And the Winner is............................. Wendy LeM and Steve DLast night's handicap run was the decider of this year's series. There were 4 contenders but Nick B-C decided to rest on his laurels so the two Wendys and Steve D battled it out for supremacy. Wendy W has been heading off here there and everywhere recently and hasn't had much chance to run so though she ran hard she couldn't hold off Steve and Wendy LeM. These two had a ding-dong battle and the supporters club couldn't decide who would be victor. In the end we saw Steve first than Wendy coming along behind. They crossed the finish line a few seconds apart. The trophy is decided on points for finish position and I also take into account the number of runners, so was Steve's point score good enough? Yes and no. We had the lowest turnout ever for a handicap run, only 7 runners, and this meant that Steve ended up with 0.2 points fewer than Wendy but if we had had 9 or more runners Wendy would have had fewer points than Steve. So we will declare this year's trophy an excellent draw. Nick B-C was next so he get's the runner's up spot.
FULL RESULTS AND FINAL STANDINGS ARE here GREAT CHRISTMAS PARTYHRC members and partners got the Christmas season off to a splendid start at Lakeview Manor last night. There was an interesting bus journey where we spent almost as much time going backwards as forwards, Steve Davey was sitting at the front so of course was the chief navigator, but Steve didn't know this so no one was sure who was being picked up where or what time. This resulted in the Chairman and his wife coming up Church Hill only to see the bus pull away 5 minutes early. However we all made it in the end. As ever the food and drink and splendid company made the evening. Three quizzes kept the tables busy when conversation lagged. The London Marathon draw was held and Julian Gigg emerged as the lucky winner. The second place has gone to Fiona Prew who deferred her place from last year. Mark Andow and Vernon Gillard are reserves. Finally it was time to dance and eventually most of the blokes were persuaded to join the ladies. It has to be said that Rod (Inglis) was male dancer of the evening, closely followed by Howard who showed that coaching is not his only talent. Bruce was prepared to dance with anyone but seemed to prefer males. The ladies were of course all splendid and all beautiful but Heather (Howard's partner) proved a worthy partner to Rod as the clip below shows. Many thanks to Clare for organizing everything.
            HONITON SPORT RELIEF MILE RAISES £4189.93 - WELL DONE HRC!
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WHAT is it? a speck in the distance,
A rumour that flies in the air, Too faint to be met by resistance, Too strong to be braved by despair. A threatening doom o'er the city, It hangs like a terrible sword; No man for his fellow has pity, When both dread the curse of the Lord |
To-night there's a crowd in the market,
But scattered like leaves on the blast; A moment may drive them asunder For whom will this night be the last? No wonder they start in their slumbers, Or count every tremulous breath; Alas! who can reckon the numbers To be reaped when you run The Black Death, |
Florence Swan wins Fun Run and Suzanne Spiller the Fiver
Honiton RC tackle the new Minster Challenge Run
HRC's Marathon Man reaches 100!
Stephen with 100th medal
Many people who enjoy a challenge set themselves the goal of completing a marathon. Running 26.2 miles hard work and a great achievement but last week Honiton Running Club’s Stephen Boyes completed his 2,620th mile in 100 marathons when he crossed the finish line at New Milton in The New Forest marathon. His marathon running started back in 1990 in Marakesh of all places and then had no thought of aiming for a hundred, but marathon running got into his blood and as the years went by he kept ticking them off. Three years ago he realised that the magic figure of 100 was just over the horizon and put in a concentrated burst to reach that amazing goal. Apart from Marakesh he has run marathons in Berlin, Rotterdam, Helsinki and Venice as well as doing the London marathon several times. His best time stands at 2:36 which would have placed him in the top 100 of this year’s London Marathon. His toughest run was the Snowdonia marathon which has three fierce climbs including one at 21 miles when your legs are very tired, but he has also done 132 mile Forces March from Illfracombe to Bulford Camp three times. This raises money for forces veterans and takes place over five days, which is more than a marathon a day. He says he will keep on doing marathons and start to do more ultra events (over marathon distance) but he has no ambition to go for 200. What’s his secret for would-be marathon runners? Follow a proper training programme but run to keep your heart-rate below 150, then you are more likely to get through the 26 miles without hitting the wall.
