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

Blackdown Beast 
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Honiton Hippo

Sun 14 April 19
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Ottery 10K
12 May 2019 
On-line entries
​Postal Entries
HRC and Spinners Duathlon
9th June 2019 
Payhembury
Blackdown Beauty
13 July 2019
Parkrun
Report of all HRC runs last Saturday here
Killerton here
Exeter here
​Seaton here
​Exmouth here
Instep Devon Championship
2018 Results
Club Charities
2018
Honiton Sports Shop
offers members 10% discount upon production of HRC card. Click here 
Latest News:
Exeter Hal Marathon
The Exeter Half Marathon took place on Sunday the 10th of February with a 9am start. The weather was kind and the rain had eased when the race started.  A very well organised event by Exeter Community City Trust, mainly traffic free, flat route, run along the footpaths and cycle tracks around the River Exe and Exeter Canal. The course provided a fantastic opportunity for spring marathon training. This is exactly why Paula Ferris from Honiton Running Club took on the event, to gain an idea of how training was coming along in preparation for her 1st London Marathon in April. The 2 lap route gave the advantage of knowing what lay ahead and the pace could be monitored. Feeling strong throughout the race Paula finished in a respectable time of 1 hour 43 minutes and 18 seconds, achieving 1st place in her age category. 5th lady, and 29th place overall. There were a total of 293 runners and the race was won by Paul Sawford in 1.22.48. Paula is running the London Marathon to raise money in aid of the “Baton Charity”. If you would like to support this wonderful worthwhile cause Paula’s fundraising page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PaulaFerris 
Hestercombe and Hurtle Humdingers
Several Honiton Running Club members had a lot of fun  in Somerset with variable weather conditions from bright sunshine to strong headwinds and hail storms last Sunday for the Humdinger Half Marathon. Kathy Layzell ran the 5 mile Hestercombe Hurtle in 46 minutes 20 seconds and was a little peeved that she was awarded with no medal or t shirt but a biscuit! The Half Marathon is a brutal, hilly race on quiet country roads through the Quantock Hills. First home for HRC was Mike Mears who came 19th in 1.34.28. Next came the first lady for HRC, Jennie Sleeman who was 1st in her age category and finished in 1.57.17. Rachel Hennessey was next in 2.01.14 and Olivia Higginson 5 mins later in 2.06. 12 Mandy Ward did her usual sprint finish in 2.13.09.. Finishers for this race did get a t shirt and a biscuit for their efforts and enjoyed delicious cake provided by Jennie and hot chocolate from Kathy.
 
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Blackdown Beast 
The annual Blackdown Beast social run over the Blackdown Hills (10 or 16 miles) organised by Honiton Running Club is getting ever more popular with more than 230 runners taking part this year ensuring a good sum is raised for MacMillan Cancer. There were many happy runners with some of the Honiton contingent on the left. The pasties and mulled wine at the 7 mile point was especially welcome. More Photos on Beast Page.
First Chance 10K
Although still called the First Chance 10K in Exeter this race is getting later in January to allow for the effect of the tide. This year the course had been slightly altered to take account of the flood barrier works and the suspicion was it was 100m more than 10K. As always there was a good turnout from Honiton Running Club seeking for a good time early in the new year. The race was won by Jim Cole in a time of 32:29 and first lady back was Susannah Reid in 38:28. For the Honiton runners chairman Howard Bidmead was just first back at 45:56 with Jay Sweetman just 2 secs behind. Howard was second in his Vet60 category. Michael Killen was happy with his run at 51:32 ahead of his partner Olivia. Katy Campbell newly returned to the club did a very good time in 52:07 after her year long cycle around the world just beating Olivia Higginson at 52:17. Ashleigh Ford, a Honiton Junior helper, came second in the under 20 female category in a time of 56:37. Wendy Hawker who has taken more than a year off from running due to injuries managed to run a great time in 56:52 which is a PB so she finished with a big smile. Next came Clare Melbourne doing a short run for her in 57:42 and Pip Vanham did an impressive PB for her in 1:00:11 so she was overjoyed. Judging by the happy faces at the finish most runners enjoyed this event. 
Oh My Obelisk
​Honiton Running Club’s Kevin Hawker, Luke Holway, Mandy Ward and Simon Gilbert ran the Oh My Obelisk 13.4 mile race from Dawlish Leisure Centre. This is a very hilly course up to the Obelisk but coming back was not all downhill with some tough ascents over the last couple of miles. First home for Honiton was Kev Hawker coming home first vet 40 in 10th place in 1hr 33. Next home was Luke Holway in 2hr 20 running which was 20 minutes quicker than he expected. Mandy Ward was down to run the 9 mile but opted for the longer version on the day and had a fantastic run. Simon Gilbert ran his first half for a decade and loved it. Mike Mears did the shorter 9 mile version after suffering from a bad cold and came a great place winning a category prize. 

