 35th in 55:34. Linda Pike wasn’t too far behind coming 39th in 1:00:38. Claire Rouse is enjoying racing for the club and tackled this one for the first time to come 45th in 1:04:41. It was good to see Claire Burrough racing for the club again coming 49th in 1:07:00. The line-up was completed by Carol Turnham who enjoyed the race coming 55th in 1:14:42. The race was won by James Reeves in 39:20 and there were 56 finishers. Thanks to Dalwood Run Committee for putting on the event and Axe Valley Runners for assisting but thanks must go mostly to the marshals who stood or sat in the pouring rain for far too long.
Several Honiton Running Club members braved the heavy rain on Sunday morning to take part in the Dalwood Fair 10k multi-terrain run. The rain did stop about an hour before the race and held off for about 20 minutes of runners setting off. It wasn’t too cold but rain earlier in the week, together with rain on the day, made for very slippery conditions. First back for Honiton was young Flo Swan who continues to show everyone else how it should be done. She was 7th overall and 1st lady. Steve Selley had a great run coming 17th in exactly 49 minutes. Howard Bidmead had his run of the year coming just 2 places later in 49:39. He showed Steve Davey a clean pair of heels early on in the race with Steve coming 24th in 51:20. There was a bit of a gap but Mark Dallyn came 25th in 52:18 having also had a great run. David Hawker came 33rd in 54:32 having overtaken Judy Davey as she had just picked herself up from falling off a stile. Judy came 35th in 55:34. Linda Pike wasn’t too far behind coming 39th in 1:00:38. Claire Rouse is enjoying racing for the club and tackled this one for the first time to come 45th in 1:04:41. It was good to see Claire Burrough racing for the club again coming 49th in 1:07:00. The line-up was completed by Carol Turnham who enjoyed the race coming 55th in 1:14:42. The race was won by James Reeves in 39:20 and there were 56 finishers. Thanks to Dalwood Run Committee for putting on the event and Axe Valley Runners for assisting but thanks must go mostly to the marshals who stood or sat in the pouring rain for far too long.
July Handicap - Report by Simon
Firstly I would like to thank everyone who turned out for the record breaking July handicap. We had 32 runners appear for this month’s run and it was all the better for it. The previous best over the last two years was 21, not sure how we can beat that next month but we will try.
A beautiful evening met the hordes of runners and once I saw the number growing and growing I did think “what have I done”? John Burgess was quick to settle our nerves by stating we had a 50% greater chance to muck up the result with this many people. We continued to get names and set the times and slotted in the 10 new runners. When the runners set off we knew that a few of the new runners would be released at the wrong time. But it was still a surprise when Tom Willey came belting round the corner to the finish with no other runners in sight, 2 minutes ahead of the field in 22:05. Being this was Tom’s first run he was not eligible for the monthly prize but Sally Willey (his wife) was next, in a great time and a PB of 23:49 taking 1:42 of her previous time, at least Tom can see the prize at home! There were also some other great PB’s and some good new runner times, the first 7 all had PB’s apart from Howard, our thorn between two roses. Unfortunately the timing was faultless so there were no huge muck ups to talk about but there is always next month. Thanks to Claire, JoJo and Suzanne for recording and John Burgess for the words of wisdom.
Firstly I would like to thank everyone who turned out for the record breaking July handicap. We had 32 runners appear for this month’s run and it was all the better for it. The previous best over the last two years was 21, not sure how we can beat that next month but we will try.
A beautiful evening met the hordes of runners and once I saw the number growing and growing I did think “what have I done”? John Burgess was quick to settle our nerves by stating we had a 50% greater chance to muck up the result with this many people. We continued to get names and set the times and slotted in the 10 new runners. When the runners set off we knew that a few of the new runners would be released at the wrong time. But it was still a surprise when Tom Willey came belting round the corner to the finish with no other runners in sight, 2 minutes ahead of the field in 22:05. Being this was Tom’s first run he was not eligible for the monthly prize but Sally Willey (his wife) was next, in a great time and a PB of 23:49 taking 1:42 of her previous time, at least Tom can see the prize at home! There were also some other great PB’s and some good new runner times, the first 7 all had PB’s apart from Howard, our thorn between two roses. Unfortunately the timing was faultless so there were no huge muck ups to talk about but there is always next month. Thanks to Claire, JoJo and Suzanne for recording and John Burgess for the words of wisdom.
Woodland Relay & Haytor Heller
On Monday, 12th July Morganhayes Woods was inundated with runners of all ages. They were taking part in the Woodland Relays organised this time by Axe Valley Runners. It is a fun event fiercely challenged by AVR, Honiton Running Club, N1 Tri Club, Met Office, Exmouth Harriers and Sidmouth Running Club with some very fast Upottery Primary School children in attendance too. No matter what age the participant is, everyone runs in relay teams of three tackling the 3k hilly route of muddy tracks designed by Garry Parrett. The overall winning team was the Livingstone family in the very speedy time of 36 minutes 58 seconds. The first Honiton team home were the Honiton men finishing 3rd overall in 40:01 and made up of Kevin Hawker, Karl Hodson and Steve Selley. The Honiton Junior Girls were next back coming 6th overall and not only winning the prize for 1st U17 girls but were also 1st female team home overall. They took 44:35 and were made up of Flo Swan, Morgan Davy and Jasmine Stone. Jasmine challenged Alasdair Moffett to the line and he made up Honiton’s next team home in 44:39. That team took the mixed adults prize and was made up of Suzanne Spiller, Judy Davey and Alasdair. Honiton’s mixed junior team also had success winning their category to finish 11th overall and 46:16. It was great to see so many teams out with Honiton making up 17 of them out of the 35. Thanks to Garry Parrett and the rest of AVR for another great Woodland Relay.
A warm muggy evening on Dartmoor saw 250 runners taking part in the 30th Haytor Heller. This is an extremely tough 6 mile event which starts halfway up Haytor which runners have to ascend before setting off across the moor where they climb Hound Tor at the half way point before returning to Haytor which they climb once more before a fast descent to the finish below.
Ian Stewart had a great race for Honiton finishing in 46:30 and finishing 13th overall. Howard Bidmead was next having had a good run in 58:25 in 93rd place. Louise Crisp completed the Honiton team and finished strongly in 61m coming in 116th. The race was won by Aaron Tocknell from Torbay in 41.09.
On Monday, 12th July Morganhayes Woods was inundated with runners of all ages. They were taking part in the Woodland Relays organised this time by Axe Valley Runners. It is a fun event fiercely challenged by AVR, Honiton Running Club, N1 Tri Club, Met Office, Exmouth Harriers and Sidmouth Running Club with some very fast Upottery Primary School children in attendance too. No matter what age the participant is, everyone runs in relay teams of three tackling the 3k hilly route of muddy tracks designed by Garry Parrett. The overall winning team was the Livingstone family in the very speedy time of 36 minutes 58 seconds. The first Honiton team home were the Honiton men finishing 3rd overall in 40:01 and made up of Kevin Hawker, Karl Hodson and Steve Selley. The Honiton Junior Girls were next back coming 6th overall and not only winning the prize for 1st U17 girls but were also 1st female team home overall. They took 44:35 and were made up of Flo Swan, Morgan Davy and Jasmine Stone. Jasmine challenged Alasdair Moffett to the line and he made up Honiton’s next team home in 44:39. That team took the mixed adults prize and was made up of Suzanne Spiller, Judy Davey and Alasdair. Honiton’s mixed junior team also had success winning their category to finish 11th overall and 46:16. It was great to see so many teams out with Honiton making up 17 of them out of the 35. Thanks to Garry Parrett and the rest of AVR for another great Woodland Relay.
A warm muggy evening on Dartmoor saw 250 runners taking part in the 30th Haytor Heller. This is an extremely tough 6 mile event which starts halfway up Haytor which runners have to ascend before setting off across the moor where they climb Hound Tor at the half way point before returning to Haytor which they climb once more before a fast descent to the finish below.
Ian Stewart had a great race for Honiton finishing in 46:30 and finishing 13th overall. Howard Bidmead was next having had a good run in 58:25 in 93rd place. Louise Crisp completed the Honiton team and finished strongly in 61m coming in 116th. The race was won by Aaron Tocknell from Torbay in 41.09.
Honiton RC at the 2015 Woodland Relay at Morganhayes
Otter Rail and River Run & Bridport 10k
A record number of runners took part in the Otter Rail and River Run last Saturday which starts and finishes in Tipton St John. It is organised by Tipton Playing Field Committee and Sidmouth Running Club and is a 10k route which is almost as flat as it gets in East Devon. Karl Hodson led Honiton Running Club home to finish 23rd in 41 minutes 55 seconds. He was followed by Steve Davey who finished 41st in 44.26 with Steve Selley hot on his heels; 5 places and 21 seconds later. Mark Dallyn struggled with this race finishing 63rd in 47.30. Mark Andow came 86th in 50.24 and Jim Hill was 105th in 53.26. Kathy Layzell and Sandra Thorpe finished together in 152nd place in 1:00:36 and Michelle Selley who has just started running again after injury completed the line up to come 179th in 1.05.09. James Denne won the race in a new course record of 34:33 and there were 215 finishers; an increase of 50% on last year.
Damp and warm conditions greeted the 100 runners that took part in Sunday's Bridport 10k. This tough off road event takes in the Jurassic coast path and due to fog on Thorncombe Beacon the Coastguard had advised the route be diverted at this point. This did not detract from what was a stunning run and by the time the runners reached Thorncombe the weather was clear.Two Honiton runners made the trip. Howard Bidmead had another good run in an event he enjoys and finished in 51m 07s. Paula Ferris running in a Honiton vest for the first time enjoyed her run and was beaming when she crossed the line in 61m.
A record number of runners took part in the Otter Rail and River Run last Saturday which starts and finishes in Tipton St John. It is organised by Tipton Playing Field Committee and Sidmouth Running Club and is a 10k route which is almost as flat as it gets in East Devon. Karl Hodson led Honiton Running Club home to finish 23rd in 41 minutes 55 seconds. He was followed by Steve Davey who finished 41st in 44.26 with Steve Selley hot on his heels; 5 places and 21 seconds later. Mark Dallyn struggled with this race finishing 63rd in 47.30. Mark Andow came 86th in 50.24 and Jim Hill was 105th in 53.26. Kathy Layzell and Sandra Thorpe finished together in 152nd place in 1:00:36 and Michelle Selley who has just started running again after injury completed the line up to come 179th in 1.05.09. James Denne won the race in a new course record of 34:33 and there were 215 finishers; an increase of 50% on last year.
Damp and warm conditions greeted the 100 runners that took part in Sunday's Bridport 10k. This tough off road event takes in the Jurassic coast path and due to fog on Thorncombe Beacon the Coastguard had advised the route be diverted at this point. This did not detract from what was a stunning run and by the time the runners reached Thorncombe the weather was clear.Two Honiton runners made the trip. Howard Bidmead had another good run in an event he enjoys and finished in 51m 07s. Paula Ferris running in a Honiton vest for the first time enjoyed her run and was beaming when she crossed the line in 61m.
Torbay Half Marathon & Charmouth Challenge
On Sunday, 30th June, four Honiton Running Club members took part in the Torbay Half Marathon at Paignton. This is a two lap route and takes in stunning coastal views across Torbay. Steve Selley had a great race even though it was hillier than he had anticipated. He came 172nd in the fantastic time of 1 hour 35 minutes. David Perkins, sporting his Honiton vest for the first time, was next back coming 602nd in 1:51. The ladies of the Club followed in the form of Katy Campbell who came 783rd in 1:57 and Kathy Layzell who came 1020th in 2:06. The race was won by Jonah Cheshum in the time of 1:09.
Six Honiton runners went to Charmouth last Saturday to take part in the Charmouth Challenge organised by Charmouth Primary School. The weather was a little too hot for racing although runners did feel the benefit of a cooling breeze on some of the descents. The race is the most southerly fell race in the country and includes two steep and long climbs. The first is within the first mile climbing the infamous Stone Barrow Lane and later on in the race runners climb up Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast at 191m. It’s all worthwhile though as racers are treated to the breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. The winner was Jamie Parkinson in the amazing time of 50:32. Honiton’s first runner home was Steve Davey who came 53rd in 1:10. Howard Bidmead knocked minutes off last year’s time coming 65th in 1:12 and he was followed by Mark Dallyn who also had a great run to come 68th in 1:13. Judy Davey was pleased to come 80th in 1:16 just ahead of first timer for the race Tim Wigram who finished 87th in 1:17. Nicola Greenland is relatively new to HRC and this was a brave race to tackle. She finished 164th in 1:29. There were 231 finishers.
Sam Dowson and his brother Archie tackled the fun run of 1.8 miles. Sam did amazingly well to come 4th overall just 15 seconds behind Mathew Lissenburg who won the race. Archie is showing incredible form for his age and came 11th in 13:43. There were 151 finishers in this race.
On Sunday, 30th June, four Honiton Running Club members took part in the Torbay Half Marathon at Paignton. This is a two lap route and takes in stunning coastal views across Torbay. Steve Selley had a great race even though it was hillier than he had anticipated. He came 172nd in the fantastic time of 1 hour 35 minutes. David Perkins, sporting his Honiton vest for the first time, was next back coming 602nd in 1:51. The ladies of the Club followed in the form of Katy Campbell who came 783rd in 1:57 and Kathy Layzell who came 1020th in 2:06. The race was won by Jonah Cheshum in the time of 1:09.
Six Honiton runners went to Charmouth last Saturday to take part in the Charmouth Challenge organised by Charmouth Primary School. The weather was a little too hot for racing although runners did feel the benefit of a cooling breeze on some of the descents. The race is the most southerly fell race in the country and includes two steep and long climbs. The first is within the first mile climbing the infamous Stone Barrow Lane and later on in the race runners climb up Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast at 191m. It’s all worthwhile though as racers are treated to the breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. The winner was Jamie Parkinson in the amazing time of 50:32. Honiton’s first runner home was Steve Davey who came 53rd in 1:10. Howard Bidmead knocked minutes off last year’s time coming 65th in 1:12 and he was followed by Mark Dallyn who also had a great run to come 68th in 1:13. Judy Davey was pleased to come 80th in 1:16 just ahead of first timer for the race Tim Wigram who finished 87th in 1:17. Nicola Greenland is relatively new to HRC and this was a brave race to tackle. She finished 164th in 1:29. There were 231 finishers.
Sam Dowson and his brother Archie tackled the fun run of 1.8 miles. Sam did amazingly well to come 4th overall just 15 seconds behind Mathew Lissenburg who won the race. Archie is showing incredible form for his age and came 11th in 13:43. There were 151 finishers in this race.
Farway 10k & Blackdown Beauty
Honiton Running Club members took part in the Over the Hill and Farway 10k organised by Farway Primary School on 21st June. The figure of eight loop includes a little climb up WarrenF Hill which has a total climb of 432 feet. This is completed within the first 3k of the race and the first male and female to the top are awarded a very well deserved prize for King and Queen of the Hill. King of the Hill was awarded to the race winner a very fast young runner with a great running future ahead of him; Jake Smith in 37 minutes 6 seconds. The Queen of the hill was a closer fought tussle between Honiton’s Suzanne Spiller and Florence Swan. Flo and Suzanne were neck and neck for most of the hill, friendly words of encouragement were exchanged for most of the hill but someone had to win, eventually experience prevailed over youth and Suzanne crested the hill first. Once at the top and on flatter ground Flo passed Suzanne and she slowly pulled away and was first female in a fantastic time of 45:41.
The race was well represented by Honiton Runners, 18 in total young and old (you can choose which category they fall in). Ben Stone was first back for Honiton and although he had a chest infection still managed a time of 43:00 he finished 4th overall. Flo was next home for Honiton finishing in 8th with Suzanne not far behind, finishing 24 seconds later in 9th place. Hadleigh Davies started well and finished in a respectable time of 47:09 despite aggravating his calf injury in the process. Richard Harris whipped up the hill and eventually finished 10th in 47:23. Vernon Gillard was next back in 13th and is starting to find his stride again and finished in 49:35, Bruce Strawbridge followed behind Vernon in 14th with a time of 50:04. Bernice Bastin completed the Honiton group racing this hard run for the first time and finishing in 35th in 64:12. There were 40 runners. Thanks to the marshals and organisers for a fun great event.
The Honiton young guns we also out in force to run the fun run and the junior race. Jasmine Stone was the first female on the junior race and finished in a very speedy time of 17:40, watch out Flo and Suzanne in the future. The junior run was won by Cameron Bryson in 16:57. The fun run was an exciting run along the river and back into the hall and many families from the club took part including Harrison Stone, Ben and Charlie Entwistle, Douglas, Bebe and Freddie Wigram and Max and Ella Spiller.