(John's apologies to Steve for spelling his name wrong in the press release)
(John's apologies to Steve for spelling his name wrong in the press release)
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Well done Wendy on doing your first half-marathon at Bridgwater on Sunday
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BRENDA'S FUNERAL - Sandra writes
Vanessa, Maggie and I attended Brenda's funeral last Thursday. It was perfect for Brenda, with very poignant tributes from her son Peter, her running friend Richard and music Brenda loved - Buddy Holly's 'Everyday' and 'Rave On'!
It was good to meet Brenda's Amersham running friends and her family. Her friend Richard told us about a collection they've set up to replace a stile on one of Brenda's favourite local walking/running routes with a named gate. If you're interested in making a donation in memory of Brenda, the giving page is: http://www.gofundme.com/13wzbs
Of course if you prefer, the Cancer Research donation details are: Cancer Research c/o Surman and Horwood, The Green, Crowell, Chinnor, Oxon, OX39 4RR.
It was good to meet Brenda's Amersham running friends and her family. Her friend Richard told us about a collection they've set up to replace a stile on one of Brenda's favourite local walking/running routes with a named gate. If you're interested in making a donation in memory of Brenda, the giving page is: http://www.gofundme.com/13wzbs
Of course if you prefer, the Cancer Research donation details are: Cancer Research c/o Surman and Horwood, The Green, Crowell, Chinnor, Oxon, OX39 4RR.
Blackdown Beauty Raises £1370 for McMillan Cancer Support
We had a wonderful response to The Blackdown Beauty run this year with about 120 runners taking part and Jim Hill of Priors Park farm giving great hospitality for the Start/Finish. Sam & Graham sorted out the finish BBQ at minimum cost and many other members helped to make the event a success. So thanks to all who helped and to those able to take part.
Farewell Brenda
Brenda King 1944-2012
With sadness we have to report the death of Brenda King, who died on Tuesday, 14th of August. This photo was taken a year ago on the running club's trip to Slovenia, where she ran the Lake Bled 10K. In this she had by far the best Honiton RC performance on the age-grading system. She lived mainly in Amersham but also had a house in Honiton so she visited us from time to time and maintained her membership of the club. She was a very good runner for her age (reaching 80% on the age-grading system) and last Autumn she had the honour of being selected to run for England in an international cross-country race. Although not feeling well she took part but was then diagnosed with cancer. She kept in touch with us during her treatment and visited in May. She maintained a positive outlook on her future and was hoping to run again but sadly this was not to be. She leaves a son and daughter, both married, three grandchildren, and many friends who will miss her greatly.
A Beautiful Run on Harcombe Hill with the Beautiful People
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Blackdown Beauty - Short Route Checked
Churchstanton - 2 miles to go
Many thanks to Lesley (route leader) and Olvia (drawing pin marker) for coming along to check out the short route. Everything is OK and Lesley could follow the instructions apart from one bit which needs clarifying. More mud and water found of course. The ladies were not wearing tights and in places the nettles (ouch!) could not be avoided. Also Lesley discovered that an electric fence was on (OUCH!). We got round together with Jim Hill and his son in 2.5 hours, but of course no pub stop or cream tea.
Cheque Presented to The Baton Charity
The club charity this year was The Baton - click the link at the bottom of the first column to find out about it). Roger presented a cheque to The Baton founder and club president Alan Rowe. Alan says: "Many thanks for the cheque today we really appreciate it, I have heard from Brent and he has £260 maybe even bit more to come, so I think the total is going to be approximately £950 all told from the club and members, will let you know more when I have done an exact count.
King & Queen of The Hill at Farway 10K
Yet another lovely run along the cliff top (more photos on Club Photos Page)Well Done HRC Adults and Juniors for a terrific turnout at The Woodland Relay
All it takes is all you've got!
Thank You Judy & Steve
Judy and Steve hosted a very enjoyable BBQ at their nearly-new pad in Offwell. The prospect of visitors had forced Steve into tiling the hallway, which is probably one of the reasons why Judy arranged it in the first place. Prior to lots of good things to eat and the usual friendly banter there was an excellent damp run to enjoy through the gorgeous countryside of the Offwell Valley.
To see the 6 mile route click here The 8 milers did an extra loop via Blamphyne Cross |