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Axmouth Challenge
​Last Sunday several Honiton Running Club members went to Axmouth to take part in the Axmouth Challenge which is a tough 9 mile multi-terrain race organised by Axe Valley Runners. It had been very cold the previous day but quite a bit warmer on the day which pleased racers. First back for Honiton was Vernon Gillard who finished 24th in 1 hour 12 minutes and 38 seconds just ahead of Jo Davey who stormed home to knock 3 minutes off her time for last year meaning she came first lady. This completed a superb running weekend for Jo who also came first lady at the Seaton Park Run on Saturday. Jo finished 9 seconds behind Vernon.  Jo’s dad, Steve, followed having battled with Jo’s mum, Judy, during the race. Steve came 34th in 1:16:55 with Judy finishing just 10 seconds later. Pippa Westall finished 52nd in 1:23:49. Mark Dallyn was suffering from lack of oxygen following a virus and came 57th in 1:24:38. Rachel Hennessey came 71st in 1:29:45 and Mandy Ward came 80th in 1:35:44. Finishing the line-up for HRC was Emma Davey who had never tackled this distance before. She finished 86th in 1:39:05. The race was won by James Green of AVR in a time of 55:50 and there were 95 finishers. There were other distances on offer including 5 mile, 3 mile and 1 mile races. HRC’s Harrison Stone took on the 3 mile race. He came 8th in 31:26. The race was won by Alexandra Carter in 22:12. Once runners finished and returned to the village hall they were treated to very welcome soup and bacon butties. 
Plym Trail Half and Full Marathon
Honiton Running Club members Stephen Boyes and Olivia Higginson were down on the edge of Dartmoor on Sunday 16th December 2018 for the Plym Trail full and half marathon. Both races started in Clearbrook and followed the old railway line to Colypool where the turn around point is. Runners lose 100m elevation on the way out and gain it on the way back. The half is one lap with the full being 2 laps. Olivia did the half finishing in 1 hour 58 minutes and was lucky that she only had rain for 20 minutes at the end but Stephen and the other marathon runners had rain for at least the second lap. Stephen finished in 4.05.10 and came 17th out of 45 runners. Olivia came 22nd out of 41 finishers. She was pleased with her time as she was using this as a training run rather than racing it. 
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Bicton Blister & Otterton Reindeer Run
On Sunday, 25th November several Honiton Running Club members took part in the Bicton Blister. This is based at Bicton College and runners race along a variety of terrains including the paths on Woodbury Common. Kevin Hawker was the first back for HRC coming 14th in 1 hour 7 minutes. Rod Inglis was next coming 65th in 1:17 winning his age category. Hadleigh Davies had a good run coming 103rd in 1:22 with Mark Dallyn coming just 2 places and 16 seconds later. The vets’ team was made up of 4 (Kevin, Rod, Hadleigh and Mark) and they gained 2nd place. Jo Davey was the first HRC lady back coming 129th in 1:25. Howard Bidmead stormed around coming 137th in 1:25 despite harbouring a virus. He won a prize for his age category as did Steve Davey who came in just 3 seconds later. Judy Davey was another prize winner coming 150th in 1:27. Olivia Higginson found the race tough but completed the ladies’ vets’ team taking 3rd place. Olivia was 188th in 1:31. Jennie Sleeman, yet another prize winner, came 215th in 1:34. Other HRC finishers were: 307th Mandy Ward 1:46, 310 Karen Lister 1:47, 361 Andy Ashford 1:55 and 367 Debbie Vinnicombe 1:55. The race was won by Tom Merson in 57 minutes and there were 424 finishers.
Last Sunday, some HRC runners decided to start celebrating the run up to Christmas by taking part in the Otterton Reindeer Run. This is a mainly off road 10k and after the torrential rain during the previous night, it was muddy and slippery underfoot. After a hilly start and some sloping fields, runners are treated to a flat picturesque stretch beside the River Otter. Mike Mears had a great run for Honiton after suffering injury recently. He came 14th  in 47 minutes 39 seconds. His team mate Sherrie Hair has also suffered injury recently but was hot on his heels just one place and 29 seconds later. Sherrie was 2nd lady overall. Next in for HRC was Mandy Ward who came 90th in 1:04:02. Simon Gilbert followed coming 93rd in 1:04:11. Clare Melbourne and Asilah Jarrald crossed the line together coming 163rd in 1:22:23. There were 182 finishers and the winner was James Denne in 38:31. Sherrie’s 7 and 5 year old sons took part in the 3k fun run with George coming 19th in 17:19 and Samuel coming 99th  in 25:39 out of 133 finishers. 
November 2018 Handicap.
Castle Drogo 10 
​Last Sunday, Honiton Running Club members travelled to Castle Drogo to take part in the Drogo 10 which is an exciting and challenging 10 mile multi-terrain run with the base at Castle Drogo. This year the race had been extended to be a full 10 miles rather than 9.6 of previous years. There are two major hills including the infamous Hunters’ Path which is tough enough but especially when you have already run 8 miles. The race boasts plenty of climb but this does mean there are spectacular views of the Teign Valley and a lovely flattish section along the River Teign.  First back for HRC was first time Drogo runner Nick Silkstone in the fantastic time of 1 hour 13 minutes gaining him 23rd place. Rod Inglis finished 78th in 1:23 winning his age category. Mark Dallyn was next back and did incredibly well especially considering he had twisted his ankle within the first 2 miles. He came 145th in 1:30. He was followed just 17 seconds and 3 places later by first HRC lady, Judy Davey who also won her category. Hadleigh Davies and Judy had a battle over the last ½ mile but Hadleigh very gallantly let Judy cross the finish line just 1 place and 1 second before him giving him 149th place in 1:31. Next came Jo Davey who loves this race and was very pleased to pick up a tee shirt as a memento at the finish. She came 158th in 1:32, just over a minute ahead of her dad, Steve Davey, who came 169th in 1:33. Paula Ferris was next coming 178th in1:34. Roger Saunders had also fallen within the first 2 miles and came 190th in 1:36. Olivia Higginson came 217th in 1:38 and was followed by Howard Bidmead who found it tough coming 234th in 1:40. Esme Moffett came 297th in 1:47 and Luke Holway came 304th in 1:48. Rachel Hennessey came 322nd in 1:49 and Pip Vanham completed the HRC line-up coming 427th in 2:11. There were 489 finishers and the race was won by Simon Minting in 1:04.