Honiton Running Club’s own Blackdown Beauty took place last Saturday around the Blackdown Hills’ countryside. Weather conditions were perfect. The main routes were either 18 miles or 10 miles although there were other options. The base was at Priors Park Farm, Culmhead. The long route took in 4 pubs as well as a cream tea taking runners to Pitminster and then on to Clayhidon before a visit to Pear Tree Cottage, Stapley for the delicious cream tea, appreciated by all. Thank you to the Parry family for the use of their gorgeous garden and all the ladies of Smeatharpe WI for making the scones and serving welcome cups of tea. Once fed and watered, runners went on to Churchinford before running back to base. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way but especially Jim Hill and family for giving up part of the farm for the day by providing the ideal base for the run including a barn for the post race barbecue. All money raised goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Keep an eye on the website www.honitonrc.com for the winter version - The Blackdown Beast due to be held in January.
Honiton Running Club members took part in the Over the Hill and Farway 10k organised by Farway Primary School on 21st June. The figure of eight loop includes a little climb up WarrenF Hill which has a total climb of 432 feet. This is completed within the first 3k of the race and the first male and female to the top are awarded a very well deserved prize for King and Queen of the Hill. King of the Hill was awarded to the race winner a very fast young runner with a great running future ahead of him; Jake Smith in 37 minutes 6 seconds. The Queen of the hill was a closer fought tussle between Honiton’s Suzanne Spiller and Florence Swan. Flo and Suzanne were neck and neck for most of the hill, friendly words of encouragement were exchanged for most of the hill but someone had to win, eventually experience prevailed over youth and Suzanne crested the hill first. Once at the top and on flatter ground Flo passed Suzanne and she slowly pulled away and was first female in a fantastic time of 45:41.
The race was well represented by Honiton Runners, 18 in total young and old (you can choose which category they fall in). Ben Stone was first back for Honiton and although he had a chest infection still managed a time of 43:00 he finished 4th overall. Flo was next home for Honiton finishing in 8th with Suzanne not far behind, finishing 24 seconds later in 9th place. Hadleigh Davies started well and finished in a respectable time of 47:09 despite aggravating his calf injury in the process. Richard Harris whipped up the hill and eventually finished 10th in 47:23. Vernon Gillard was next back in 13th and is starting to find his stride again and finished in 49:35, Bruce Strawbridge followed behind Vernon in 14th with a time of 50:04. Bernice Bastin completed the Honiton group racing this hard run for the first time and finishing in 35th in 64:12. There were 40 runners. Thanks to the marshals and organisers for a fun great event.
The Honiton young guns we also out in force to run the fun run and the junior race. Jasmine Stone was the first female on the junior race and finished in a very speedy time of 17:40, watch out Flo and Suzanne in the future. The junior run was won by Cameron Bryson in 16:57. The fun run was an exciting run along the river and back into the hall and many families from the club took part including Harrison Stone, Ben and Charlie Entwistle, Douglas, Bebe and Freddie Wigram and Max and Ella Spiller.
Honiton Running Club’s own Blackdown Beauty took place last Saturday around the Blackdown Hills’ countryside. Weather conditions were perfect. The main routes were either 18 miles or 10 miles although there were other options. The base was at Priors Park Farm, Culmhead. The long route took in 4 pubs as well as a cream tea taking runners to Pitminster and then on to Clayhidon before a visit to Pear Tree Cottage, Stapley for the delicious cream tea, appreciated by all. Thank you to the Parry family for the use of their gorgeous garden and all the ladies of Smeatharpe WI for making the scones and serving welcome cups of tea. Once fed and watered, runners went on to Churchinford before running back to base. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way but especially Jim Hill and family for giving up part of the farm for the day by providing the ideal base for the run including a barn for the post race barbecue. All money raised goes to Macmillan Cancer Support. Keep an eye on the website www.honitonrc.com for the winter version - The Blackdown Beast due to be held in January.
Welsh Trail Marathon and Half Marathon & Cheltenham Ultra
Snowdonia National Park to take part in the Salomon Welsh Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. The marathon is a figure of 8 course which begins with the half marathon route before going out again for the 2nd loop. Judy Davey and Mark Dallyn braved the full marathon distance and having run together for the half marathon course, Mark took a little longer at the food station at the beginning of the extra marathon loop. Judy finished in 110th place in a time of 4 hours 26 minutes. She was very surprised and delighted to discover she had won her age category winning a fantastic hydration running back pack. Just as Judy and everyone else did, Mark found the second half much tougher than the first and he finished 196th in 4:57 pleased to get in under 5 hours. There were 338 finishers (and a few more starters!)
The other HRC members took the much more sensible option of tackling the half which boasts more than half of the 3500 ft of climb to be found in the full marathon. Steve Davey was first back coming 111th in 2 hours 2 minutes. He really does need to return next year and complete it in under 2 hours! Howard Bidmead was next back finishing 168th in 2:11 followed by the first of the ladies; Jennie Sleeman who finished 292nd in 2:27. Denis Costello was next back coming 389th in 2:40 and then came Clare Melbourne and Juliet Hall who had run together to finish 506th in 3:09. Great results especially considering there were around 900 entrants. Great races, well organised and in a fantastic location.
Thanks to Wendy Le Masurier who had organised what proved to be a fantastic trip which saw the group meeting up for a post run meal in the local pub!
Stephen Boyes didn’t travel quite as far for his race last weekend, only to Cheltenham but he made up for it by running almost twice as far as even the marathon runners in Wales. He took part in the Cheltenham Ultra 48.4 miles completing it in 9 hours 42 minutes. Stephen started to think he would be running forever having taken that long but full credit to him for completing it.
Snowdonia National Park to take part in the Salomon Welsh Trail Marathon and Half Marathon. The marathon is a figure of 8 course which begins with the half marathon route before going out again for the 2nd loop. Judy Davey and Mark Dallyn braved the full marathon distance and having run together for the half marathon course, Mark took a little longer at the food station at the beginning of the extra marathon loop. Judy finished in 110th place in a time of 4 hours 26 minutes. She was very surprised and delighted to discover she had won her age category winning a fantastic hydration running back pack. Just as Judy and everyone else did, Mark found the second half much tougher than the first and he finished 196th in 4:57 pleased to get in under 5 hours. There were 338 finishers (and a few more starters!)
The other HRC members took the much more sensible option of tackling the half which boasts more than half of the 3500 ft of climb to be found in the full marathon. Steve Davey was first back coming 111th in 2 hours 2 minutes. He really does need to return next year and complete it in under 2 hours! Howard Bidmead was next back finishing 168th in 2:11 followed by the first of the ladies; Jennie Sleeman who finished 292nd in 2:27. Denis Costello was next back coming 389th in 2:40 and then came Clare Melbourne and Juliet Hall who had run together to finish 506th in 3:09. Great results especially considering there were around 900 entrants. Great races, well organised and in a fantastic location.
Thanks to Wendy Le Masurier who had organised what proved to be a fantastic trip which saw the group meeting up for a post run meal in the local pub!
Stephen Boyes didn’t travel quite as far for his race last weekend, only to Cheltenham but he made up for it by running almost twice as far as even the marathon runners in Wales. He took part in the Cheltenham Ultra 48.4 miles completing it in 9 hours 42 minutes. Stephen started to think he would be running forever having taken that long but full credit to him for completing it.
June Handicap - Report by Simon
As some of you maybe aware I do make the odd mistake with the timings for the Handicap from time to time. Well tonight was no exception, it may be due to me trying to give the evening a carnival feel which encourages and relaxes all who turn up or that I really am just that stupid….. I will leave you all to decide that one. Anyway there was a great turn out with about 23 of Honiton running club's finest and Bruce ready for the occasion. Not all wanted to be timed but it was nice to have so many there. The sun was out and the mood was fun with Hadleigh handing out sweets before the run. What could go wrong on a glorious night like this with Haleigh and myself in charge! Well it all did...... First of all I managed to set poor Jo off at the right time then call her back then realise she should have gone and then set her of again.....great start for Jo. Then I told Suzanne and Chris that I would give a 2 minutes warning, of course I forgot and poor Chris was watering the hedge when we shouted "Chris 5 seconds"... Suzanne was unfortunately 100 yards the wrong way up the road when we shouted 10 seconds needless to say she was not happy with me.... luckily we had young Harry Entwistle with us so the words were a little tamer than they could have been. Once they were all away Hadleigh and I decided to prepare for the returning runners. We did this by eating sweets and chatting about random rubbish. Not at any point did I think to tell him what to do when runners come around the corner with the strange large calculator thing in his hands. So tonights run was very close and the handicap system worked extremely well, too well for rookie Hadleigh and relaxed Spiller. New runner Sally came around the corner first in a great first time effort then followed by this months winner Sara. Very shortly after this it felt like 50 runners came across the line. Anyway as the panic set in my mind went blank and I forgot half the names of the people and made a horrid mess of writing them down. I recovered and managed to get the last half of the names accurately hoping that if I ask the helpful bunch of HRC runners they would support and tell me where they came. Unfortunately my desperation quickly descended into extreme panic as I also discovered that Hadleigh had only recorded a time when each group came in not for each person...ahhhh how would I recover this disaster, again I thought I would ask the group for help, well you can guess what I got back from them. Anyway some great member of the club could see the panic in my eyes and gave me some of their times and we managed to pull together the results. There was some great running and some good times amongst the chaos and I think every one enjoyed it. Until next time.
As some of you maybe aware I do make the odd mistake with the timings for the Handicap from time to time. Well tonight was no exception, it may be due to me trying to give the evening a carnival feel which encourages and relaxes all who turn up or that I really am just that stupid….. I will leave you all to decide that one. Anyway there was a great turn out with about 23 of Honiton running club's finest and Bruce ready for the occasion. Not all wanted to be timed but it was nice to have so many there. The sun was out and the mood was fun with Hadleigh handing out sweets before the run. What could go wrong on a glorious night like this with Haleigh and myself in charge! Well it all did...... First of all I managed to set poor Jo off at the right time then call her back then realise she should have gone and then set her of again.....great start for Jo. Then I told Suzanne and Chris that I would give a 2 minutes warning, of course I forgot and poor Chris was watering the hedge when we shouted "Chris 5 seconds"... Suzanne was unfortunately 100 yards the wrong way up the road when we shouted 10 seconds needless to say she was not happy with me.... luckily we had young Harry Entwistle with us so the words were a little tamer than they could have been. Once they were all away Hadleigh and I decided to prepare for the returning runners. We did this by eating sweets and chatting about random rubbish. Not at any point did I think to tell him what to do when runners come around the corner with the strange large calculator thing in his hands. So tonights run was very close and the handicap system worked extremely well, too well for rookie Hadleigh and relaxed Spiller. New runner Sally came around the corner first in a great first time effort then followed by this months winner Sara. Very shortly after this it felt like 50 runners came across the line. Anyway as the panic set in my mind went blank and I forgot half the names of the people and made a horrid mess of writing them down. I recovered and managed to get the last half of the names accurately hoping that if I ask the helpful bunch of HRC runners they would support and tell me where they came. Unfortunately my desperation quickly descended into extreme panic as I also discovered that Hadleigh had only recorded a time when each group came in not for each person...ahhhh how would I recover this disaster, again I thought I would ask the group for help, well you can guess what I got back from them. Anyway some great member of the club could see the panic in my eyes and gave me some of their times and we managed to pull together the results. There was some great running and some good times amongst the chaos and I think every one enjoyed it. Until next time.
Monday Evening Run at Dalwood
A Summer's evening at Branscombe!
part of our Weston Cliff Path run on Monday, 1st June.
Talaton Trotter
Last Saturday, at midday, the hottest part of the day, 68 runners gathered to take part in the new route of this year’s Talaton Trotter which had been shortened to 8k. The race was won by Simon Minting of Exeter Harriers in the time of 28 minutes 10 seconds. The ladies for Honiton showed the men how it was done with 15 year old Flo Swan leading Honiton home to come in 8th overall and 1st lady in the incredible time of 32:50. She was followed by Honiton’s next lady Suzanne Spiller who was 2nd lady overall in 10th place in a time of 33:45. Steve Davey was the first Honiton man home finishing 17th in 35:03 with Howard Bidmead hot on his heels just 18 seconds later. Mark Dallyn followed coming 22nd in 36:26 with Bruce Strawbridge finishing 26th in 37:19. This was the first race Vernon Gillard had taken part in almost a year and he came 28th in 37:44. Linda Pike finished 41st in 43:08 and Bernice Bastin followed finishing 54th in 46:58. Rachel Horwood followed 2 places later in 47:51 and Kathy Layzell came in right behind her in 48:15. There were 68 finishers.
The Weaner is a shorter version of 3k and Joe Swan did very well to finish 4th overall with 14 finishers. Runners were greeted back by cheers from a fantastic crowd and a delicious Talaton Trotter cake. Many thanks to Robin Carter and helpers for organising this event.
Last Saturday, at midday, the hottest part of the day, 68 runners gathered to take part in the new route of this year’s Talaton Trotter which had been shortened to 8k. The race was won by Simon Minting of Exeter Harriers in the time of 28 minutes 10 seconds. The ladies for Honiton showed the men how it was done with 15 year old Flo Swan leading Honiton home to come in 8th overall and 1st lady in the incredible time of 32:50. She was followed by Honiton’s next lady Suzanne Spiller who was 2nd lady overall in 10th place in a time of 33:45. Steve Davey was the first Honiton man home finishing 17th in 35:03 with Howard Bidmead hot on his heels just 18 seconds later. Mark Dallyn followed coming 22nd in 36:26 with Bruce Strawbridge finishing 26th in 37:19. This was the first race Vernon Gillard had taken part in almost a year and he came 28th in 37:44. Linda Pike finished 41st in 43:08 and Bernice Bastin followed finishing 54th in 46:58. Rachel Horwood followed 2 places later in 47:51 and Kathy Layzell came in right behind her in 48:15. There were 68 finishers.
The Weaner is a shorter version of 3k and Joe Swan did very well to finish 4th overall with 14 finishers. Runners were greeted back by cheers from a fantastic crowd and a delicious Talaton Trotter cake. Many thanks to Robin Carter and helpers for organising this event.
Honiton RC Summer Ball
Friday, 10th July 2015 at Deer Park Country Hotel
See the flyer below for further information.
£40 per ticket
Charity auction, live band, 3 course meal
Black tie and posh frocks
Contact carol.turnham@btinternet.com
Friday, 10th July 2015 at Deer Park Country Hotel
See the flyer below for further information.
£40 per ticket
Charity auction, live band, 3 course meal
Black tie and posh frocks
Contact carol.turnham@btinternet.com
| ball_flyer.pdf |
The Forces March - 5 in 5, Umborne Ug & Edinburgh Half Marathon
Beginning on 24th May, The Forces March 5 Ultra-Marathons in 5 Days took place and it was the sixth time the Veterans’ Charity had organised the event. It starts in Ilfracombe and passes through glorious countryside in Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, rural Somerset and much of Salisbury Plain finishing in Bulford, Wiltshire. Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes together with his mates at Axe Valley Runners, Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward, completed the 137 miles over the 5 days . Stephen was delighted to finish in 6th place in under 25 hours.
Last Saturday 4 Honiton RC members took part in the 10th anniversary running of the Umborne Ug which is a tough multi-terrain 10k race. The weather was perfect with the forecast being quite specific about raining at 7pm. With the race starting at 6pm, this allowed enough time for most competitors to have returned back to Umborne Village Hall for cakes and a barbecue before the promised rain came albeit an hour late! James Denne won the race in an all time record of 39 minutes and 1 second. Steve Davey and Richard Harris had a great battle to the finish line with Steve being the ultimate victor to finish 17th in 51:05 with Richard 1 second behind. Steve won his age category prize much to the dismay of Richard who is in the same category! Howard Bidmead had a great run and thoroughly enjoyed it coming 34th in 54:24. Judy Davey was the sole Honiton lady finishing 45th in 57:24. There were 91 finishers. Thanks to the landowners, marshals, AVR members and anyone else who helped with organisation but especially Rick and Eleanor Wood. Money raised goes to the upkeep of Umborne Village Hall.
On Sunday, Julie Payne went up to Edinburgh to support her friend and took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Julie enjoyed racing on the road again and thought it was a great race. She managed the fantastic finishing time of 1 hour 36 minutes.
