Only 6 Honiton Running Club members took part in the Otterton Reindeer off road 10k run last Saturday which is hardly surprising as the Running Club’s Christmas party was the night before. The race had to be rerouted from the usual course due to the floods of recent weeks. Steve Davey led Honiton home to come 24th in 49 minutes 30 seconds. Suzanne Spiller was hot on his heels for most of the race and finished 31st in 50:16. Suzanne’s husband Simon was next back coming 54th in 53:40. Mark Andow had a good race coming 66th in 55:26 and Judy Davey’s race suffered as she had a cold. She was disappointed with her finish of 88th place in 57:31. Kathy Layzell really entered into the festive spirit adorning herself with tinsel, a Rudolph nose and a Christmas stocking. She finished 154th in 1:08:58. There is a prize for the fastest married couple and although neither Honiton couple won, Suzanne and Simon came 2nd and Steve and Judy came 3rd. There were 196 finishers and the race was won by Laurence Bolam in 39:33. Runners enjoyed mulled wine and mince pies on their return. Thanks to the organisers and Sidmouth Running Club. All money raised went to Otterton Primary School.
On Sunday, Howard Bidmead took part in the Full Monty 10. This is one of the toughest 10 mile races in the area held at Ham Hill Country Park near Yeovil. It is 10 miles all off road with 10 hills; each one numbered. This year due to recent adverse weather the mud was exceptional which made for sticky going. Fortunately Howard was able to maintain a constant steady pace and was able to finish well in a time of 1hr. 40m 11s which was eight seconds slower than last year but with more mud than normal to negotiate he was pleased with that. He was about 82nd out of 250.
Honiton RC Juniors are boasting a new Devon runner and two reserves after last Sunday’s Devon County Cross Country Championships held at Exeter Arena. Jack Elsom ran in 5th giving him one of the automatic Devon spots and Henry Riddle and Rowan Westall both finished 9th in very competitive races. Ian finished 15th but is only 13 in an under 15 category. It was great to see Honiton vests at the front of big races and as usual the juniors showed the best of the club. Well done to all of them.
On Sunday, Howard Bidmead took part in the Full Monty 10. This is one of the toughest 10 mile races in the area held at Ham Hill Country Park near Yeovil. It is 10 miles all off road with 10 hills; each one numbered. This year due to recent adverse weather the mud was exceptional which made for sticky going. Fortunately Howard was able to maintain a constant steady pace and was able to finish well in a time of 1hr. 40m 11s which was eight seconds slower than last year but with more mud than normal to negotiate he was pleased with that. He was about 82nd out of 250.
Honiton RC Juniors are boasting a new Devon runner and two reserves after last Sunday’s Devon County Cross Country Championships held at Exeter Arena. Jack Elsom ran in 5th giving him one of the automatic Devon spots and Henry Riddle and Rowan Westall both finished 9th in very competitive races. Ian finished 15th but is only 13 in an under 15 category. It was great to see Honiton vests at the front of big races and as usual the juniors showed the best of the club. Well done to all of them.