Exnoor Trail Races
​Early last Saturday morning several members of Honiton Running Club made their way to Malmsmead on the North Exmoor Coast for a series of races through the Doone Valley and along the North Devon Coast Path. The races are organised by the Trail Events Co. and the location selected enjoys some of the most stunning scenery in the UK. The distances offered are a 10k, Half Marathon, Marathon and an Ultra. Unfortunately due to vandalism and some signs being removed some of the distances were longer than advertised.
 
Wayne Trump elected to run his first ever Ultra Race. 30 miles beginning at 7.30 am. Wayne had a magnificent run and out of 88 runners he finished 10th in a time of 5.26.04. The race was won by Andrew Jones in 4.24.54
 
Five other members elected to run the half and due to signs being moved rather than 13 miles it became 16 1/2 miles. That didn’t stop Fran Bond being the first Honiton Runner home. Not only was she the first female she finished 5th overall in a time of 2.45.24. A tremendous achievement. Mark Dallyn was next home in 22nd position in 3.02.09. Wendy McDermott came in next having had a brilliant run in 3.29.39 and finishing in 72nd position. She was followed by Jennie Sleeman in 107th place in 3.43.26. Claire Rouse suffered a knee injury on the way round but resilient to the last she finished smiling in a time of 4.07.59 in 164th. There were 211 finishers and the race was won by Mike Wood in 2.27m.
 