Beginning on 24th May, The Forces March 5 Ultra-Marathons in 5 Days took place and it was the sixth time the Veterans’ Charity had organised the event. It starts in Ilfracombe and passes through glorious countryside in Exmoor, the Quantock Hills, rural Somerset and much of Salisbury Plain finishing in Bulford, Wiltshire. Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes together with his mates at Axe Valley Runners, Steve Reynolds and Geoff Woodward, completed the 137 miles over the 5 days . Stephen was delighted to finish in 6th place in under 25 hours.
Last Saturday 4 Honiton RC members took part in the 10th anniversary running of the Umborne Ug which is a tough multi-terrain 10k race. The weather was perfect with the forecast being quite specific about raining at 7pm. With the race starting at 6pm, this allowed enough time for most competitors to have returned back to Umborne Village Hall for cakes and a barbecue before the promised rain came albeit an hour late! James Denne won the race in an all time record of 39 minutes and 1 second. Steve Davey and Richard Harris had a great battle to the finish line with Steve being the ultimate victor to finish 17th in 51:05 with Richard 1 second behind. Steve won his age category prize much to the dismay of Richard who is in the same category! Howard Bidmead had a great run and thoroughly enjoyed it coming 34th in 54:24. Judy Davey was the sole Honiton lady finishing 45th in 57:24. There were 91 finishers. Thanks to the landowners, marshals, AVR members and anyone else who helped with organisation but especially Rick and Eleanor Wood. Money raised goes to the upkeep of Umborne Village Hall.
On Sunday, Julie Payne went up to Edinburgh to support her friend and took part in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Julie enjoyed racing on the road again and thought it was a great race. She managed the fantastic finishing time of 1 hour 36 minutes.
May Handicap - Well done Bernice! This month's winner.
Ottery 10k
Congratulations and well done to everyone who took part in the Ottery 10k today. Provisional results are here.
Congratulations and well done to everyone who took part in the Ottery 10k today. Provisional results are here.
Ottery 10k & Beer Blazer
The Ottery 10k race was back this year for the first time in 3 years. This year Honiton Running Club took over organisation enlisting the help of former organisers. Ottery Carnival Committee provided many of the marshals on the day and there was plenty of help from other sources such as young Sports Leaders from King’s School. The course is all on road around the streets of Ottery St Mary and fairly flat so good for those with an eye on a personal best time. The race was won by James Denne who led the field from the start to finish in 32 minutes 26 seconds nearly two minutes ahead of the 2nd man back, Kevin Squibb of Tiverton Harriers. James races a lot which makes it extra special that he achieved a pb for the distance. Another Tiverton Harrier was first lady back in the form of Serane Stone who finished 15th overall in 38:08. Cathy Newman of Exmouth Harriers was 2nd lady home coming 1 second under 40 minutes. Many Honiton runners were helping with the event but the club still managed to put up a good show. Young Kyle Hartnell was first back coming 18th in 38:33. Jack Cooper had a great run coming 30th in 41:41 followed just 2 seconds later by another youngster, Will Daly. Hadleigh Davies followed coming 34th in 42:04 and next back was the first Honiton lady, Suzanne Spiller who won her category to finish 38th in 42:39. Adam Hennessey was running for Honiton for the first time and came 44th in 42:58. Stephen Boyes came 48th in 44:23 and Richard Harris 52nd in 44:33. New Honiton runner, Sherrie Hair, did really well finishing 58th in 45:12. Tom Bornet followed coming 62nd in 45:45, Mark Dallyn 65th in 45:57 and Paul Williams 72nd in 46:27. Jo Davey hasn’t raced for a couple of years but tackled this local race to come 82nd in 48:11. Mark Andow had used Jo as a pace maker for the entire race and finished just 1 second behind her. Next came Pippa Westall 98th in 49:18 and Brent Dicks 105th in 50:07. Jay Sweetman was racing for Honiton for the first time and his rapid improvement recently meant a 107th finish in 50:18. Tony Peek followed in 129th place in53:03, John Burgess 141st in 54:45, Phil Hall 156th in 55:55 and Liam Dushynsky 157th in 56:03. Jonathan Willis has been taking part in Tony Peek’s training programme of 5k to 10k and finished 166th in 56:52. HRC President Alan Rowe MBE finished 173rd in 57:46 and Matt Phillips another 5k to 10ker finished 176th in 58:09. Jo Jo Davey finished just 5 seconds ahead of Sam Shute in 189th place in 59:44, both pleased to have finished under the hour. Bernice Bastin came 195th in 1:00:44 and Dawn Peek 201st in 1:01:56. It was Wendy Le Masurier’s first race since having baby Harry in October so she was delighted to finish 203rd in 1:02:23. Sara Trumper was 229th in 1:17:30 and completing the Honiton line-up was Gillian Summers and Emily Westlake who kept each other company throughout the race to finish 232nd in 1:36:17. Huge thanks to all the sponsors, the Cricket Club, the Carnival Club and anyone else who made the day such a success.
The previous Sunday saw a great turn out of HRC for the Beer Blazer which takes in some of the toughest Grizzly terrain including the length of Branscombe Beach and the infamous Stairway to Heaven. Tim Lenton won the event for AVR in 45:17 and in 2nd place was Honiton’s own Kevin Hawker in 46:37. HRC also took 3rd place with Ian Stewart 9 seconds later. Other Honiton runners were: 20th Hadleigh Davies 54:39, 22nd Richard Harris 54:47, 24th Steve Davey 55:44, 27th Bruce Strawbridge 57:38, 29th Mark Dallyn 58:06, 31st Howard Bidmead 58:20, 34th Paul Williams 58:53, 39th Judy Davey 1:00:16, 42nd Louise Crisp 1:01:04, 48th Roger Saunders 1:02:27, 65th Jim Hill 1:06:06, 66th Pippa Westall 1:06:21, 70th Linda Pike 1:08:30, 72nd Jennie Sleeman 1:10:02, 86th Kathy Layzell 1:15:33, 91st Carol Turnham 1:17:19. There were 114 finishers.
HRC also had success in the Beer Blazer 5k as Thomas Lilley was 3rd male in 26:36 and Katelyn Wells was 3rd female in 8th place overall in 28:06. The race was won by Oliver Rodger of AVR and there were 34 finishers.
The Ottery 10k race was back this year for the first time in 3 years. This year Honiton Running Club took over organisation enlisting the help of former organisers. Ottery Carnival Committee provided many of the marshals on the day and there was plenty of help from other sources such as young Sports Leaders from King’s School. The course is all on road around the streets of Ottery St Mary and fairly flat so good for those with an eye on a personal best time. The race was won by James Denne who led the field from the start to finish in 32 minutes 26 seconds nearly two minutes ahead of the 2nd man back, Kevin Squibb of Tiverton Harriers. James races a lot which makes it extra special that he achieved a pb for the distance. Another Tiverton Harrier was first lady back in the form of Serane Stone who finished 15th overall in 38:08. Cathy Newman of Exmouth Harriers was 2nd lady home coming 1 second under 40 minutes. Many Honiton runners were helping with the event but the club still managed to put up a good show. Young Kyle Hartnell was first back coming 18th in 38:33. Jack Cooper had a great run coming 30th in 41:41 followed just 2 seconds later by another youngster, Will Daly. Hadleigh Davies followed coming 34th in 42:04 and next back was the first Honiton lady, Suzanne Spiller who won her category to finish 38th in 42:39. Adam Hennessey was running for Honiton for the first time and came 44th in 42:58. Stephen Boyes came 48th in 44:23 and Richard Harris 52nd in 44:33. New Honiton runner, Sherrie Hair, did really well finishing 58th in 45:12. Tom Bornet followed coming 62nd in 45:45, Mark Dallyn 65th in 45:57 and Paul Williams 72nd in 46:27. Jo Davey hasn’t raced for a couple of years but tackled this local race to come 82nd in 48:11. Mark Andow had used Jo as a pace maker for the entire race and finished just 1 second behind her. Next came Pippa Westall 98th in 49:18 and Brent Dicks 105th in 50:07. Jay Sweetman was racing for Honiton for the first time and his rapid improvement recently meant a 107th finish in 50:18. Tony Peek followed in 129th place in53:03, John Burgess 141st in 54:45, Phil Hall 156th in 55:55 and Liam Dushynsky 157th in 56:03. Jonathan Willis has been taking part in Tony Peek’s training programme of 5k to 10k and finished 166th in 56:52. HRC President Alan Rowe MBE finished 173rd in 57:46 and Matt Phillips another 5k to 10ker finished 176th in 58:09. Jo Jo Davey finished just 5 seconds ahead of Sam Shute in 189th place in 59:44, both pleased to have finished under the hour. Bernice Bastin came 195th in 1:00:44 and Dawn Peek 201st in 1:01:56. It was Wendy Le Masurier’s first race since having baby Harry in October so she was delighted to finish 203rd in 1:02:23. Sara Trumper was 229th in 1:17:30 and completing the Honiton line-up was Gillian Summers and Emily Westlake who kept each other company throughout the race to finish 232nd in 1:36:17. Huge thanks to all the sponsors, the Cricket Club, the Carnival Club and anyone else who made the day such a success.
The previous Sunday saw a great turn out of HRC for the Beer Blazer which takes in some of the toughest Grizzly terrain including the length of Branscombe Beach and the infamous Stairway to Heaven. Tim Lenton won the event for AVR in 45:17 and in 2nd place was Honiton’s own Kevin Hawker in 46:37. HRC also took 3rd place with Ian Stewart 9 seconds later. Other Honiton runners were: 20th Hadleigh Davies 54:39, 22nd Richard Harris 54:47, 24th Steve Davey 55:44, 27th Bruce Strawbridge 57:38, 29th Mark Dallyn 58:06, 31st Howard Bidmead 58:20, 34th Paul Williams 58:53, 39th Judy Davey 1:00:16, 42nd Louise Crisp 1:01:04, 48th Roger Saunders 1:02:27, 65th Jim Hill 1:06:06, 66th Pippa Westall 1:06:21, 70th Linda Pike 1:08:30, 72nd Jennie Sleeman 1:10:02, 86th Kathy Layzell 1:15:33, 91st Carol Turnham 1:17:19. There were 114 finishers.
HRC also had success in the Beer Blazer 5k as Thomas Lilley was 3rd male in 26:36 and Katelyn Wells was 3rd female in 8th place overall in 28:06. The race was won by Oliver Rodger of AVR and there were 34 finishers.
Honiton RC like Gorillas in the mist at the Beer Blazer
Crediton Crunch, Sunderland Half Marathon and Ivybridge 10k
On Sunday, 3rd May, three Honiton runners, Paul Williams, Dawn Peek & Tony Peek travelled to Crediton for the Crediton Crunch. It was a new route this year with 2 hills and a king & Queen of the hill! Paul was coming back to running and not fully fit, whilst Tony was there to run with Dawn as a mentor. According to the weather report it should have been an overcast but dry run, making for a nice run. The race started at 10.30am – 10.33am and the heavens opened with a downpour that lasted for about 5 minutes. The run itself starts in the rugby fields before winding its way around the football fields , then out into the country, with very little road, which is all flat to start with. Then runners reach the first hill at about 2 miles which is steep although not the longest of the two, they then run steadily downhill through lovely countryside meaning runners have to go uphill for the next mile climbing through fields. Just when runners think there can’t be any more hill they turn the corner, go up a few steps and then run right through the middle of a maize field in full bloom. It is a really well organised run with lots of marshals on route with friendly faces and words of encouragement. Paul did fantastically to finish 44th in a time of 51 mins, Dawn found this a hard race but was pleased to have completed it in a time of 1hr 13 mins, coming in 163rd together with Tony. There were 180 runners and first back was Kevin Squibb of Tiverton Harriers in a great time of 38;51. 1st female back was Ellie Sutcliffe of South West Road Runners in 45;52.There was a goody bag for all finishers and lots of drinks and cake for after the race.
Honiton RC’s president, Alan Rowe MBE, took part in the Sunderland Half Marathon on the same day. It was a tough one and the weather atrocious with torrential rain and a biting gale that nearly took Alan’s feet from under him several times along the sea front. Alan ran as he often does with the Baton and a waist pack with leaflets containing the Baton’s Message of Conscience. As usual he stopped a few times along the way to talk about the Baton's significance and as it was his first run on the road since last October he was very pleased to finish in a time of 2:18:41. Legendary Run Commentator Brian Porter stood for ages in awful conditions to see the runners home and to Alan’s surprise gave The Baton tremendous respect by carrying it the last 150 metres with him, explaining its history to all at the Stadium of Light as they approached the line. Alan felt very proud when Brian asked to have a photo holding the Baton after the run.
Paul Williams was out again last Saturday taking part in the Ivybridge 10k which is home territory for him. Paul had a great race coming 186th in 46:54 out of a field of 698 finishers. This is a road race but not without its hills. It was won by Ceri Rees in the almost unbelievable time of 33 minutes 3 seconds!
On Sunday, 3rd May, three Honiton runners, Paul Williams, Dawn Peek & Tony Peek travelled to Crediton for the Crediton Crunch. It was a new route this year with 2 hills and a king & Queen of the hill! Paul was coming back to running and not fully fit, whilst Tony was there to run with Dawn as a mentor. According to the weather report it should have been an overcast but dry run, making for a nice run. The race started at 10.30am – 10.33am and the heavens opened with a downpour that lasted for about 5 minutes. The run itself starts in the rugby fields before winding its way around the football fields , then out into the country, with very little road, which is all flat to start with. Then runners reach the first hill at about 2 miles which is steep although not the longest of the two, they then run steadily downhill through lovely countryside meaning runners have to go uphill for the next mile climbing through fields. Just when runners think there can’t be any more hill they turn the corner, go up a few steps and then run right through the middle of a maize field in full bloom. It is a really well organised run with lots of marshals on route with friendly faces and words of encouragement. Paul did fantastically to finish 44th in a time of 51 mins, Dawn found this a hard race but was pleased to have completed it in a time of 1hr 13 mins, coming in 163rd together with Tony. There were 180 runners and first back was Kevin Squibb of Tiverton Harriers in a great time of 38;51. 1st female back was Ellie Sutcliffe of South West Road Runners in 45;52.There was a goody bag for all finishers and lots of drinks and cake for after the race.
Honiton RC’s president, Alan Rowe MBE, took part in the Sunderland Half Marathon on the same day. It was a tough one and the weather atrocious with torrential rain and a biting gale that nearly took Alan’s feet from under him several times along the sea front. Alan ran as he often does with the Baton and a waist pack with leaflets containing the Baton’s Message of Conscience. As usual he stopped a few times along the way to talk about the Baton's significance and as it was his first run on the road since last October he was very pleased to finish in a time of 2:18:41. Legendary Run Commentator Brian Porter stood for ages in awful conditions to see the runners home and to Alan’s surprise gave The Baton tremendous respect by carrying it the last 150 metres with him, explaining its history to all at the Stadium of Light as they approached the line. Alan felt very proud when Brian asked to have a photo holding the Baton after the run.
Paul Williams was out again last Saturday taking part in the Ivybridge 10k which is home territory for him. Paul had a great race coming 186th in 46:54 out of a field of 698 finishers. This is a road race but not without its hills. It was won by Ceri Rees in the almost unbelievable time of 33 minutes 3 seconds!
Jan & Fran's
Wedding Celebration....
On Saturday 16th May 2015 we are getting married in Holcombe Rogus Church.
To celebrate this happy occasion we hope you can join us for the evening wedding party at :
Ebear Farm, Westleigh, Tiverton, EX16 7HN
live music from "Party Starters"
EMail - franbox.em@gmail.com
Dear Friends,
As most of you know we were looking a long time for our dream house and a place to run our business. Having found that last year our long standing plans to Tie the knot after 18 years together all fell into place.
Our evening wedding party will kick off at 7.30pm with the band ready to get the bride and groom on the dance floor just before 8pm.
Look forward to seeing you there
Jan Feersma Hoekstra & Fran Box
Wedding Celebration....
On Saturday 16th May 2015 we are getting married in Holcombe Rogus Church.
To celebrate this happy occasion we hope you can join us for the evening wedding party at :
Ebear Farm, Westleigh, Tiverton, EX16 7HN
live music from "Party Starters"
EMail - franbox.em@gmail.com
Dear Friends,
As most of you know we were looking a long time for our dream house and a place to run our business. Having found that last year our long standing plans to Tie the knot after 18 years together all fell into place.
Our evening wedding party will kick off at 7.30pm with the band ready to get the bride and groom on the dance floor just before 8pm.
