Press Releases 2016

Otterton Reindeer Run
The Otterton Reindeer Run helped quite a few Honiton Running Club members to enter into the festive spirit on Saturday, 3rd December. This 10k route has plenty of hills to begin with but as the last few miles are beside the River Otter it ends fairly flat. Often this race is very muddy but not so this year. Despite the floods a few weeks ago the going was fairly dry. HRC member James Denne won the race in a time of 35 minutes 2 seconds although he was running for his second club Haldon Trail Runners. His partner Gemma Collier was next back coming 14th in 43:46 ensuring they won the prize for the first couple to cross the line. Steve Davey had a good run to come 27th in 45:21. He was followed by Richard Harris who was 35th in 46:37. Richard nearly didn’t run at all as he had left his trainers behind and had to borrow some. Roger Saunders was the good Samaritan who lent Richard his shoes and he finished not too far behind in 46th place in 49 minutes exactly. Judy Davey was next finishing 52nd in 50:09 followed very closely just 2 places and 30 seconds later by Pippa Westall. Howard Bidmead has been plagued with injury recently and took it quite easy but he was delighted to finish with no pain in 73rd place in 53:20.  Rachel Hennessey put in another gutsy run to finish 104th in exactly 57 minutes. Kathy Layzell loves this run and always turns up for it. This year she finished 130th in 1:00:32. Juliet Hall and Clare Melbourne were Santa’s little helpers sporting matching costumes. They ran the race together finishing 144th in 1:04:55 having had a fantastic time. Teresa Pollard came 176th in 1:12:41 and dressed for Christmas were Nicola Greenland and Sarah Walker. Nicola came 179th in 1:12:43 and Sarah 181st in 1:14:21. There were 208 finishers. Runners collected a Reindeer Run mug at the finish before having it filled with a very welcome mulled wine with a mince pie on the side.  


Bicton Blister and Lite
Honiton Running Club had a good turnout for the Bicton Blister and Bicton Lite races organised by Exmouth Harriers last Sunday. The races begin and end at Bicton College.The Blister is a 10 mile multi-terrain run taking in some roads, lots of woodland, plenty of Woodbury Common and a few hills thrown in for good measure. The course was surprisingly dry after the floods less than a week earlier so some impressive times were posted. Jake Smith won the race well ahead of anyone else finishing in 58 minutes 37 seconds. Rod Inglis was the first back for Honiton storming home to finish 89th in 1:17:53. Richard Harris also had a great run finishing 118th in 1:21:39 followed not too far behind coming 127th in 1:22:42 was Steve Davey. Judy Davey led the ladies back winning a prize for 3rd in her category in the process. She was 167th in 1:26:50. Pippa Westall followed coming 193rd in 1:29:33. Lynn Pike was tackling this course for the first time and enjoyed the run coming 269th in 1:36:47. It was also Katherine Tomkins’ first time and she found it much easier than her last race at Castle Drogo. She came 325th in 1:42:06. Karen Lister, Vanessa Knowles and Anna Dalzell ran the race with Tina Wheeler who has never raced before. They finished together in 2:16:58. There were 448 finishers.
The Lite is the Blister’s little brother covering 4 1/2 miles of the Blister route. The race was won by David Hampton in 28:35 but HRC’s 14 year old George Tomkins was not far behind coming 5th in 31:41 and winning a prize for his efforts. Howard Bidmead has been battling injury and is only running short distances at the moment so chose the Lite on Sunday. He was pleased to finish 22nd in 42:53. Dawn Peek completed HRC’s line-up to come 73rd in 51:41. There were 106 finishers.   
Drogo 10 & Grand Pier Half Marathon
Honiton Running Club had an excellent turnout on Sunday, 6th November for the Castle Drogo 10 mile off road run. The race boasts stunning views of the Teign Valley and plenty of hills including the infamous Hunter’s Path hill at the 8 mile point. Alasdair Moffet was first back for Honiton having had a great run to come 34th in 1 hour 15 minutes. Rod Inglis followed coming 61st in 1:22 with Richard Harris hot on his heels coming 67th 39 seconds later. Mark Dallyn fell and dislocated his finger but picked himself up and posted a good position of 70th in 1:23 before spending the rest of the afternoon in A & E.  Steve Davey could see Mark ahead and he was just 2 places and 6 seconds behind him. New member Gavin Rice showed HRC member s how it is done coming 91st in 1:25 ahead of Roger Saunders who came 100th in 1:27. Judy Davey led the ladies home having had a battle throughout with her daughter Jo. Judy came 128th in 1:30:47 with Jo 2 places and 10 seconds later. Pippa had kept Judy company for the first 5 miles and finished 143rd in 1:33. Nicola Greenland came 168th in 1:37. Asilah Jarraid had a brilliant run continuing her improving form to come 177th in 1:39. Linda Pike thoroughly enjoyed the run to come 182nd in 1:40. There was a bit of a Honiton gap and then Rachel Hennessey finished  257th  in 1:54. Clare Melbourne and Juliet Hall ran together and were very pleased to finish just under 2 hours in 261st place. Tony Peek had a very unfortunate run twisting his ankle and having to stop for it to be strapped up. This set him back long enough but then on the final leg he managed to take a wrong turn meaning he did an extra ½ mile. After limping the last 5 miles back he finished 279th in 2:09. There were 297 finishers. 
On the same day, David Perkins ran a cold and windy Grand Pier Half Marathon in Weston Supermare. Despite David’s best efforts he ended up almost to the second with the same time as the Great West with 1:48:30. He found this a little disappointing but still managed to enjoy the run. His quest to break 1:45 goes on in to 2017!