Howard Bidmead decided to run the 10k but due to the signage being tampered with this became 11k. It didn’t stop Howard having a storming run though and he finished in 13th position in 1.00.15 and first 060. There were 186 finishers and the race won by Peter Haigh in 52.59.
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Great South Run, Exmoor Stagger and Stumble
​Not content with running one race on the south coast the two veterans Howard Bidmead and Roger Saunders and younger Claire Rouse of Honiton Running Club headed for the Great South Run in Southsea on Sunday 21st October. It was wall to wall sunshine and quite warm with 20,000 runners lining up at the start. The route was completely flat finishing along the sea front and there was various entertainment along the route. The winner was Chris Thompson in a time of 46:56 mins and first lady was Eilish McColggan in 54:43. Howard was the first Honiton runner home, having been paced by Roger, in a great time of 1:16:42. Roger came in at 1:19:56, just behind Iwan Thomas. Claire got round in 1:33:46 another good time.
 
On the same day six HRC runners tackled the tough mainly off road Exmoor Stagger. This boasts 16 miles of stunning scenery including a climb up to the highest point in Somerset, Dunkery Beacon.The run includes 3600 ft of assent but for a change it was beautiful weather and the views were breath taking. The first runner back for HRC was Wayne Trump. He came 34th in 2 hours 25 minutes. The rest of the Honiton group finished within 10 minutes of each other. They were led in by Richard Harris who came 90th in 2:45 having skinned his knee falling over. Mark Dallyn was next in 96th place in 2:47 and he had turned his ankle over. Judy Davey won her age category and came 100th in 2:48. Steve Davey followed 4 minutes later. It was daughter Jo Davey’s first Stagger and she rightly felt very nervous at the start. She had a great run though coming in just 2 minutes after Dad. The race was won by James Baker in the amazing time of 1:51.  Jennie Sleeman took on the baby sister of the Stagger in the form of the 6 ½ mile Stumble. This in itself is a tough run with plenty of climb and Jennie did really well to win her age category finishing in 1:02.  
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Great West Run & Studland Stampede
Four Honiton Running Club members took part in Exeter’s Great West Run last Sunday on a very wet day. The forecast was for the rain to clear during the morning but it rained hard before, during and after the race although the wind had dropped from the previous day which was a blessing. There were plenty of puddles stretching the width of the road to dodge. Alun Gwernan-Jones was first back for HRC in a fantastic time of 1 hour 34 minutes and 173rd place. Judy Davey was next back and having gained a free place by winning her category last year, she managed to do the same this year. She came 342nd in 1:41 which was 21 seconds faster than 2017. Mandy Ward finished 1505th in 2:11 and finishing the HRC line-up was Andy Ashford who finished 1574th in 2:13. The race was won by Peter Le Grice in 1:06 and there were 2217 finishers.
On the same day it was just as wet on the Isle of Purbeck when eight Honiton Running Club members bravely set out to tackle the Studland Stampede which is a challenging 12km run through a mix of undulating heathland, very soft sandy paths with no traction and then a final 3km run along the beach at Studland Bay with the finish visible in the far distance for a long time!  Amazingly the rain stopped and the sun came out just before the race started making the race itself a pleasant experience and wonderful views along the south coast. The winning male did it in 45:02 and the first lady in 53:27. Hadleigh Davis managed to hold off Howard Bidmead and came in 58:50 with Howard who has done this race many times at 61:05. Roger Saunders another veteran of this race came in at 63:35 unable to catch Howard. Olivia Higginson had a good run at 67:11 continuing to improve her form. Claire Rouse also did well in a time of 74:11 followed by Rachel Hennessey, who after a fall last week, made sure she stayed upright this time coming in at 74:50. Asilah Jarrald who has been targeting shorter races recently after an ultra run came in with great gusto at the end in a time of 83:38 and even managed to find time to collect sea shells on the way. Finally our amazing Vet70 runner Vanessa Glyn-Jones came in at 94:25 managing 2nd in her category. This race is definitely one to try, always well organised and in a very nice region on the south coast. 
Bristol Half Marathon, Minster Challenge and Jersey Marathon
Thousands of runners struggled to keep dry and warm before the start of the Bristol Half Marathon on Sunday, 23rd September. Three members of Honiton Running Club were very pleased that conditions improved during the race, the heavy rain giving way to almost perfect conditions and then sunshine for the finish.  Richard Harris was first in for Honiton in 1 hour 35 minutes and 27 seconds  and 4th in his category; next came Pippa Westall with a PB in 1:45:15 and third in her category and Claire Rouse also got a PB finishing in 1:59:08. The race was won by Matt Clowes of Cardiff AAC in 1:05:10.  There were 7028 finishers.