Look forward to seeing you there
Jan Feersma Hoekstra & Fran Box
London Marathon & Evesham Ultra
Five Honiton Running Club members lined up along with 37,000 other runners to take part in the 35th Virgin London Marathon on 26th April in weather that was perfect for runners but a bit on the chilly side for the many thousands of spectators. Hadleigh Davies was the first Honiton runner home coming 5297th in a time of 3 hours 25 minutes. Like most people he had a great race until the last few miles when he slowed up considerably. He was followed less than 3 minutes later by Judy Davey who finished 5918th in 3:28 delighted to break the 3 ½ hour barrier for the first time in 5 years. Hadleigh and Judy have taken part in several London Marathons before but it was the first time for the other Honiton members. Liam Dushynsky led this group home having only started running when his London place was confirmed. He did not have any idea how long it would take him but he had mentioned 5 hours. He was therefore delighted to beat the 4 ½ hour time by 2 minutes to come 21466th overall. Klara Bodfish was running for the Breast Cancer Campaign and had managed to raise over £2000. She found the atmosphere amazing and was emotional when she saw her family at mile 19. She struggled after 20 miles but talking to another runner encouraged them both to finish strong in 5 hours 3 minutes, just minutes over her goal. Kelly Allison had also raised a lot of money for her charity; Multiple Sclerosis Society for her cousin who has the disease. Kelly finished in 30492nd place in a time of 5:11.
Ben Stone went one better than a marathon and took part in the Evesham Ultra consisting of 48 miles on the same day. He completed it in 7 hours 32 minutes coming an incredible 3rd place overall out of 70 entrants. He was 25 minutes behind the winner but just 5 minutes behind 2nd place. It was a tough hilly race in the Cotswolds with some beautiful views. Inevitably Ben found it hard and ended up with some blisters to be proud of but he had a strong steady race and is ready for his next challenge!
Five Honiton Running Club members lined up along with 37,000 other runners to take part in the 35th Virgin London Marathon on 26th April in weather that was perfect for runners but a bit on the chilly side for the many thousands of spectators. Hadleigh Davies was the first Honiton runner home coming 5297th in a time of 3 hours 25 minutes. Like most people he had a great race until the last few miles when he slowed up considerably. He was followed less than 3 minutes later by Judy Davey who finished 5918th in 3:28 delighted to break the 3 ½ hour barrier for the first time in 5 years. Hadleigh and Judy have taken part in several London Marathons before but it was the first time for the other Honiton members. Liam Dushynsky led this group home having only started running when his London place was confirmed. He did not have any idea how long it would take him but he had mentioned 5 hours. He was therefore delighted to beat the 4 ½ hour time by 2 minutes to come 21466th overall. Klara Bodfish was running for the Breast Cancer Campaign and had managed to raise over £2000. She found the atmosphere amazing and was emotional when she saw her family at mile 19. She struggled after 20 miles but talking to another runner encouraged them both to finish strong in 5 hours 3 minutes, just minutes over her goal. Kelly Allison had also raised a lot of money for her charity; Multiple Sclerosis Society for her cousin who has the disease. Kelly finished in 30492nd place in a time of 5:11.
Ben Stone went one better than a marathon and took part in the Evesham Ultra consisting of 48 miles on the same day. He completed it in 7 hours 32 minutes coming an incredible 3rd place overall out of 70 entrants. He was 25 minutes behind the winner but just 5 minutes behind 2nd place. It was a tough hilly race in the Cotswolds with some beautiful views. Inevitably Ben found it hard and ended up with some blisters to be proud of but he had a strong steady race and is ready for his next challenge!
London Marathon Results:
Overall Gender Cat
30492 10237 6074 Allison, Kelly Marie (GBR) FINISH 05:11:12
29244 9597 5659 Bodfish, Klara (GBR) FINISH 05:03:00
5918 844 39 Davey, Judy (GBR) FINISH 03:28:42
5297 4632 2245 Davies, Hadleigh (GBR) FINISH 03:25:48
21466 15499 7974 Dushynsky, Liam (GBR) FINISH 04:28:52
Overall Gender Cat
30492 10237 6074 Allison, Kelly Marie (GBR) FINISH 05:11:12
29244 9597 5659 Bodfish, Klara (GBR) FINISH 05:03:00
5918 844 39 Davey, Judy (GBR) FINISH 03:28:42
5297 4632 2245 Davies, Hadleigh (GBR) FINISH 03:25:48
21466 15499 7974 Dushynsky, Liam (GBR) FINISH 04:28:52
Hippo & Calf Photos available here:
http://www.chrisgradyphotography.co.uk/honiton-hippo-2015
http://www.chrisgradyphotography.co.uk/honiton-hippo-calf-2015
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p01i5jndtqnfl4w/AAAp1Je0fMD-ZHItXMsPH6b6a?oref=e
http://www.chrisgradyphotography.co.uk/honiton-hippo-2015
http://www.chrisgradyphotography.co.uk/honiton-hippo-calf-2015
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p01i5jndtqnfl4w/AAAp1Je0fMD-ZHItXMsPH6b6a?oref=e
Honiton Hippo 2015
A huge well done to everyone who took part in the Hippo and Hippo Calf. Honiton Running Club hopes you enjoyed the day. Provisional results are listed on this page and also on the Hippo page. Please email j.davey416@btinternet.com if you find a problem.
Found property - black track suit bottoms and top.
A huge well done to everyone who took part in the Hippo and Hippo Calf. Honiton Running Club hopes you enjoyed the day. Provisional results are listed on this page and also on the Hippo page. Please email j.davey416@btinternet.com if you find a problem.
Found property - black track suit bottoms and top.
Honiton Hippo Press Report
Honiton Running Club held its Hippo and Calf runs last Sunday with the base at Honiton Primary School. It was fabulous running weather albeit a little on the chilly side to start with. The main Honiton Hippo race is just over 7 miles in length involving plenty of variety. Runners first run down the road to the entrance of Combe Woods before circling the woods and coming back on the road to Combe Raleigh. They then face the challenging St Cyres’ Hill running on road and through woods. Next it’s down towards Awliscombe to be taken off road and into the Land Rover Experience only to go straight back up the hill again. A quick run around the Land Rover Experience follows involving several muddy soakings with a brand new water feature incorporated for the first time this year! This cleaned runners off a little before descending to the first river crossing before the climb through fields and eventually picking up the road back to the school. Just when runners thought they were nearly there, they were sent through a couple of fields before the main river crossing. Luckily a strapping fireman in the form of Warren Oak was there to lend a hand and pull out the runners. The race was won by James Denne in a course record of 46 minutes and 51 seconds and the first lady home was Gemma Collier who finished in 58:11. Many Honiton RC members were involved in helping or marshalling but quite a few took part with the first back being Alasdair Moffett who was 11th in 57:39. The next runner in for Honiton had an incredible race. Florence Swan came in 2nd lady overall picking up a trophy and a bottle of wine. However, as she is only 15, this was collected by her mum who was under instructions to swap it for a box of chocolates! Florence was 14th overall finishing in 59:22. Next was Hadleigh Davies whose run was a late decision and was a warm up for the London Marathon next week. Hadleigh came 17th in 1:00:24. Another youngster having a fantastic race was next in the form of Will Daly who came 19th in 1:00:44. Steve Selley was next back coming 21st in 1:01:06. He was followed directly behind by Suzanne Spiller in 1:01:24 finishing 3rd lady overall. Richard Harris had a fall but still managed 28th in 1:03:16. Tanita Retter didn’t quite know what she was letting herself in for with so much water but finished 41st in 1:07:02. Esme Moffett crossed the finish line covered in mud from head to foot achieving 49th place in 1:09:36. Despite having marathon legs from Paris last week, Stephen Boyes came 59th in 1:11:10. Shane Hudd thoroughly enjoyed the race coming 66th in 1:13:20. Jennie Sleeman usually marshals but decided to run coming 85th in 1:16:56. She was followed not too far behind by Sarah Warren who finished 88th in 1:17:43. Claire Burrough finished next in 101st place in 1:19:58. Jim Hill loved the whole race finishing 109th in 1:21:58. Morgan Davy was more than a little apprehensive but finished well in 111th place in 1:22:16. Bernice Bastin hasn’t been running long but did well to finish 122nd in 1:24:03 followed not too far behind by Clare Melbourne who came 125th in 1:24:10. Newish member Peter Bishop was next back just 4 seconds in front of Kathy Layzell. They came 127th and 128th respectively. This is a favourite of Pete Lyus and he came back in 170th place in 1:29:51 followed by Carol Turnham 3 places and 29 seconds later. Completing the line-up for Honiton were two ladies who knew what was coming as they had taken part in the pre run during training. Tracey Hailey and Sara Trumper ran together finishing 240th in 1:54:26. There were 264 finishers.
The Calf is open to youngsters of 9 years and over and is approximately 1 ¾ miles in length. It follows the same route as the Hippo until coming out of Combe Woods when the Calf runners are sent back to base. As the weather has been kind recently, this year to the delight of some but horror of others, the Calf runners were sent back across the same river as the adults. The race was won by Toby Garrick in 11:23 and Meg Somers was 1st female coming 4th overall in 12:56. Honiton’s Thomas Lilley took 1st male U16 coming 5th in 13:16 and the U13 prize went to Sam Dowson, also a Honiton runner, who finished 6th in 13:18. Honiton had other trophy winners with Katelyn Wells coming 2nd female, 10th overall in 13:46 and Ashley Ford-Cosens who came first U16 female finishing 35th overall in 16:54. Other Honiton runners included Hannah Land, Olivia Daly and Eleanor Ducker with many others running for their primary school team including several for Upottery making up the team of the primary school cup winners for the 2nd year running.There were 64 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing all those feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Ottery 10k on 17th May. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
Honiton Running Club held its Hippo and Calf runs last Sunday with the base at Honiton Primary School. It was fabulous running weather albeit a little on the chilly side to start with. The main Honiton Hippo race is just over 7 miles in length involving plenty of variety. Runners first run down the road to the entrance of Combe Woods before circling the woods and coming back on the road to Combe Raleigh. They then face the challenging St Cyres’ Hill running on road and through woods. Next it’s down towards Awliscombe to be taken off road and into the Land Rover Experience only to go straight back up the hill again. A quick run around the Land Rover Experience follows involving several muddy soakings with a brand new water feature incorporated for the first time this year! This cleaned runners off a little before descending to the first river crossing before the climb through fields and eventually picking up the road back to the school. Just when runners thought they were nearly there, they were sent through a couple of fields before the main river crossing. Luckily a strapping fireman in the form of Warren Oak was there to lend a hand and pull out the runners. The race was won by James Denne in a course record of 46 minutes and 51 seconds and the first lady home was Gemma Collier who finished in 58:11. Many Honiton RC members were involved in helping or marshalling but quite a few took part with the first back being Alasdair Moffett who was 11th in 57:39. The next runner in for Honiton had an incredible race. Florence Swan came in 2nd lady overall picking up a trophy and a bottle of wine. However, as she is only 15, this was collected by her mum who was under instructions to swap it for a box of chocolates! Florence was 14th overall finishing in 59:22. Next was Hadleigh Davies whose run was a late decision and was a warm up for the London Marathon next week. Hadleigh came 17th in 1:00:24. Another youngster having a fantastic race was next in the form of Will Daly who came 19th in 1:00:44. Steve Selley was next back coming 21st in 1:01:06. He was followed directly behind by Suzanne Spiller in 1:01:24 finishing 3rd lady overall. Richard Harris had a fall but still managed 28th in 1:03:16. Tanita Retter didn’t quite know what she was letting herself in for with so much water but finished 41st in 1:07:02. Esme Moffett crossed the finish line covered in mud from head to foot achieving 49th place in 1:09:36. Despite having marathon legs from Paris last week, Stephen Boyes came 59th in 1:11:10. Shane Hudd thoroughly enjoyed the race coming 66th in 1:13:20. Jennie Sleeman usually marshals but decided to run coming 85th in 1:16:56. She was followed not too far behind by Sarah Warren who finished 88th in 1:17:43. Claire Burrough finished next in 101st place in 1:19:58. Jim Hill loved the whole race finishing 109th in 1:21:58. Morgan Davy was more than a little apprehensive but finished well in 111th place in 1:22:16. Bernice Bastin hasn’t been running long but did well to finish 122nd in 1:24:03 followed not too far behind by Clare Melbourne who came 125th in 1:24:10. Newish member Peter Bishop was next back just 4 seconds in front of Kathy Layzell. They came 127th and 128th respectively. This is a favourite of Pete Lyus and he came back in 170th place in 1:29:51 followed by Carol Turnham 3 places and 29 seconds later. Completing the line-up for Honiton were two ladies who knew what was coming as they had taken part in the pre run during training. Tracey Hailey and Sara Trumper ran together finishing 240th in 1:54:26. There were 264 finishers.
The Calf is open to youngsters of 9 years and over and is approximately 1 ¾ miles in length. It follows the same route as the Hippo until coming out of Combe Woods when the Calf runners are sent back to base. As the weather has been kind recently, this year to the delight of some but horror of others, the Calf runners were sent back across the same river as the adults. The race was won by Toby Garrick in 11:23 and Meg Somers was 1st female coming 4th overall in 12:56. Honiton’s Thomas Lilley took 1st male U16 coming 5th in 13:16 and the U13 prize went to Sam Dowson, also a Honiton runner, who finished 6th in 13:18. Honiton had other trophy winners with Katelyn Wells coming 2nd female, 10th overall in 13:46 and Ashley Ford-Cosens who came first U16 female finishing 35th overall in 16:54. Other Honiton runners included Hannah Land, Olivia Daly and Eleanor Ducker with many others running for their primary school team including several for Upottery making up the team of the primary school cup winners for the 2nd year running.There were 64 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing all those feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Ottery 10k on 17th May. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
April Handicap
It was a beautiful evening for a “jog” around Cotleigh and with the weather came the runners. We had 17 runners and many came with their families to enjoy the weather making this handicap this month more relaxed and quite fun. Also (fortunately) we have no tales of messed up times or missed time slots. It was good to see some new runners Chris Entwistle and Jasmine Stone. The race was won by Liam Dushinsky who also beat his PB. Also there was some family rivalry between Judy and Jo who started at the same time, they battled each other all the way and all though Jo achieved a PB experience prevailed and Judy crossed the line first. The night was made complete with Jelly babies and some doughnuts, yum yum. Thanks to all the helpers and we hope to see many more runners out next time?”
Taunton Half Marathon and Paris Marathon
Last Sunday, Honiton runners took to the task of running the Taunton Half Marathon – an interesting route that started and finished at the Taunton College. The route went through the heart of the city with lots of people lining the streets and shouting support, then out along country lanes, through small picturesque villages before returning along the main Wellington road into Taunton with a cheeky little hill to climb at mile 11-12. Plenty of drink stations along the route as well as wet sponges helped runners to keep cool in the very warm conditions. The weather was sunny with a wind that sneaked up when runners went around a corner. Shane Hudd was running Taunton for the first time so was guaranteed a personal best time. He finished in 1 hour 53 minutes. Once again Tony Peek’s Achilles heel played up from mile 6 which made the uphill running very painful. He also stopped at mile 11 to give first aid to a fellow runner who had collapsed getting him into the recovery position whilst another lady phoned for an ambulance before leaving him in the capable hands of another first aider. Tony did well to finish under 2 hours in 1:58. With Klara Bodfish using this run as a training run for the London Marathon in a couple of weeks, she was looking to come in under 2:20 and she later reported that she had thoroughly enjoyed the race. She thanked people for cheering along the way which always puts a smile on her face. She particularly thanked Tony for the calming company as she said she had never felt so chilled before a race. Klara finished in 2:18.
Stephen Boyes travelled a bit further to tackle a full marathon taking a plane to Paris. Stephen had a great run reporting it was the best marathon he had run in a long time. He recorded his heart rate throughout and managed to stick within his set limits meaning he was able to finish strong and did not have to walk at all. He was given a chip time of 3:38.
Last Sunday, Honiton runners took to the task of running the Taunton Half Marathon – an interesting route that started and finished at the Taunton College. The route went through the heart of the city with lots of people lining the streets and shouting support, then out along country lanes, through small picturesque villages before returning along the main Wellington road into Taunton with a cheeky little hill to climb at mile 11-12. Plenty of drink stations along the route as well as wet sponges helped runners to keep cool in the very warm conditions. The weather was sunny with a wind that sneaked up when runners went around a corner. Shane Hudd was running Taunton for the first time so was guaranteed a personal best time. He finished in 1 hour 53 minutes. Once again Tony Peek’s Achilles heel played up from mile 6 which made the uphill running very painful. He also stopped at mile 11 to give first aid to a fellow runner who had collapsed getting him into the recovery position whilst another lady phoned for an ambulance before leaving him in the capable hands of another first aider. Tony did well to finish under 2 hours in 1:58. With Klara Bodfish using this run as a training run for the London Marathon in a couple of weeks, she was looking to come in under 2:20 and she later reported that she had thoroughly enjoyed the race. She thanked people for cheering along the way which always puts a smile on her face. She particularly thanked Tony for the calming company as she said she had never felt so chilled before a race. Klara finished in 2:18.
