Honiton Running Club held its Hippo and Calf runs last Sunday with the base at Honiton Primary School. Runners didn’t complain about the weather which was a little damp and drizzly but warm enough; much better than the forecast! 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 only to be taken off road and into the Land Rover Experience to go straight back up the hill again. A quick run around the Land Rover Experience followed involving several muddy soakings and down to the first river crossing. This cleaned runners off a bit 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 250 runners. The race was won by Robert Ellis in the very quick time of 52 minutes 20 seconds and the first lady home was Elizabeth Dyson who managed just under the hour to finish in 59:56. Most Honiton RC members were involved in helping or marshalling but some did take part with the first back also being the youngest. Kyle Hartnell finished 14th in 1:01:33. Another youngster followed in the form of Findlay Fuller in 24th place in 1:04:28. Richard Harris was Honiton’s first ‘grown up’ coming 31st in 1:05:43. Another under 18 followed with Henry Riddle coming 38th in1:07:15. Steve Selley came 40th in 1:08:13 after reporting that he had taken a full dunking at one of the river crossings. James Matheson was next back in 44th place in 1:10:20 followed closely by Louise Crisp two places later in 1:10:40. Louise was very surprised to find she had won the trophy for her age category. Tom Dunn, home from university for Easter, was next back coming 58th in 1:12:19. Pippa Westall had a great run finishing 71st in 1:15:43 with Tony Peek not too far behind at 76th in 1:17:43. Esme Wilson finished with her friend coming 83rd in 1:19:01.Rosanna Lyus was encouraged by her dad to run and ended up beating him by 2 places to finish 115th in 1:25:56 with her dad, Pete, 22 seconds behind. Lin Pike followed in 122nd place in 1:27:55 having had a great race with Pete and Carol Turnham who came 128th in exactly 1:29. The field was dominated by red vests worn by 23 Bere Alston Trekkers all running together. They crossed the line holding hands to huge cheers from the crowd.
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 on the road. Unfortunately, much to the disappointment of most of the youngsters but to the relief of others, this year it was decided that the river was a little deep and potentially dangerous for the youngsters to cross. The race was won by Bobby Simpson in 12 minutes even if he did take an interesting path back through the school! Honiton’s Jack Elsom was given 2nd place although he actually crossed the finish line first! Sam Dowson won U13B coming 4th in 12.56 followed by Florence Swan 1 place later who was 1st female. Thomas Lilley came 10th in 14:14 followed by Jamie Porter who came 19th in 15:24. Max Salter was next back for Honiton RC in 21st place in 15:41. Hannah Land was next back coming 26th in 16:17 followed by James Oak 30th in 17 mins. Megan Burton came 35th in 18:40 with Zayna Small following 2 places later in 21:02. There were 38 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing 500 feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Blackdown Beauty in July with places going quickly. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
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 on the road. Unfortunately, much to the disappointment of most of the youngsters but to the relief of others, this year it was decided that the river was a little deep and potentially dangerous for the youngsters to cross. The race was won by Bobby Simpson in 12 minutes even if he did take an interesting path back through the school! Honiton’s Jack Elsom was given 2nd place although he actually crossed the finish line first! Sam Dowson won U13B coming 4th in 12.56 followed by Florence Swan 1 place later who was 1st female. Thomas Lilley came 10th in 14:14 followed by Jamie Porter who came 19th in 15:24. Max Salter was next back for Honiton RC in 21st place in 15:41. Hannah Land was next back coming 26th in 16:17 followed by James Oak 30th in 17 mins. Megan Burton came 35th in 18:40 with Zayna Small following 2 places later in 21:02. There were 38 finishers.
Thanks to everyone for supporting the run and those who helped including marshals and cake makers and especially the land owners for allowing 500 feet to trample their ground. Honiton’s next event is the Blackdown Beauty in July with places going quickly. Visit www.honitonrc.com for more information.
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