Last Sunday, HRC runners went to Axe Valley Community College to take part in the Minster Challenge multi-terrain 7 ½ mile race. The weather was lovely which was a relief following a very wet Saturday. It did mean that the going was muddy in places. Nick Silkstone was first back for HRC having had a fantastic run and winning a podium position of 2nd place in 50 minutes 56 seconds. Adam Hennessey was next back coming 6th in 52:53. He was followed by Rod Inglis who came 10th in 57:52. Mark Dallyn came 17th in 1:01:56. Steve Davey is getting back on form following a few months off running and came 23rd in 1:03:22 having had a sprint up the last hill with his daughter, Jo, who finished just one second later. Howard Bidmead is also running well and was pleased with his 28th place in 1:04:24. Judy Davey came 30th in 1:06:15. Jennie Sleeman stopped to help fellow HRC runner, Rachel Hennessey, who had fallen over. Rachel was forced to pull out but Jennie continued to come 41st in 1:19:54. This was Emma Davey’s first time of wearing the HRC vest and the furthest she had ever run. She thoroughly enjoyed the event and came 43rd in 1:21:20. There were 52 finishers and the race was won by Matt Clist of Axe Valley Runners in 49:05. Young Oscar Divine tackled the 0.8 mile fun run with his mum Asilah.
On the same day Richard Harris and Pippa Westall were out once again but this time much further afield. They went to St Hellier in Jersey to take part in the Standard Chartered Jersey Marathon. Richard came 92nd in 3:39:32. This was Pippa’s first ever marathon and although she was nervous about completing the distance, she did well to finish 207th in 4:08:48. The race was won by Dan Tanui in 2:19:32 and there were 393 marathon finishers. There seemed like more as marathon runners also ran alongside relay teams splitting the marathon distance between them. 
Stockland Scamper
​Last weekend saw rain, rain and more rain and although it put many racers off taking the journey to Stockland to take part in the Stockland Scamper 10k multi-terrain run, it didn’t put off 6 Honiton Running Club members. Racers were unsure of what to wear as it was still raining hard and felt pretty cold but at 10 o’clock the rain ceased for the start of the race. Decisions made, the runners were off and the rain stayed off for an hour; enough for all of the Honiton runners to return to base. Delicious chocolate brownies greeted runners at the finish but these soon had to be taken in as the heavens opened again. Rod Inglis was first back for HRC coming 6th overall in 48 minutes 41 seconds. Newish HRC runner Wayne Trump came 8th in 49:10 and next was David Perkins in 16th place in 53:16. Judy Davey was next back coming 1st lady overall and hot on her heels just 2 places later was daughter Jo who finished in 55:35 and also picked up a prize as 2nd lady. It was a family affair as Dad, Steve, followed just 50 seconds later; his first race for several months. There were 31 finishers. Thanks to the marshals for keeping runners on track in such bad weather, the cake makers, the landowners and the rest of the organisers, especially Emma Parris who bravely took on the event once again after battling with hornets last year.  
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Chard Chaser 10k, Bude Pirate Run, Cream Tea Caper and Killerton 10k
On Sunday, 9th September Honiton Running Club’s Darren Roberts took part in the Chard Chaser 10k which goes along country roads and rough tracks through Cuttiford’s Door and Chardleigh Green. The race was won by Daniel Cahill in 36 minutes 40 seconds and Darren came 30th in 51:01 and was delighted to win his age category.147 runners took part.
On the same day, Olivia Higginson thought it would be a great idea to celebrate her birthday by tackling the Bude Pirate Run. This is 8.5 miles of woods, coast and trails with 1000 ft of climb but wonderful views. The race was won by Tom Carthey in 55:05 and Olivia came 95th in 1:21:10. There were227 finishers.
Last Saturday Michelle Selley and Kathy Layzell ran the Cream Tea Caper which is a 6 hour run of 3.3 mile loops around Exeter Double Locks. Both ladies set their own goals and blew these away with Kathy setting 18 miles as her goal and actually completing a full marathon of 26 miles. Michelle completed an Ultra of 35 miles winning best lady and coming 3rd overall. It was a great inaugural run with a super atmosphere; to be repeated next year from a different location.