Stephen Boyes travelled a bit further to tackle a full marathon taking a plane to Paris. Stephen had a great run reporting it was the best marathon he had run in a long time. He recorded his heart rate throughout and managed to stick within his set limits meaning he was able to finish strong and did not have to walk at all. He was given a chip time of 3:38.
Exe to Axe & Kilmington Kanter
On Sunday 28th March Sidmouth Running Club held its infamous Exe to Axe run. This is approximately 21 miles of coastal running from Exmouth to Seaton. Elsewhere the wet and windy weather made for very unpleasant running conditions but not so for this race as the wind direction was actually in the runners’ favour blowing them along the way. The finish was very exciting with Axe Valley Runner Matt Clist and Ambleside AC Annie Conway battling it out for the winning position. Matt eventually crossed the line first in 2 hours 41 minutes and 41 seconds with Annie setting a new female course record finishing just 9 seconds later. First back for Honiton was Ian Stewart who came 53rd in 3:31:15 with Alasdair Moffett only 2 places and 20 seconds behind. Helen Davy had to pull out of the Grizzly at the last minute so decided to tackle this race instead. She came 187th in 5:06:54. Klara Bodfish has increased her mileage as she is training for London Marathon and she was delighted to finish in 5:11:50. There were 203 finishers.
Good Friday saw the annual running of the Kilmington Kanter with money raised going to Kilmington Primary School. It was a pleasant day for a race although there was still plenty of mud on the ground. The race is nearly 7 miles of multi-terrain with the base at the Village Hall. The race starts with a steady climb and there is a pig of a hill around mile 5. Apart from that it is a good mix of road, fields and tracks. The race was won by James Green of local Axe Valley Runners in a time of 42 minutes 14 seconds. Hadleigh Davies was first back for Honiton coming 21st in 53:13. Steve Davey had followed him at some distance for much of the race but dropped off a bit to finish26th in 55:14. This is a favourite distance of Howard Bidmead and he had a great run coming 29th in 56:45 ahead of Judy Davey who was 39th in 1:00:57. Paul Williams had run with Judy for most of the race until rough terrain aggravated his calf causing him to slow down a little but he did well to finish just one place and 24 seconds behind her. Tricky Terry was happy with his run finishing 53rd in 1:06:33. This was Bernice Bastin’s first ever race and she did brilliantly to come 76th in 1:14:56. Following her efforts at the Exe to Axe last week, Klara Bodfish had a good race to come 81st in 1:16:10. Kathy Layzell hasn’t done much off road running recently so did very well coming 87th in 1:17:53. This was also Dawn Peek’s first race for the Club and she was encouraged the whole distance by her husband, Tony. They finished together in 92nd place in 1:20:34. There were 100 finishers.
There was also the Fun Run on offer mainly for younger participants and this race was won by Arun Hawkes in 17:13. Honiton’s Flo Swan had a fantastic race coming 3rd overall and 1st female in exactly 18 minutes. Her brother, Joe, followed coming 10th in 22:45 in his first time out for the Club. Ashleigh Ford-Cosens and Eleanor Ducker ran together putting in gutsy runs finishing 18th in 28:35. There were 27 finishers. Runners were treated to a seasonal hot cross bun and a warming cup of tea upon their return of this well organised race.
On Sunday 28th March Sidmouth Running Club held its infamous Exe to Axe run. This is approximately 21 miles of coastal running from Exmouth to Seaton. Elsewhere the wet and windy weather made for very unpleasant running conditions but not so for this race as the wind direction was actually in the runners’ favour blowing them along the way. The finish was very exciting with Axe Valley Runner Matt Clist and Ambleside AC Annie Conway battling it out for the winning position. Matt eventually crossed the line first in 2 hours 41 minutes and 41 seconds with Annie setting a new female course record finishing just 9 seconds later. First back for Honiton was Ian Stewart who came 53rd in 3:31:15 with Alasdair Moffett only 2 places and 20 seconds behind. Helen Davy had to pull out of the Grizzly at the last minute so decided to tackle this race instead. She came 187th in 5:06:54. Klara Bodfish has increased her mileage as she is training for London Marathon and she was delighted to finish in 5:11:50. There were 203 finishers.
Good Friday saw the annual running of the Kilmington Kanter with money raised going to Kilmington Primary School. It was a pleasant day for a race although there was still plenty of mud on the ground. The race is nearly 7 miles of multi-terrain with the base at the Village Hall. The race starts with a steady climb and there is a pig of a hill around mile 5. Apart from that it is a good mix of road, fields and tracks. The race was won by James Green of local Axe Valley Runners in a time of 42 minutes 14 seconds. Hadleigh Davies was first back for Honiton coming 21st in 53:13. Steve Davey had followed him at some distance for much of the race but dropped off a bit to finish26th in 55:14. This is a favourite distance of Howard Bidmead and he had a great run coming 29th in 56:45 ahead of Judy Davey who was 39th in 1:00:57. Paul Williams had run with Judy for most of the race until rough terrain aggravated his calf causing him to slow down a little but he did well to finish just one place and 24 seconds behind her. Tricky Terry was happy with his run finishing 53rd in 1:06:33. This was Bernice Bastin’s first ever race and she did brilliantly to come 76th in 1:14:56. Following her efforts at the Exe to Axe last week, Klara Bodfish had a good race to come 81st in 1:16:10. Kathy Layzell hasn’t done much off road running recently so did very well coming 87th in 1:17:53. This was also Dawn Peek’s first race for the Club and she was encouraged the whole distance by her husband, Tony. They finished together in 92nd place in 1:20:34. There were 100 finishers.
There was also the Fun Run on offer mainly for younger participants and this race was won by Arun Hawkes in 17:13. Honiton’s Flo Swan had a fantastic race coming 3rd overall and 1st female in exactly 18 minutes. Her brother, Joe, followed coming 10th in 22:45 in his first time out for the Club. Ashleigh Ford-Cosens and Eleanor Ducker ran together putting in gutsy runs finishing 18th in 28:35. There were 27 finishers. Runners were treated to a seasonal hot cross bun and a warming cup of tea upon their return of this well organised race.
Arlington Court Canter, Yeovil Half Marathon & Run Exmoor
The Arlington Court Canter is a tough but beautiful scenic off road 10k race held on National Trust property in North Devon. Sunday, 22nd March was a perfect day for the race and with a week of fine weather the course was unusually dry and made for faster times than normal. Howard Bidmead, who is back racing again following injury, had a good run finishing in 48 minutes 40 seconds; a time he was really pleased with.
On, Sunday, 29th March, a very wet, cold and windy day, Honiton runners took part in the Yeovil Half Marathon. Esme Wilson was first back having had a great run to come 166th in 1:39:20. Due to lack of time, Richard Harris hasn’t been able to put in the training he would have liked so was some way off his personal best time coming 313th in 1:47:29. Sara Trumper bravely tackled the distance for the first time and came 1024th in 2:43:38. There were 1062 finishers and the race was won by Rob Mctaggart of Bournemouth Athletic Club.
On the same day, even though the forecast was awful, 7 Honiton Running Club members and 2 supporters travelled to Simonsbath, Exmoor to take part in the inaugural running of the Run Exmoor 10 mile event. It is a challenging race organised by 3 keen runners and 1 not so keen runner who wanted to share their beloved Exmoor with likeminded enthusiasts. The race took runners through the most spectacular countryside that Exmoor has to offer; over beautiful moorland, farmland, through ancient woodland and along the River Barle. A race not for the faint hearted as a race on Exmoor wouldn't be complete without a few hills! Organisation was great; it was just a shame about the weather. The rain lashed horizontally and felt like someone was firing ball bearings at you! When it was a head wind, it was extremely hard to move forward rather than being blown where you had just been! Occasionally, the wind was behind giving runners a helping push up a hill. There were also a few places close to the river that actually felt sheltered although these were short lived. Participants could have been put off racing forever but runners are a hardy lot and doubtless they will return next year! The marshals deserve as much credit as the runners for managing to stand upright and even giving cheery encouragement as runners passed by. Karl Hodder was first back for Honiton finishing 13th in 1:28:09 and he was followed by Bruce Strawbridge who had overtaken Steve Davey in the final field on the run home. Bruce came 21st in 1:32:18 with Steve one place and 5 seconds behind. Next back was Honiton’s only lady, Judy Davey, who came 40th in 1:39:03. Howard Bidmead and Judy had changed position a few times throughout the race and at one stage ran together without another runner in sight for about 2 miles. Howard ended up one place and 28 seconds behind Judy. Although not planned, Tricky Terry and Tim Wigram ended up running most of the race together with one or the other just in front. Tim finished 54th in 1:49:52 and Tricky 63rd in 1:52:12. The race was won by Chris Gill and there were 113 finishers.
The Arlington Court Canter is a tough but beautiful scenic off road 10k race held on National Trust property in North Devon. Sunday, 22nd March was a perfect day for the race and with a week of fine weather the course was unusually dry and made for faster times than normal. Howard Bidmead, who is back racing again following injury, had a good run finishing in 48 minutes 40 seconds; a time he was really pleased with.
On, Sunday, 29th March, a very wet, cold and windy day, Honiton runners took part in the Yeovil Half Marathon. Esme Wilson was first back having had a great run to come 166th in 1:39:20. Due to lack of time, Richard Harris hasn’t been able to put in the training he would have liked so was some way off his personal best time coming 313th in 1:47:29. Sara Trumper bravely tackled the distance for the first time and came 1024th in 2:43:38. There were 1062 finishers and the race was won by Rob Mctaggart of Bournemouth Athletic Club.
On the same day, even though the forecast was awful, 7 Honiton Running Club members and 2 supporters travelled to Simonsbath, Exmoor to take part in the inaugural running of the Run Exmoor 10 mile event. It is a challenging race organised by 3 keen runners and 1 not so keen runner who wanted to share their beloved Exmoor with likeminded enthusiasts. The race took runners through the most spectacular countryside that Exmoor has to offer; over beautiful moorland, farmland, through ancient woodland and along the River Barle. A race not for the faint hearted as a race on Exmoor wouldn't be complete without a few hills! Organisation was great; it was just a shame about the weather. The rain lashed horizontally and felt like someone was firing ball bearings at you! When it was a head wind, it was extremely hard to move forward rather than being blown where you had just been! Occasionally, the wind was behind giving runners a helping push up a hill. There were also a few places close to the river that actually felt sheltered although these were short lived. Participants could have been put off racing forever but runners are a hardy lot and doubtless they will return next year! The marshals deserve as much credit as the runners for managing to stand upright and even giving cheery encouragement as runners passed by. Karl Hodder was first back for Honiton finishing 13th in 1:28:09 and he was followed by Bruce Strawbridge who had overtaken Steve Davey in the final field on the run home. Bruce came 21st in 1:32:18 with Steve one place and 5 seconds behind. Next back was Honiton’s only lady, Judy Davey, who came 40th in 1:39:03. Howard Bidmead and Judy had changed position a few times throughout the race and at one stage ran together without another runner in sight for about 2 miles. Howard ended up one place and 28 seconds behind Judy. Although not planned, Tricky Terry and Tim Wigram ended up running most of the race together with one or the other just in front. Tim finished 54th in 1:49:52 and Tricky 63rd in 1:52:12. The race was won by Chris Gill and there were 113 finishers.
Handicap - March - Simon's Report (Chief Statistician)
Well a cold damp night set the tone for an almighty muck up with the timings (no bottle of wine for me next year). What I later discovered that evening was a simple transposition error of a formula had given some faster runners a “beginners” Handi cap. Which I am sure some would have been happy with as this may have given some their first win, luckily John and Suzanne were on hand try to fix the issue. Anyway this Special club supported and comforted me and encouraged me to do better next time….(hold on, this is no fairy tale…). Back in reality they did what I would have done and enjoyed a laugh at my expense which kept them warm for a while. Unfortunately this quickly subsided and I soon became unpopular as everyone had to wait an extra 10 minutes in the cold while John and Suzanne worked out a rudimentary way of releasing the runners on December's Handicaps. Once the times were corrected the runners were advised of their times and we were ready to go. Im sure the 3 new runners were suitably impressed with the organisation and planning of this Great Club. Well if they weren’t then, they would be later when John still laughing at my mistake and merrily talking to others cried out GO GO GO as he realised he had forgotten to release some runners at their start time. A cry of “this muck lark is catching” from John rallied another round of warming laughter. Perhaps they didn’t notice? Anyway with the release times all a little out and only 12 runners it all seemed to be a very spread out run which lead to a less competitive race than normal. I think Steve and Tim didn’t see another runner. With the next Handi cap at Cotleigh I hope to see more of you fine runners out in the sun next month.
Well a cold damp night set the tone for an almighty muck up with the timings (no bottle of wine for me next year). What I later discovered that evening was a simple transposition error of a formula had given some faster runners a “beginners” Handi cap. Which I am sure some would have been happy with as this may have given some their first win, luckily John and Suzanne were on hand try to fix the issue. Anyway this Special club supported and comforted me and encouraged me to do better next time….(hold on, this is no fairy tale…). Back in reality they did what I would have done and enjoyed a laugh at my expense which kept them warm for a while. Unfortunately this quickly subsided and I soon became unpopular as everyone had to wait an extra 10 minutes in the cold while John and Suzanne worked out a rudimentary way of releasing the runners on December's Handicaps. Once the times were corrected the runners were advised of their times and we were ready to go. Im sure the 3 new runners were suitably impressed with the organisation and planning of this Great Club. Well if they weren’t then, they would be later when John still laughing at my mistake and merrily talking to others cried out GO GO GO as he realised he had forgotten to release some runners at their start time. A cry of “this muck lark is catching” from John rallied another round of warming laughter. Perhaps they didn’t notice? Anyway with the release times all a little out and only 12 runners it all seemed to be a very spread out run which lead to a less competitive race than normal. I think Steve and Tim didn’t see another runner. With the next Handi cap at Cotleigh I hope to see more of you fine runners out in the sun next month.
Bideford Half Marathon
Ten Honiton Running Club members travelled to North Devon last Sunday to take part in the Bideford Half Marathon. Sold as a fast flat race runners reported a number of undulations as they left Bideford before returning on the pancake flat Tarka Trail. The weather in Honiton would have made for ideal conditions for running but not so in Bideford. The forecast was for rain and down it came! Once runners had set off it wasn’t too cold and the rain eased into a thick drizzle before hammering it down once again at the finish. Nevertheless, Hadleigh Davies had a great run finishing very close to his personal best time for the distance. He finished 90th in 1 hour 28 minutes and 47 seconds. Steve Davey was next back finishing 169th in 1:36:06 with Bruce Strawbridge hot on his heels having had a great run finishing in 178th place and just 18 seconds later. Judy Davey led the Honiton ladies home to come 248th in 1:40:09. Paul Williams found he still had Grizzly in his legs but did well to come 270th in 1:41:22. Mark Dallyn also had Grizzly legs and finished 305th in 1:43:18. Mark had to find a last minute burst of energy when he realised Roger Saunders was right behind him and that’s how they entered the finish funnel. Richard Tricky Terry found it tough even though he had lost the beard so was much more streamlined. He came 418th in 1:51:06. Jenny Sleeman put in another great half marathon finishing at about the same time as she always does in 1:52:57 and 440th place. Newly crowned female runner of the year for the Club, Kathy Layzell, did herself proud gaining a pb to come 683rd in 2:07:53. The race was won by Shaun Antell in the amazing time of 1:10:50 and there were 849 finishers. Most of the Honiton runners had completed the Grizzly last week but reported that they found this flat road race much tougher for very different reasons.
Ten Honiton Running Club members travelled to North Devon last Sunday to take part in the Bideford Half Marathon. Sold as a fast flat race runners reported a number of undulations as they left Bideford before returning on the pancake flat Tarka Trail. The weather in Honiton would have made for ideal conditions for running but not so in Bideford. The forecast was for rain and down it came! Once runners had set off it wasn’t too cold and the rain eased into a thick drizzle before hammering it down once again at the finish. Nevertheless, Hadleigh Davies had a great run finishing very close to his personal best time for the distance. He finished 90th in 1 hour 28 minutes and 47 seconds. Steve Davey was next back finishing 169th in 1:36:06 with Bruce Strawbridge hot on his heels having had a great run finishing in 178th place and just 18 seconds later. Judy Davey led the Honiton ladies home to come 248th in 1:40:09. Paul Williams found he still had Grizzly in his legs but did well to come 270th in 1:41:22. Mark Dallyn also had Grizzly legs and finished 305th in 1:43:18. Mark had to find a last minute burst of energy when he realised Roger Saunders was right behind him and that’s how they entered the finish funnel. Richard Tricky Terry found it tough even though he had lost the beard so was much more streamlined. He came 418th in 1:51:06. Jenny Sleeman put in another great half marathon finishing at about the same time as she always does in 1:52:57 and 440th place. Newly crowned female runner of the year for the Club, Kathy Layzell, did herself proud gaining a pb to come 683rd in 2:07:53. The race was won by Shaun Antell in the amazing time of 1:10:50 and there were 849 finishers. Most of the Honiton runners had completed the Grizzly last week but reported that they found this flat road race much tougher for very different reasons.
Grizzly & Malta Half Marathon
Honiton Running Club had a fantastic turnout for local Axe Valley Runners’ Grizzly and Cub runs last Sunday. The forecast was not brilliant and heavy rain was expected for about 1pm. However, the weather was perfect until about 3pm allowing most of the runners to finish and the marshals to step down before the rain set in. Runners found it extremely windy once they had reached the top of the infamous Stairway to Heaven but the unpleasant conditions were short lived as runners only run a very short way along the coast path before heading inland to Beer Head Caravan Park meaning that the wind was blowing behind runners actually helping them on their way.
Ian Stewart led the Honiton runners home for the nearly 20 mile Grizzly coming an incredible 45th place in 2:51 followed by Ben Stone who came 98th in exactly the same time as last year – just within 3 hours. Karl Hodson followed in 125th place in 3:04. Hadleigh Davies had a great run coming 152nd in 3:10 followed by Steve Davey in 229th place in 3:18. Julie Payne led the ladies home to come 242nd in 3:19 a fantastic effort for her first Grizzly. Tom Bornet came 255th in 3:20 followed 4 places and 1 minute later by Judy Davey. Paul Williams only secured his Grizzly place 2 weeks before the event and did well to come 310th in 3:26. Mark Dallyn came exactly 400th in 3:34. Suzanne Spiller was next back coming 414th in 3:36 ahead of Steve Selley who struggled from the half way mark. Steve was 430th in 3:37. Jack Cooper only got his place 2 days earlier so was pleased to come 438th in 3:38. Julian Gigg was next in 451st place in 3:39 and Simon Spiller who had run with his wife Suzanne for most of the race came 542nd in 3:45. Louise Crisp was next back in 599th place in 3:49 followed by Richard Tricky Terry who came 661st in 3:53 for his first attempt. Alasdair and Esme Moffett who had run together came home in 703rd place in 3:56. Lyn Pike stormed round the course to come 843rd in 4:09 ahead of Howard Bidmead who has been dogged by injury. He finished 867th in 4:11. Shane and Michaela Hudd also ran together finishing 880th in 4:13. It was David Hawker's first attempt and it was a painful experience but he finished in 982nd place in 4:20. Tony Peek followed in 1008th place in 4:21 and he was followed some time later by Joe Daly who finished 1330th in 5:10 ahead of Sharon Wells by 5 places and 2 minutes. There were 1415 finishers and the race was won by Ceri Rees in 2:17.
Some runners took the shorter option of the Cub. This is about 9 miles but is not to be underestimated. Mark Andow led Honiton home coming 45th in 1:32 and he was followed by Katy Campbell who came 63rd in 1:37. Sarah Warren was not too far behind in 74th place in 1:38. Alan Nichols now lives in Wales but took the trip to Seaton finishing 142nd in 1:48. Denis Costello had a good run to come 174th in 1:52. Charlotte Boyes did well to come 248th in 2:02 and Val Hales came 316th in 2:09. Pete Lyus ran with his daughter, Jo Taylor, and finished 343rd in 2:14. The Honiton line-up was completed by Sara Trumper, Tracey Hailey and Jo Lowman who all ran together finishing 410th in 2:30. There were 446 finishers and the race was won by Justin Ashby in 1:06.
The day before saw the running of the Junior Run and the Fun Run. Honiton’s Thomas Lilley took part in the junior event running well to finish 16th in 18 minutes 55 seconds . The race was won by AVR’s Ollie Caute in the great time of 15:02. There were 44 finishers. Some of the club members youngsters took part in the fun run with Abigail Davies leading them back to come 99th in 12:49 followed by Max Spiller in 120th place in 13:32 and followed by his sister Ella who finished 165th in 16:07. There were an amazing 174 runners and the race was won by Jacob Hale of Seaton Primary School.
Thanks to AVR for another fantastic Grizzly; brilliantly organised as usual with plenty of local support en route. Thanks to the many marshals providing encouragement and much needed sustenance in the form of flap jack and jelly babies along the way. Thanks also to the landowners, sponsors and anyone else involved.
Katy Campbell ran the Malta half marathon on Sunday 23rd February for the third year in a row. The expected sunshine was replaced by heavy rain and large puddles, but the downhill course helped her take an unexpected 9 minutes off her PB. She was delighted to finish 43rd lady in 1:39:21.
Honiton Running Club had a fantastic turnout for local Axe Valley Runners’ Grizzly and Cub runs last Sunday. The forecast was not brilliant and heavy rain was expected for about 1pm. However, the weather was perfect until about 3pm allowing most of the runners to finish and the marshals to step down before the rain set in. Runners found it extremely windy once they had reached the top of the infamous Stairway to Heaven but the unpleasant conditions were short lived as runners only run a very short way along the coast path before heading inland to Beer Head Caravan Park meaning that the wind was blowing behind runners actually helping them on their way.
Ian Stewart led the Honiton runners home for the nearly 20 mile Grizzly coming an incredible 45th place in 2:51 followed by Ben Stone who came 98th in exactly the same time as last year – just within 3 hours. Karl Hodson followed in 125th place in 3:04. Hadleigh Davies had a great run coming 152nd in 3:10 followed by Steve Davey in 229th place in 3:18. Julie Payne led the ladies home to come 242nd in 3:19 a fantastic effort for her first Grizzly. Tom Bornet came 255th in 3:20 followed 4 places and 1 minute later by Judy Davey. Paul Williams only secured his Grizzly place 2 weeks before the event and did well to come 310th in 3:26. Mark Dallyn came exactly 400th in 3:34. Suzanne Spiller was next back coming 414th in 3:36 ahead of Steve Selley who struggled from the half way mark. Steve was 430th in 3:37. Jack Cooper only got his place 2 days earlier so was pleased to come 438th in 3:38. Julian Gigg was next in 451st place in 3:39 and Simon Spiller who had run with his wife Suzanne for most of the race came 542nd in 3:45. Louise Crisp was next back in 599th place in 3:49 followed by Richard Tricky Terry who came 661st in 3:53 for his first attempt. Alasdair and Esme Moffett who had run together came home in 703rd place in 3:56. Lyn Pike stormed round the course to come 843rd in 4:09 ahead of Howard Bidmead who has been dogged by injury. He finished 867th in 4:11. Shane and Michaela Hudd also ran together finishing 880th in 4:13. It was David Hawker's first attempt and it was a painful experience but he finished in 982nd place in 4:20. Tony Peek followed in 1008th place in 4:21 and he was followed some time later by Joe Daly who finished 1330th in 5:10 ahead of Sharon Wells by 5 places and 2 minutes. There were 1415 finishers and the race was won by Ceri Rees in 2:17.
Some runners took the shorter option of the Cub. This is about 9 miles but is not to be underestimated. Mark Andow led Honiton home coming 45th in 1:32 and he was followed by Katy Campbell who came 63rd in 1:37. Sarah Warren was not too far behind in 74th place in 1:38. Alan Nichols now lives in Wales but took the trip to Seaton finishing 142nd in 1:48. Denis Costello had a good run to come 174th in 1:52. Charlotte Boyes did well to come 248th in 2:02 and Val Hales came 316th in 2:09. Pete Lyus ran with his daughter, Jo Taylor, and finished 343rd in 2:14. The Honiton line-up was completed by Sara Trumper, Tracey Hailey and Jo Lowman who all ran together finishing 410th in 2:30. There were 446 finishers and the race was won by Justin Ashby in 1:06.
The day before saw the running of the Junior Run and the Fun Run. Honiton’s Thomas Lilley took part in the junior event running well to finish 16th in 18 minutes 55 seconds . The race was won by AVR’s Ollie Caute in the great time of 15:02. There were 44 finishers. Some of the club members youngsters took part in the fun run with Abigail Davies leading them back to come 99th in 12:49 followed by Max Spiller in 120th place in 13:32 and followed by his sister Ella who finished 165th in 16:07. There were an amazing 174 runners and the race was won by Jacob Hale of Seaton Primary School.
Thanks to AVR for another fantastic Grizzly; brilliantly organised as usual with plenty of local support en route. Thanks to the many marshals providing encouragement and much needed sustenance in the form of flap jack and jelly babies along the way. Thanks also to the landowners, sponsors and anyone else involved.
Katy Campbell ran the Malta half marathon on Sunday 23rd February for the third year in a row. The expected sunshine was replaced by heavy rain and large puddles, but the downhill course helped her take an unexpected 9 minutes off her PB. She was delighted to finish 43rd lady in 1:39:21.
Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge
Most of the runners at last Sunday’s Dalwood 3 Hills’ Challenge were using it as last minute training for next week’s Grizzly but that didn’t mean they didn’t try their hardest! As it is one of the most local races for Honiton RC members, it wasn’t surprising that there was a good turnout for the Club. It was a cold frosty dry morning when runners set off from home but the rain started about half an hour before the race commenced and continued for the rest of the day gradually getting harder. Runners dressed for the chilly wet conditions but many wished they had chosen another layer. First home for Honiton was Ian Stewart who finished 8th in 1 hour 16 minutes and 45 seconds. Although an experienced runner, Karl Hodson has only recently joined the club and had a great race to finish 15th in 1:22:12. Next back was Steve Davey who managed to win his age category coming 23rd in 1:30:24. Bruce Strawbridge had a great race showing he is back on form tracking Steve around much of the course coming just 3 places and 28 seconds behind him. Mark Dallyn had a bit of a sore neck and was convinced he wasn’t going to run well so he was pleased to come 33rd in 1:34:55. First lady back for Honiton was Judy Davey coming 43rd in 1:40:37. Louise Crisp followed coming 49th in 1:44:10 and she was followed by Esme and Alasdair Moffett who ran the race together. They came 50th in 1:44:46. The Honiton contingent was completed by Lyn Pike who came 74th in 1:59:29 having thoroughly enjoyed the run. The race was won by Michael Robinson of Mud Crew Trail Runners in the fantastic time of 1:08:55 and there were 91 finishers.
Also on offer was the Mini Challenge and Flo Swan took part in this coming 1st female and 3rd overall in a time of 26 minutes 23 seconds. This race was won by Jamie Barnett of Teignbridge Trotters in 25:32. There were 13 finishers.
Runners returned to the welcoming warm village hall where homemade refreshments were on offer. Thanks to the Run Committee and everyone else who helped but the marshals deserve a special mention for braving the harsh elements for the morning.
Most of the runners at last Sunday’s Dalwood 3 Hills’ Challenge were using it as last minute training for next week’s Grizzly but that didn’t mean they didn’t try their hardest! As it is one of the most local races for Honiton RC members, it wasn’t surprising that there was a good turnout for the Club. It was a cold frosty dry morning when runners set off from home but the rain started about half an hour before the race commenced and continued for the rest of the day gradually getting harder. Runners dressed for the chilly wet conditions but many wished they had chosen another layer. First home for Honiton was Ian Stewart who finished 8th in 1 hour 16 minutes and 45 seconds. Although an experienced runner, Karl Hodson has only recently joined the club and had a great race to finish 15th in 1:22:12. Next back was Steve Davey who managed to win his age category coming 23rd in 1:30:24. Bruce Strawbridge had a great race showing he is back on form tracking Steve around much of the course coming just 3 places and 28 seconds behind him. Mark Dallyn had a bit of a sore neck and was convinced he wasn’t going to run well so he was pleased to come 33rd in 1:34:55. First lady back for Honiton was Judy Davey coming 43rd in 1:40:37. Louise Crisp followed coming 49th in 1:44:10 and she was followed by Esme and Alasdair Moffett who ran the race together. They came 50th in 1:44:46. The Honiton contingent was completed by Lyn Pike who came 74th in 1:59:29 having thoroughly enjoyed the run. The race was won by Michael Robinson of Mud Crew Trail Runners in the fantastic time of 1:08:55 and there were 91 finishers.
Also on offer was the Mini Challenge and Flo Swan took part in this coming 1st female and 3rd overall in a time of 26 minutes 23 seconds. This race was won by Jamie Barnett of Teignbridge Trotters in 25:32. There were 13 finishers.
Runners returned to the welcoming warm village hall where homemade refreshments were on offer. Thanks to the Run Committee and everyone else who helped but the marshals deserve a special mention for braving the harsh elements for the morning.
Helen in Vancouver
Helen Saunders who was in Paul and Jo's beginner runner group a year ago completed her first half marathon with Pacific Road Runners in Vancouver in 768 place out of 2084 in a time of 1:48:25. The weather was perfect. She's now hoping for snow to go skiing.
Blackdown Beast
The weather was perfect for this year’s Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast; a little chilly but the sky was blue and the sun shone. There was a good amount of mud and other substances to sap the legs meaning the 16.3 miles were hard work. Runners were faced with a menacing looking bull in one of the fields but he turned out to be quite friendly and used to visitors on his patch!
The Beast is always a sell out and this year saw a record number of 170 runners taking part with runners coming from all over Devon and some from further afield. The event is a social run with several stops on route taking in the scenery of the beautiful Blackdown Hills. The event began and ended at the Highfield Sport and Social Club, Dunkeswell. The first stop, after 7 ½ miles, was Smeatharpe Village Hall where participants were treated to delicious hot sweet mulled cider and equally delicious warming pasties. Thanks to the ladies of the WI for making and serving this very welcome sustenance. The next stop was the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery where some runners took the opportunity of taking a mini bus back to Dunkeswell having completed 10 miles. For others, it was on to the Luppitt Inn; one of the smallest pubs in the country! Organisers made sure the landlady knew runners were coming as opening times are flexible! The shortish last leg then takes runners across private land back to Dunkeswell.
As always all participants thoroughly enjoyed the day with many looking forward to the summer version; the Blackdown Beauty. Places are likely to go fast for this event too so look out for further information on www.honitonrc.com and to register your interest very soon. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible including the landowners for allowing runners to churn up the already churned fields. Money raised totalled over £1000 once expenses have been paid and will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Comments from the runners and photos of the day are here.
Helen Saunders who was in Paul and Jo's beginner runner group a year ago completed her first half marathon with Pacific Road Runners in Vancouver in 768 place out of 2084 in a time of 1:48:25. The weather was perfect. She's now hoping for snow to go skiing.
Blackdown Beast
The weather was perfect for this year’s Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast; a little chilly but the sky was blue and the sun shone. There was a good amount of mud and other substances to sap the legs meaning the 16.3 miles were hard work. Runners were faced with a menacing looking bull in one of the fields but he turned out to be quite friendly and used to visitors on his patch!
The Beast is always a sell out and this year saw a record number of 170 runners taking part with runners coming from all over Devon and some from further afield. The event is a social run with several stops on route taking in the scenery of the beautiful Blackdown Hills. The event began and ended at the Highfield Sport and Social Club, Dunkeswell. The first stop, after 7 ½ miles, was Smeatharpe Village Hall where participants were treated to delicious hot sweet mulled cider and equally delicious warming pasties. Thanks to the ladies of the WI for making and serving this very welcome sustenance. The next stop was the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery where some runners took the opportunity of taking a mini bus back to Dunkeswell having completed 10 miles. For others, it was on to the Luppitt Inn; one of the smallest pubs in the country! Organisers made sure the landlady knew runners were coming as opening times are flexible! The shortish last leg then takes runners across private land back to Dunkeswell.
As always all participants thoroughly enjoyed the day with many looking forward to the summer version; the Blackdown Beauty. Places are likely to go fast for this event too so look out for further information on www.honitonrc.com and to register your interest very soon. Thanks to everyone who made the event possible including the landowners for allowing runners to churn up the already churned fields. Money raised totalled over £1000 once expenses have been paid and will go to Macmillan Cancer Support. Comments from the runners and photos of the day are here.
Devon Schools Cross Country Championships
Saturday 17th January saw the running of the Devon Schools Cross Country Championships at Stover School near Newton Abbott. Two of the Honiton Running Club Junior Athletes had qualified to race: Kaitlin Wells and Sasha Davy. The distance for their age group was 3040m – just under 2 miles – which meant 2 laps of the short course. It was a predominantly flat or slightly ‘lumpy’ course and the going was muddy enough to make spikes a definite advantage. Both the HRC girls ran strongly, keeping a steady pace and gaining ground where they could. Kaitlin finished 14th and Sasha 16th respectively which was a great result for both of them in a very fast race.