Eight Honiton Runners made the short journey to Killerton last Sunday to take part in the Killerton 10k. This is a tough off road event within the grounds of the Killerton Estate and the runners will tell you there may be only one hill but the organisers certainly found as many different ways to run up it as possible. That said running conditions were ideal and all the Honiton runners performed well. Howard Bidmead was first back in 41st position in 56.54. He was followed by Jay Sweetman in 47th and who is running really well at the moment in a time of 57.36. The Honiton Ladies soon followed with Karen Lister in 142nd place in 1.06.00. Mandy Ward 164th in 1.08.40. Vanessa Knowles 175th in 1.09.27. Claire Melbourne 189th in 1.11.37. Debbie Vinnicombe 205th in 1.13.03 and Pip Vanham 208th in 1.13.39. There were 327 finishers and the race was won by Michael Bateman in 46.22.
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City to Sea Marathon
Three ladies from Honiton Running Club Sherrie Hair, Clare Melbourne and Paula Ferris took on the challenge of "The City to Sea Marathon" on Saturday 1st of September. This is a challenging 26.60 mile run from Exeter Riverside to Babbacombe Downs in Torquay. The first 20 miles consisted of a few short climbs but relatively a flat course, travelling through beautiful Devon scenery following riverside paths, country lanes, woodlands, stunning cliff tops, beaches and harbours enjoying the coast line of Dawlish and Teignmouth. The last 6 miles after leaving Shaldon and re-joining the South West Coast Path are when things got challenging, and were by far the toughest of the route, with huge climbs, steep steps and sharp descents before reaching the finish. There were cheers of encouragement and huge support along to way. Sherrie was the 2nd lady home and 9th out of 260 runners with an outstanding performance and a finish time of 4 hours 19 minutes, Paula Ferris finished in a time of 5.33 in 61st place 13th lady and Clare Melbourne had a strong run finishing in the top half of the field 116th with a time of 6.23. All the runners enjoyed complimentary fish and chips after the race from "Hanburys" and all the monies raised from the event helps supports families with serious illness and bereavement to be able to take memory making holidays. Thanks go to all Torbay Holiday Helpers Network for a great event.  
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Lustleigh 10k
On Sunday, 25th August several Honiton Running Club members went to Lustleigh to take part in the Lustleigh 10k which is part of the village show. This is a challenging multi-terrain run taking runners up hilly lanes, down muddy tracks, through beautiful woodland and along the River Bovey before going back into Lustleigh. Alasdair Moffett was first back for HRC coming 31st in 47 minutes 11 seconds. Mark Dallyn was next back coming 57th in 51:03. This race is a firm favourite of Howard Bidmead and he came 84th in 54:22. Claire Rouse was first back for the Honiton ladies coming 162nd in 1:07:32 with Asilah Jarrald and Clare Melbourne coming in together in 185th place in 1:16:07. The race was won by Adam Holland in 36:24 and there were 197 finishers. 
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Jurassic Coast Run
On Sunday Howard Bidmead went to West Bay to take part in the Jurassic Coast Run hosted by Bridport Runners. This event combines a half marathon and a 10k. Both races take part in the beautiful coast path of the Jurassic Coast and all runners have to ascend Thorncombe Beacon the 2nd highest point on the South Coast. After all the hot weather, on Sunday runners were met with strong winds, driving rain and coastal fog which made conditions difficult. Howard elected for the 10k event and finished in 24th position in a time of 1hr 14s and was second male vet O60. 85 runners took part in the 10k which was won by Neil Wicks from Worcester Tri club in 44m 22s.
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Friday evening frolic at Forest Flyer
As the heatwave finally cooled 6 Honiton runners headed for Haldane Forest for an almost 5 mile race on a sunny Friday evening. The first 4 mies of the run are through lovely forest trails with glimpses of fine views over the Exe valley. However the final 3/4 mile is all uphill (134m climb) which makes for careful pacing. Mark Newson led the HRC runners home in a time of (37:03) followed by Roger Saunders, who isn't good on hills these days, in 40:39. Jay, Sascha and Olivia had a HRC battle up the final hill with Jay walking being passed by Olivia but Jay overtook her and Sascha at the top finishing in 42:14, Sascha in 42:15 and Olivia in 42:18. Lorna Jarrald who has only recently started running with the club came in a few minutes later in a time of 49:13. This is an Instep Devon race so the men will count for club points. 
St Ives 10K
Taking advantage of a holiday in Cornwall Honiton member Sherrie Hair entered the St.Ives Bay 10k. This is an off road event which starts on the beach. Sherrie had a great run winning the Ladies race and finishing 13th overall in a time of 45.33s. 146 runners took part and the race was won by by Floyd Ratcliffe in 38.33s.
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Summer BBQ Runners