Saturday 17th January saw the running of the Devon Schools Cross Country Championships at Stover School near Newton Abbott. Two of the Honiton Running Club Junior Athletes had qualified to race: Kaitlin Wells and Sasha Davy. The distance for their age group was 3040m – just under 2 miles – which meant 2 laps of the short course. It was a predominantly flat or slightly ‘lumpy’ course and the going was muddy enough to make spikes a definite advantage. Both the HRC girls ran strongly, keeping a steady pace and gaining ground where they could. Kaitlin finished 14th and Sasha 16th respectively which was a great result for both of them in a very fast race.
January Handicap
First Chance and Axmouth Challenge
Axe Valley Runners’ Axmouth Challenge was well represented by Honiton Running Club members last Sunday. This multi-terrain race is 9 ½ miles of muddy fields and tracks as well as a fair amount of road and several hills. The race was won by AVR’s James Green in 58 minutes 9 seconds and first back for Honiton was Hadleigh Davies who came 14th in 1:12:20. Young Findlay Fuller was next back coming 19th in 1:14:39. Steve Davey had a great race coming 21st in 1:15:15 ahead of his rival Rod Inglis who finished 3 places later in 1:15:56. Mark Dallyn was the first back of a group of Honiton runners. Mark was 32nd in 1:17:45 directly followed by Bruce Strawbridge albeit 1 min 7 seconds later. Tom Bornet followed 2 places and 5 seconds later and the sole Honiton lady, Judy Davey, finished one place and 10 seconds behind him. A Honiton gap followed but Howard Bidmead finished next in 41st place and 1:21:18. David Hawker and Richard Terry were making their debut race for the club and ran together to finish 49th in 1:24:52. It was some achievement that they were brave enough to tackle it having been told countless times how tough the race was before the start! Jim Hill brought the Honiton contingency home to finish 76th in 1:34:55. There were 96 runners.
Iain Ross took part in the 5 mile mini challenge coming 5th in 40:02. The race was won by AVR Jake Smith and there were 21 runners.
Runners were treated to delicious warming soup upon their return to Axmouth Village Hall. Thanks to AVR for putting on the event, to all the supportive marshals, the soup and cake makers and the landowners for allowing the race to take place on their land.
Bright sunshine and close to zero temperatures greeted the eleven HRC members who were looking for a flat 10K to start the year. The course is from the quay in Exeter and loops out to the Countess Weir Bridge twice. The race hosted by South West Road Runners is the first of the InStep Devon race series for 2015 and competitors earn points if they run 5 of these races. Over 500 runners finished with the first male being James Rodgers from N. Somerset and first lady Serane Stone from Tiverton Harriers. Kevin Hawker was a rather reluctant racer who really fancied the hills in the Axmouth Challenge, which others in the club were attempting, but was persuaded to run fast instead. He did! and was pleased to finish 10th overall in a time of 36:05. Steve Selley was the next Honiton runner in a time of 42:39 and was 61st overall and 2nd in his category to win a prize. The next Honiton runner was Julie Payne in 45:19 in 93rd place which meant she was the first in her category, well done Julie! She was followed by Roger Saunders in 47:49 in 133rd place who managed 3rd in his category but was a few minutes slower than his last run on this course. Michala Hudd came next at 176th place in a time of 49:53 cheered on by family and Jennie Sleeman came in at 207th place in a time of 51:11. Tony Peek took the opportunity to run this race after all his coaching the new runners and finished in 224th place in a time of 54:06. Next came Sharon Wells in a time of 53:53 in 255th place. Jo Davey was on good form at 1:00:57 in 383rd place. Wendy Williams ran with Dawn Peek who was a beginner runner and this was her first race, they finished in 407/8 places with a time of 1:02:35. Let’s hope this is the first of many for Dawn!
Axe Valley Runners’ Axmouth Challenge was well represented by Honiton Running Club members last Sunday. This multi-terrain race is 9 ½ miles of muddy fields and tracks as well as a fair amount of road and several hills. The race was won by AVR’s James Green in 58 minutes 9 seconds and first back for Honiton was Hadleigh Davies who came 14th in 1:12:20. Young Findlay Fuller was next back coming 19th in 1:14:39. Steve Davey had a great race coming 21st in 1:15:15 ahead of his rival Rod Inglis who finished 3 places later in 1:15:56. Mark Dallyn was the first back of a group of Honiton runners. Mark was 32nd in 1:17:45 directly followed by Bruce Strawbridge albeit 1 min 7 seconds later. Tom Bornet followed 2 places and 5 seconds later and the sole Honiton lady, Judy Davey, finished one place and 10 seconds behind him. A Honiton gap followed but Howard Bidmead finished next in 41st place and 1:21:18. David Hawker and Richard Terry were making their debut race for the club and ran together to finish 49th in 1:24:52. It was some achievement that they were brave enough to tackle it having been told countless times how tough the race was before the start! Jim Hill brought the Honiton contingency home to finish 76th in 1:34:55. There were 96 runners.
Iain Ross took part in the 5 mile mini challenge coming 5th in 40:02. The race was won by AVR Jake Smith and there were 21 runners.
Runners were treated to delicious warming soup upon their return to Axmouth Village Hall. Thanks to AVR for putting on the event, to all the supportive marshals, the soup and cake makers and the landowners for allowing the race to take place on their land.
Bright sunshine and close to zero temperatures greeted the eleven HRC members who were looking for a flat 10K to start the year. The course is from the quay in Exeter and loops out to the Countess Weir Bridge twice. The race hosted by South West Road Runners is the first of the InStep Devon race series for 2015 and competitors earn points if they run 5 of these races. Over 500 runners finished with the first male being James Rodgers from N. Somerset and first lady Serane Stone from Tiverton Harriers. Kevin Hawker was a rather reluctant racer who really fancied the hills in the Axmouth Challenge, which others in the club were attempting, but was persuaded to run fast instead. He did! and was pleased to finish 10th overall in a time of 36:05. Steve Selley was the next Honiton runner in a time of 42:39 and was 61st overall and 2nd in his category to win a prize. The next Honiton runner was Julie Payne in 45:19 in 93rd place which meant she was the first in her category, well done Julie! She was followed by Roger Saunders in 47:49 in 133rd place who managed 3rd in his category but was a few minutes slower than his last run on this course. Michala Hudd came next at 176th place in a time of 49:53 cheered on by family and Jennie Sleeman came in at 207th place in a time of 51:11. Tony Peek took the opportunity to run this race after all his coaching the new runners and finished in 224th place in a time of 54:06. Next came Sharon Wells in a time of 53:53 in 255th place. Jo Davey was on good form at 1:00:57 in 383rd place. Wendy Williams ran with Dawn Peek who was a beginner runner and this was her first race, they finished in 407/8 places with a time of 1:02:35. Let’s hope this is the first of many for Dawn!
Oh My Obelisk
Several Honiton Running Club members took a trip to a very windy Dawlish last Sunday to take part in Dawlish Coaster’s Oh My Obelisk race. This is an 11 mile all terrain race involving plenty of mud and hills but spectacular views. The base is Dawlish Leisure Centre and runners are taken up to the Obelisk and back down again. The winner was Arran Tocknell in a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 8 seconds. Honiton’s Ian Stewart wasn’t too far behind coming 9th in 1:20:31. It was the first attempt at this route for most of the Honiton group and this was the case for Paul Williams. He came 51st in 1:34:45. Louise Crisp was first Honiton lady coming 128th in 1:47:59. Jim Hill had a good race to finish 170th in 1:56:10. Tony Peek has been putting in some mileage whilst training recently and came 213th in 2:09:41. Sharon Wells and Donna Stone ran this tough race together coming 229th in 2:17:56. There were 238 finishers.
Several Honiton Running Club members took a trip to a very windy Dawlish last Sunday to take part in Dawlish Coaster’s Oh My Obelisk race. This is an 11 mile all terrain race involving plenty of mud and hills but spectacular views. The base is Dawlish Leisure Centre and runners are taken up to the Obelisk and back down again. The winner was Arran Tocknell in a time of 1 hour 14 minutes and 8 seconds. Honiton’s Ian Stewart wasn’t too far behind coming 9th in 1:20:31. It was the first attempt at this route for most of the Honiton group and this was the case for Paul Williams. He came 51st in 1:34:45. Louise Crisp was first Honiton lady coming 128th in 1:47:59. Jim Hill had a good race to finish 170th in 1:56:10. Tony Peek has been putting in some mileage whilst training recently and came 213th in 2:09:41. Sharon Wells and Donna Stone ran this tough race together coming 229th in 2:17:56. There were 238 finishers.
Torrington Christmas Caper and Wellington Monument Race
Shane Hudd of Honiton Running Club ran the Torrington Christmas Caper on Sunday, 21st December. A 9.8 mile course took runners along trails, through muddy tracks and fields, up hills and through a few bogs too. The well organised event started and finished at the rugby club. All runners were rewarded with a Christmas pudding and clotted cream. Shane finished 85th out of 185 runners in 1:27:42 and highly recommends this muddy fun run.
On the same day several other HRC members took part in the Wellington Monument race which is just over 10k. It was a mild cloudy morning in Hemyock and the gruelling hill with 16% incline took runners up towards Simonsburrow before levelling out and circling Wellington Monument and then descending the same hill. Runners were rewarded with a mince pie, warming mulled wine and a commemorative bottle of Sheppy’s local cider. The race was won by Rowan Preece of Taunton AC in the time of 33 minutes 51 seconds and first back for Honiton was Paul Williams who came 43rd in 44:52. Mark Dallyn was next back coming 55th in 46:49 and Helen Davy finished 98th in 51:10 winning a category prize. Helen’s daughter Morgan also won a prize for 1st Under 18 female coming 122nd overall in 53:29. It was Claire Burrough’s first ever race and she did brilliantly to come 138th in 55:11. Helen’s other daughter Sasha completed the HRC contingency to come 141st in 55:19. There were 196 finishers.
Shane Hudd of Honiton Running Club ran the Torrington Christmas Caper on Sunday, 21st December. A 9.8 mile course took runners along trails, through muddy tracks and fields, up hills and through a few bogs too. The well organised event started and finished at the rugby club. All runners were rewarded with a Christmas pudding and clotted cream. Shane finished 85th out of 185 runners in 1:27:42 and highly recommends this muddy fun run.
On the same day several other HRC members took part in the Wellington Monument race which is just over 10k. It was a mild cloudy morning in Hemyock and the gruelling hill with 16% incline took runners up towards Simonsburrow before levelling out and circling Wellington Monument and then descending the same hill. Runners were rewarded with a mince pie, warming mulled wine and a commemorative bottle of Sheppy’s local cider. The race was won by Rowan Preece of Taunton AC in the time of 33 minutes 51 seconds and first back for Honiton was Paul Williams who came 43rd in 44:52. Mark Dallyn was next back coming 55th in 46:49 and Helen Davy finished 98th in 51:10 winning a category prize. Helen’s daughter Morgan also won a prize for 1st Under 18 female coming 122nd overall in 53:29. It was Claire Burrough’s first ever race and she did brilliantly to come 138th in 55:11. Helen’s other daughter Sasha completed the HRC contingency to come 141st in 55:19. There were 196 finishers.
December Handicap and final results for 2014
Well done to Steve and Ross - joint winners!
Well done to Steve and Ross - joint winners!
Latest News
Chase the Elf
Michala Hudd took part in the 10 mile Chase the Elf race from Bideford to Barnstaple along the Tarka trail last Sunday. She finished in 1:24. She didn't manage to catch the Elf but only 3 runners did!
Reindeer Run & The Full Monty Cute
Last Saturday morning saw the Sidmouth Running Club’s Reindeer Run. This is an off road 10k race with plenty of reindeer and Santas taking part as well as the usual club and social runner. The race was won by Mike Musgrove in 39 minutes 19 seconds with Honiton Running Club’s Ben Stone coming a fantastic 3rd place in 41:17. The next Honiton runner back was Jennie Sleeman in 56:41 and 63rd place with the only other runner for the Club being Sharon Wells coming in just under the hour (59:59) and 92nd place. This is always a tough race and as usual there was plenty of slippery mud to be found. Upon their return to headquarters in Otterton, participants were treated to a delicious festive treat of a mince pie and mulled wine. There were 185 finishers. Katelyn Wells was the only Honiton junior who took part in the fun run. She had a great race finishing 3rd female and 10th overall in 16:03. There were an incredible 223 finishers.
On Sunday four Honiton runners travelled to Ham Hill Country Park at Stoke Sub Hamdon, Somerset to take part in Crewkerne Running Club’s Full Monty Cute race. This is a very challenging 10 ½ mile cross country race which boasts a challenging hill for every mile. Matt Clist of Axe Valley Runners won the race in 1:12:01 with the first back for Honiton being Steve Davey who was pleased to come 56th in 1:36:44. This was about 6 minutes slower than last year which he blamed on the very slippery muddy conditions. Mark Dallyn had a fantastic race to come 67th in 1:39:27 ahead of Bruce Strawbridge who came 77th in 1:41:43. Howard Bidmead is still struggling with his fitness level following injury and he was pleased just to have been able to run it. He finished 136th in1:53:18. There were 240 finishers of this very popular race which always fills its places by October. Runners received a Christmas pudding as they crossed the line. Thanks to the marshals of both races for great support.
Handicap Positions after November run
Castle Drogo 10
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for the South West Road Runners’ Drogo 10 mile race last Sunday. This is a very challenging off road race with the start and finish at Castle Drogo. There are two major hills; the first coming out of Fingle Bridge and the second at the 8 mile mark up the infamous Hunters’ Path. There are breathtaking views once at the top of the hills which almost make the pain worthwhile. The race was won by Johnny Gilby in the incredible time of 57 minutes 37 seconds. Not too far behind was Honiton’s Ian Stewart who finished 19th in 1:09:45. It was Ben Stone’s first attempt at the race and he was happy to come 23rd in 1:10:14. Steve Selley had a great race even though he fell over. He finished 89th in 1:21:03 beating Steve Davey by just 3 places and 7 seconds. Paul Williams was running his first race for Honiton RC and had a fantastic race finishing right behind Steve with just 1 second splitting them. Bruce Strawbridge was next back delighted with his race coming 100th in 1:22:04 less than a minute behind the previous three. Mark Dallyn’s sore ankle held up meaning he finished 125th in 1:23:03. Richard Harris finished next in 131st place in 1:25:39. Judy Davey was the first back for the Honiton ladies to come 162nd in 1:28:59. She was followed by Pippa Westall who came 236th in 1:36:10. The other Honiton lady, Louise Crisp, came next in 250th place in 1:37:45. Jim Hill is an experienced racer but this was his first for Honiton. He last ran Drogo in 2002 when the route was a little different and he was pleased to finish 342nd in 1:47:05. Steve Briggs has moved near Plymouth and doesn’t get out to club nights so it was great to see him. He finished 370th in 1:50:24. There were 496 finishers.
Honiton Running Club had a great turnout for the South West Road Runners’ Drogo 10 mile race last Sunday. This is a very challenging off road race with the start and finish at Castle Drogo. There are two major hills; the first coming out of Fingle Bridge and the second at the 8 mile mark up the infamous Hunters’ Path. There are breathtaking views once at the top of the hills which almost make the pain worthwhile. The race was won by Johnny Gilby in the incredible time of 57 minutes 37 seconds. Not too far behind was Honiton’s Ian Stewart who finished 19th in 1:09:45. It was Ben Stone’s first attempt at the race and he was happy to come 23rd in 1:10:14. Steve Selley had a great race even though he fell over. He finished 89th in 1:21:03 beating Steve Davey by just 3 places and 7 seconds. Paul Williams was running his first race for Honiton RC and had a fantastic race finishing right behind Steve with just 1 second splitting them. Bruce Strawbridge was next back delighted with his race coming 100th in 1:22:04 less than a minute behind the previous three. Mark Dallyn’s sore ankle held up meaning he finished 125th in 1:23:03. Richard Harris finished next in 131st place in 1:25:39. Judy Davey was the first back for the Honiton ladies to come 162nd in 1:28:59. She was followed by Pippa Westall who came 236th in 1:36:10. The other Honiton lady, Louise Crisp, came next in 250th place in 1:37:45. Jim Hill is an experienced racer but this was his first for Honiton. He last ran Drogo in 2002 when the route was a little different and he was pleased to finish 342nd in 1:47:05. Steve Briggs has moved near Plymouth and doesn’t get out to club nights so it was great to see him. He finished 370th in 1:50:24. There were 496 finishers.