Exeter Park Run - Mass Turnout

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Dalwood 10k
On Sunday, 22nd July 10 Honiton Running Club members took the short journey to Dalwood to take part in the Dalwood 10k multi-terrain run. The day was blisteringly hot and with an 11 am start runners were out in the hottest part of nearly the hottest day of the year. Runners struggled and personal best times were few and far between although organisers did put on 3 water stations. The race was won by Matt Clist in 41 minutes 5 seconds. Rod Inglis was first in for HRC coming 7th overall in 50:03. He was followed one place later by Richard Harris in 50:45. Hadleigh Davies had a great run to finish in 53:19 and 10th place and he was followed by 3rd lady overall and 1st lady back for Honiton, Ceri Oak. She finished 12th in 54:12. The next 3 finishers were all HRC runners with Vernon Gillard in 54:13, Jo Davey in 54:42 and Judy Davey in 55:03. Jo Davey finished as 2nd lady overall. Pippa Westall was next back coming 20th in 56:45. Tim Pepper followed coming 32nd in 1:02:58 with Rebecca Stevens coming one place and just 7 seconds later. There were 46 finishers. 
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Haytor Heller
On Saturday evening several Honiton runners travelled to Dartmoor to take part in the 6 mile Haytor Heller. This is a tough moorland event with a 1000 ft of Climb. Starting halfway up Haytor runners made their way to the top to be met with the most magnificent view. Ascents were steep and descents rocky. After climbing to Hound Tor runners made their way back across the moor ascending the rear of Haytor before a final sprint down to the finish. Mark Dallyn had a fine run and was first Honiton runner home finishing 69th in a time of 59 minutes 54 seconds. Mark was followed by Howard Bidmead who is running well and finished 110th in 1.05.38. Olivia Higginson was first back for the Honiton ladies and was impressive finishing just behind Howard in 123rd place in a time of 1.06.52. Claire Rouse was next back in 171st place in 1.16.16. Claire loved the event describing it as her best multiterrain race ever. Jayne Bevan was next in 182nd position in 1.18.05 followed by Lorna Jarrald in 191st place in a time of 1.19.28. There were 229 finishers and the race was won by Ceri Rees in 41.07.
 
Ham to Lyme 50k, Otter Rail and River Run, Lulworth Cove Trail Series and Blackdown Beauty
On Saturday, 7th July, another blisteringly hot day and far too hot for running, several Honiton Running Club members went to Ham Hill Country Park in Somerset to take part in the Ham to Lyme 50k Ultra Marathon. This 31 mile race follows the Liberty Trail across country all the way to Lyme Regis in Dorset taking in some beautiful locations en-route including Lambert’s Castle and a number of picturesque villages. Chris Southern won the race in 4 hours 7 minutes and Honiton’s Judy Davey was first lady as well as being first back for HRC. She ran with HRC’s Alun Gwernan-Jones, who was ticking an ultra-marathon off his bucket list, for the whole race and they finished 20th overall in 5:53. Tim Wigram came 69th in 7:06 and Rachel Hennessey and Asilah Jarald were attempting the distance for the first time running together to come 127th in 8:11. There were 172 finishers.
On yet another red hot day last Saturday, HRC were in Tipton St John to take part in the Otter Rail and River Run 10k mainly off road race. Peter Monaghan won the race in 36 minutes 46 seconds and Honiton’s Sherrie Hair was 1st lady also winning her age category. She finished an amazing 12th overall in 42:52. Mike Mears was next back coming 15th in 43:35 and Emma Davey came 117th in 1:01:36. Mandy Ward finished 120th in 1:02:08 and Kathy Layzell followed 1 place and just 12 seconds later. Pip Vanham complete the Honiton line-up coming 154th in 1:08:30 and there were 192 finishers.
On the same day, three runners from Honiton took on The Lulworth Cove Trail Marathon and Half Marathon on Saturday the 14th of July along the Dorset Coast line, which was a postponed event due to take part in the height of the snow in March earlier in the year. There was also an Ultra distance and a 10km race on offer too. Temperatures were in complete contrast and baking hot in the mid 20’s for all the runners taking part. Paula Ferris set off first at 8.30am, a marathon distance to accomplish, followed by Claire Rouse and Mark Dallyn departing an hour later participating in the Half Marathon. The terrain was tough and demanding with relentless steep climbs which required precision footwork, concentration was needed on coastal paths and steep descents. The physically and mentally demanding course was worth every step to appreciate the stunning and amazing views of Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door and the Jurassic Coast line. Mark crossed the finish line in 2.12 in 41st place a great time over the course.  Claire followed in 3.07 in 214th place out of 285 runners. Paula Ferris finished the Marathon in a time of 6.48 (despite a slightly over marked course of 29 miles not 26.2!!) achieving 18th place out of 46 runners, 2nd lady home and 2nd in her age category. The event was well supported, marked and care taken to ensure we were well looked after in the hot conditions
Also last Saturday, HRC held its own Blackdown Beauty social run which attracted about 100 participants. Runners were invited to dress with a military theme in mind to mark 100 years since WW1 and some took this on in fine style. Runners have the option of several routes varying from 10.3 miles to the longest option of 18.2 miles. There are 3 optional pub stops along the way but a mandatory cream tea stop at Pear Tree Cottage, Stapley where the WI ladies had been working hard baking delicious home-made scones. All money raised went to Macmillan Cancer Support and this year everyone returned safely with not too many accidental route deviations!
 

This Week

18/02/2019

Club Calendar

Mon-Wed nights meet at 6:30pm at Honiton Community College unless
​advised otherwise below. 
New venue to meet in the gym at the rear of the college, Room P1. 
In Winter Hi Vis Essential for club runs
Monday
Out and Back run from College. Meet at College round back at Gym room P1.
​Tuesday Juniors meet at College
Wednesday 
5K Handicap run winter route. Map here for route and start by play area. Register from 6:40. A great way to track your progress and ideal for beginners. 
Thursday
No event 
Friday
Friday tempo run. Meet at car park on corner of Silver St/School Lane at 18:30. 1 or 2x Loops around Town.Suitable for all you run at your own pace or with others.
Saturday ​
Killerton Parkrun at 9am 
Exeter Parkrun at 9am
​Seaton Parkrun at 9am
Exmouth Parkrun at 9am. 
Sunday
Dalwood 3 Hills 

Maps and Parking here

Club Kit Page

Order Form for kit here
Page Editors
Judy, Roger