Marine Corps Marathon, Canada Army Run & Templar 10
Honiton Running Club’s President, Alan Rowe MBE ran the Marine Corps Marathon on 26th October as part of the Allied Forces Foundation’s SideXSide Team. The AFF are the Baton’s spiritual partners in the USA and custodians of the US Baton. It was a warm day (over 70 degrees) and as usual Alan ran with the Baton and a pack of leaflets, stopping to chat to the crowd along the way about the Baton’s cause and leaving copies of the Baton’s Message of Conscience with them, this was often very emotional. Alan also ran with US servicemen and women.
Alan also ran The Canada Army Run (half marathon) on 21st September in Ottawa. Again Alan ran with the same formula, Baton, stopping etc. The run was warm until the last quarter of the race when it poured, but the rain was so welcome - even warm itself! One sad reflection is that Alan stood on the Ottawa Memorial steps with the Navy detail 4 weeks to the day that the cowardly attack took place.
On both runs the support, hospitality and organisation was incredible, Alan has already been invited back for next year’s MCM which will be the 40th - so quite special.
On Sunday, 2nd November, Mark Dallyn ran the Teignbridge Trotter Templar 10 race as he was unable to do the local Yarcombe Yomp the previous day. The race is actually 9.3 miles and is multi-terrain but about a third is on road. It is based in Kingsteignton and offers runners some lovely views over the River Teign. This was a really well organised event and despite a late night the previous night, Mark was happy with the time of 1hr 12mins 42. The race was won by former Honiton RC member James Denne, now of Exeter Harriers in the time of 53:35. There were 165 finishers.
Honiton Running Club’s President, Alan Rowe MBE ran the Marine Corps Marathon on 26th October as part of the Allied Forces Foundation’s SideXSide Team. The AFF are the Baton’s spiritual partners in the USA and custodians of the US Baton. It was a warm day (over 70 degrees) and as usual Alan ran with the Baton and a pack of leaflets, stopping to chat to the crowd along the way about the Baton’s cause and leaving copies of the Baton’s Message of Conscience with them, this was often very emotional. Alan also ran with US servicemen and women.
Alan also ran The Canada Army Run (half marathon) on 21st September in Ottawa. Again Alan ran with the same formula, Baton, stopping etc. The run was warm until the last quarter of the race when it poured, but the rain was so welcome - even warm itself! One sad reflection is that Alan stood on the Ottawa Memorial steps with the Navy detail 4 weeks to the day that the cowardly attack took place.
On both runs the support, hospitality and organisation was incredible, Alan has already been invited back for next year’s MCM which will be the 40th - so quite special.
On Sunday, 2nd November, Mark Dallyn ran the Teignbridge Trotter Templar 10 race as he was unable to do the local Yarcombe Yomp the previous day. The race is actually 9.3 miles and is multi-terrain but about a third is on road. It is based in Kingsteignton and offers runners some lovely views over the River Teign. This was a really well organised event and despite a late night the previous night, Mark was happy with the time of 1hr 12mins 42. The race was won by former Honiton RC member James Denne, now of Exeter Harriers in the time of 53:35. There were 165 finishers.
South Molton Struggle & Yarcombe Yomp
On Sunday, 24th October, 3 Honiton Running Club members travelled to South Molton to take part in the South Molton Struggle which is a multi-terrain 7.8 mile run based at the Rugby Club. The weather gave lovely conditions for this well organised race. Money raised went to North Devon Hospice and the winner was Paul Cooke in a time of 47 minutes 35 seconds. Mark Dallyn was first back for Honiton coming 55th in 1:00:21 feeling much happier about his race than he had the week before. Shane and Michala Hudd had run most of the race together and Shane finished in 1:07:28 in 89th place with Michala finishing in 1:08:34 and 96th place. There were 197 finishers.
Last Saturday Honiton runners took part in the Yarcombe Yomp being the last race in the East Devon Series for the year. Runners could choose to complete one lap of 5 miles or go on for the full race of 10 miles by running the route twice. The weather was perfect and it wasn’t as muddy as it often is. The race was won by Axe Valley Runner’s Matt Clist in a new course record of 1:05:49. First back for Honiton was Ian Stewart coming 4th in 1:10:51. This was Ben Stone’s first go at this race and he came 7th in 1:13:59. Rod Inglis flew round the course to come 18th in 1:21:43 well ahead of Steve Davey who came just one place later in 1:24:40. Judy Davey was the sole Honiton lady out and she came 24th overall in1:29:28 winning a bottle of cider for coming 3rd lady. Tim Wigram completed the line-up coming 30th in 1:32:50 winning a sprint to the line with an AVR runner. There were 66 finishers although there were a few more starters! With the 10 mile race being 2 laps of the 5 mile race, it is tempting for some to finish early. Roger Saunders took this option coming 7th in the 5 mile race in 45:36. The race was won by AVR Ollie Caute who finished in 35:08 having beaten Honiton’s Iain Ross at a sprint finish. There were 26 finishers. Numbers for both races were record breaking. Upon their return to the village hall, runners were treated to delicious homemade soup and cakes. Thanks to all the organisers and landowners but special thanks to Robin Carter for another great event.
On Sunday, 24th October, 3 Honiton Running Club members travelled to South Molton to take part in the South Molton Struggle which is a multi-terrain 7.8 mile run based at the Rugby Club. The weather gave lovely conditions for this well organised race. Money raised went to North Devon Hospice and the winner was Paul Cooke in a time of 47 minutes 35 seconds. Mark Dallyn was first back for Honiton coming 55th in 1:00:21 feeling much happier about his race than he had the week before. Shane and Michala Hudd had run most of the race together and Shane finished in 1:07:28 in 89th place with Michala finishing in 1:08:34 and 96th place. There were 197 finishers.
Last Saturday Honiton runners took part in the Yarcombe Yomp being the last race in the East Devon Series for the year. Runners could choose to complete one lap of 5 miles or go on for the full race of 10 miles by running the route twice. The weather was perfect and it wasn’t as muddy as it often is. The race was won by Axe Valley Runner’s Matt Clist in a new course record of 1:05:49. First back for Honiton was Ian Stewart coming 4th in 1:10:51. This was Ben Stone’s first go at this race and he came 7th in 1:13:59. Rod Inglis flew round the course to come 18th in 1:21:43 well ahead of Steve Davey who came just one place later in 1:24:40. Judy Davey was the sole Honiton lady out and she came 24th overall in1:29:28 winning a bottle of cider for coming 3rd lady. Tim Wigram completed the line-up coming 30th in 1:32:50 winning a sprint to the line with an AVR runner. There were 66 finishers although there were a few more starters! With the 10 mile race being 2 laps of the 5 mile race, it is tempting for some to finish early. Roger Saunders took this option coming 7th in the 5 mile race in 45:36. The race was won by AVR Ollie Caute who finished in 35:08 having beaten Honiton’s Iain Ross at a sprint finish. There were 26 finishers. Numbers for both races were record breaking. Upon their return to the village hall, runners were treated to delicious homemade soup and cakes. Thanks to all the organisers and landowners but special thanks to Robin Carter for another great event.
Exmoor Stagger and Stumble
Honiton Running Club members filled a mini bus heading for Minehead last Sunday to take part in the Exmoor Stagger and Stumble. The Stagger is a 16 mile off road course using the steep and varied terrain surrounding Minehead. There were plenty of spectacular views as it was a bright clear day and the race has a total ascent of 3627 ft. The route runs from Minehead to the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon and then back to Minehead following a mixture of paths, rough terrain and tracks and both the outward and return leg involved tough climbs. James Baker won the Stagger for the 5th year running with a time of 1 hour 56 minutes and 20 seconds. Ben Stone was first back for Honiton and one of four of the Honiton contingency to take a wrong turn adding about ¼ mile to the distance. Ben finished 29th in 2:27:04. Richard Harvey was 42nd finishing in 2:37:12 with Alasdair Moffett one place and 20 seconds behind with Alasdair taking in the added distance. Steve Davey was next back in 51st place in 2:40:16 closely followed by Bruce Strawbridge who finished 60th in 2:43:10. Judy Davey was the first Honiton lady back and also took the wrong turn. She was 68th in 2:46:44. Mark Dallyn finished next in 93rd place in 2:59:21 and Esme Moffett also went wrong and finished 107th in 3:03:18. There were 175 finishers.
Runners had the choice of tackling the much shorter Stumble race which is 6.8 miles long. Although not taking runners to Dunkery Beacon, it is still a testing course. Anthony Vangasse won the race in 46:57. Howard Bidmead was first back for Honiton winning his age category and coming 22nd in 1:00:18. Richard Harris had been overtaken by Howard just before the finish line and had to be content to finish 1 place and just 4 seconds later. Pippa Westall was first Honiton lady home in that race coming 39th in 1:05:55. Juliet Hall and Clare Melbourne ran together to complete the Honiton contingent coming 75th and 76th with Juliet 1:21:03 and Clare 9 seconds later. There were 90 finishers.
Honiton Running Club members filled a mini bus heading for Minehead last Sunday to take part in the Exmoor Stagger and Stumble. The Stagger is a 16 mile off road course using the steep and varied terrain surrounding Minehead. There were plenty of spectacular views as it was a bright clear day and the race has a total ascent of 3627 ft. The route runs from Minehead to the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon and then back to Minehead following a mixture of paths, rough terrain and tracks and both the outward and return leg involved tough climbs. James Baker won the Stagger for the 5th year running with a time of 1 hour 56 minutes and 20 seconds. Ben Stone was first back for Honiton and one of four of the Honiton contingency to take a wrong turn adding about ¼ mile to the distance. Ben finished 29th in 2:27:04. Richard Harvey was 42nd finishing in 2:37:12 with Alasdair Moffett one place and 20 seconds behind with Alasdair taking in the added distance. Steve Davey was next back in 51st place in 2:40:16 closely followed by Bruce Strawbridge who finished 60th in 2:43:10. Judy Davey was the first Honiton lady back and also took the wrong turn. She was 68th in 2:46:44. Mark Dallyn finished next in 93rd place in 2:59:21 and Esme Moffett also went wrong and finished 107th in 3:03:18. There were 175 finishers.
Runners had the choice of tackling the much shorter Stumble race which is 6.8 miles long. Although not taking runners to Dunkery Beacon, it is still a testing course. Anthony Vangasse won the race in 46:57. Howard Bidmead was first back for Honiton winning his age category and coming 22nd in 1:00:18. Richard Harris had been overtaken by Howard just before the finish line and had to be content to finish 1 place and just 4 seconds later. Pippa Westall was first Honiton lady home in that race coming 39th in 1:05:55. Juliet Hall and Clare Melbourne ran together to complete the Honiton contingent coming 75th and 76th with Juliet 1:21:03 and Clare 9 seconds later. There were 90 finishers.
Herepath Half and Katy Campbell Triathlon Competition
Three Honiton runners took part in the second running of the Herepath Half which follows the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail in the Blackdown Hills and is approximately 13.7 miles long. The trail reaches the highest point in the Blackdowns with fabulous views. Herepaths were originally important trade and communication routes between settlements during the ninth century - they are often referred to as people’s paths. The race was won by Tom Mellor of Hydrographic Harriers in a time of 1:34:31. Ben Stone was first back for Honiton coming 7th in 1:43:13. Bruce Strawbridge was next back coming 25th in 1:51:58 having thoroughly enjoyed the route. Tim Wigram was the final Honiton runner finishing 56th in 2:09:19. There were 145 finishers.
Honiton runner to be mentored by world triathlon champ
Honiton RC member Katy Campbell recently won a competition run by 220 Triathlon magazine to be mentored by four time Ironman world champion and world record holder Chrissie Wellington. After saying for years that she would never dabble in triathlon due to her hatred of swimming, Katy finally took the plunge to raise money for Bristol-based St Peter's hospice after her good friend Laura was diagnosed with cancer. She was well and truly hooked after her first event, so when the competition was advertised, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.
Katy now has Chrissie on speed dial, and regularly meets up with her and a qualified triathlon coach on a regular basis, often with a photographer and magazine editor in attendance! As well as expert advice and the odd freebie, it's providing Katy with added confidence and inspiration, and certainly helped her round her first Olympic distance event at Dorney Lake a couple of weeks ago. She's now planning a tribute to Laura, who sadly died on Boxing Day last year, by entering a trio of events based around the places she lived. This will involve the Edinburgh half marathon in May, the Bristol triathlon in June and then the Alpe d'Huez triathlon in July, which incorporates the famous Tour de France climb amongst others!
Katy will be continuing to raise money for St Peter's Hospice, so if you would like to help, please visit her justgiving site: http://justgiving.com/triathlonforlaura. You can also follow her story in blog form: http://mrskatycampbell.wordpress.com and on twitter: @mrskatycampbell.
Helen Saunders a beginner runner in January completed a 10K race in 48:38 having moved to Vancouver. The run was around Stanley Park complete with totem poles. The Canadian way of life is obviously suiting her.
Three Honiton runners took part in the second running of the Herepath Half which follows the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail in the Blackdown Hills and is approximately 13.7 miles long. The trail reaches the highest point in the Blackdowns with fabulous views. Herepaths were originally important trade and communication routes between settlements during the ninth century - they are often referred to as people’s paths. The race was won by Tom Mellor of Hydrographic Harriers in a time of 1:34:31. Ben Stone was first back for Honiton coming 7th in 1:43:13. Bruce Strawbridge was next back coming 25th in 1:51:58 having thoroughly enjoyed the route. Tim Wigram was the final Honiton runner finishing 56th in 2:09:19. There were 145 finishers.
Honiton runner to be mentored by world triathlon champ
Honiton RC member Katy Campbell recently won a competition run by 220 Triathlon magazine to be mentored by four time Ironman world champion and world record holder Chrissie Wellington. After saying for years that she would never dabble in triathlon due to her hatred of swimming, Katy finally took the plunge to raise money for Bristol-based St Peter's hospice after her good friend Laura was diagnosed with cancer. She was well and truly hooked after her first event, so when the competition was advertised, it seemed like too good an opportunity to miss.
Katy now has Chrissie on speed dial, and regularly meets up with her and a qualified triathlon coach on a regular basis, often with a photographer and magazine editor in attendance! As well as expert advice and the odd freebie, it's providing Katy with added confidence and inspiration, and certainly helped her round her first Olympic distance event at Dorney Lake a couple of weeks ago. She's now planning a tribute to Laura, who sadly died on Boxing Day last year, by entering a trio of events based around the places she lived. This will involve the Edinburgh half marathon in May, the Bristol triathlon in June and then the Alpe d'Huez triathlon in July, which incorporates the famous Tour de France climb amongst others!
Katy will be continuing to raise money for St Peter's Hospice, so if you would like to help, please visit her justgiving site: http://justgiving.com/triathlonforlaura. You can also follow her story in blog form: http://mrskatycampbell.wordpress.com and on twitter: @mrskatycampbell.
Helen Saunders a beginner runner in January completed a 10K race in 48:38 having moved to Vancouver. The run was around Stanley Park complete with totem poles. The Canadian way of life is obviously suiting her.
WOODLAND RELAY RESULTS here
Team Honiton at The Woodland Relay - what a great turnout and geat running. (click to enlarge)
Tony Whiteley's photos now on the Photo page
This Week
03/10/16
Club Calendar
Mon-Wed nights meet at 6:30 at Honiton Community College to share cars unless driving direct to venue.
What's On & News Page
for full details
Maps and Parking here
Monday
Meet at Honiton Community College at 6:30. Hi Vis please. Several distances.
Tuesday
Juniors meet this week at HCC 6:30.
Wednesday
Meet at Honiton Community College at 6:30. Hi Vis please. Several distances.
Thursday
No event
Friday
Faster group - meet Honiton Market Car Park - 8 mile route - out to Cotleigh and back
Tony/Dawn Peek lead steadier group as announced.
Saturday
Killerton Park Run
Exeter Park Run
Sunday
Studland Stampede
GWR training run led by T. Peek as announced
Meet at Honiton Community College at 6:30. Hi Vis please. Several distances.
Tuesday
Juniors meet this week at HCC 6:30.
Wednesday
Meet at Honiton Community College at 6:30. Hi Vis please. Several distances.
Thursday
No event
Friday
Faster group - meet Honiton Market Car Park - 8 mile route - out to Cotleigh and back
Tony/Dawn Peek lead steadier group as announced.
Saturday
Killerton Park Run
Exeter Park Run
Sunday
Studland Stampede
GWR training run led by T. Peek as announced
Club Kit Page
Order Form for kit here
CLUB SPONSORS