Great West Run and Exmoor Stagger
A stormy night was not an encouraging preparation to start Exeter's Half Marathon, theAshfords Great West Run but the rain cleared just before the start for a glorious sunny morning. There was a great turnout from the club on 14th October with many undertaking their first half marathon with some training sessions organised by Tony Peek. Phil Wylie was the winner in a time of 1:10:10. Twenty six runners from Honiton RC were in the start pens at 9 o'clock on a Sunday morning! David Hawker (1:33:50) was first home beating his PB followed by Adam Tomkins who ran his first half marathon in 1:34:21. Steve Selley, who is running every day in October was next in 1:35:41 and new member Gavin Rice in 1:37:25. Roger Saunders followed in 1:38:16 (2nd in his age category) which was his best time for 4 years. Richard Harris struggled after a bad cold to finish in 1:43:09.Sarah Wheeler was the first lady back in 1:44:13 closely followed by Emilie Tones in 1:44:20. Sam Pollard in 1:46:51, David Perkins in 1:49:25, and Paula Ferris in 1:49:31 who got cramp in the last mile. Jenny Sleeman equalled her PB in 1:50:01 and just managed to overtake Pippa Westall in 1:51:13. Lin Pike was overjoyed to run a PB in 1:56:49 and Andrew Ashford close behind in 1:57:38. Sharon Wells led a group of Honiton runners home in 1:58:28 with Tony Peek and Claire Rouse both in 1:58:58. Several first timers for a Half Marathon followed with Kat Tomkins in 2:01:55, Karen Lister and Anna Dalzell both in 2:04:26, Teresa Pollard in 2:05:46. Vanessa Knowles was next in at 2:08:40, Cathy Layzell in 2:10:09, Rachel Horwood in 2:14:00 and Carol Turnham in 2:14:35.
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Last Sunday 5 HRC members took on the very challenging Exmoor Stagger. The route had changed slightly this year with most of the route going the opposite way to previous years. It was still over 16 miles of multi-terrain though. Runners are taken up to the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon, and back down again. There should be glorious views but not so this weekend; as is often the case on Exmoor, it was very misty. Weather apps predicted that it was going to be 4 degrees at the top at the time runners reached that point but it would feel like -2 with the wind chill factored in. Steve Davey had a fantastic run coming  64th in 2 hours 37. He had been running with Richard Harris up to The Beacon and Richard finished 94th in 2:46:27 with Mark Dallyn hot on his heels 21 seconds later. There were plenty of opportunities to fall over on the very stony terrain and Mark took full advantage! Judy Davey was not too far behind in 2:48 coming 101st. Pippa Westall was delighted to come in under the 3 hour mark in 2:58. The winner was James Baker of Chichester Runners in the amazing time of 1:54.


Studland Stampede
A glorious sunny autumn morning greeted the 15 Honiton runners who made the trip to Studland Bay in Dorset for the Studland Stampede. 7 miles of running across Studland Heath with fabulous views of Poole Harbour and Sandbanks. Having negotiated the Heath the runners then had to run the final two miles through Sand dunes and finally the long run back along the beach to the finish.
Paula Ferris was first of the Honiton runners back. She had a storming run and finished in 1.04.48 coming in overall 118th. She was followed exactly one minute later by Howard Bidmead in 1.05.48 and 126th overall. Honiton running club had a great turn out for the event and others finishing were Nic Greenland in 1.09.39 179th Lin Pike 1.09.52 185th Jennie Sleeman 1.10.15 188th Nick Thorpe 1.11.57 210th. Asilah Jarrold Tony Peek and Claire Rouse ran together most of the way and all finished together with the same time of 1.15.41 coming in 257 258 and 259. Dennis Costello was next in 1.19.50 296th Teresa Pollard 1.21.23 316th Kathy Layzell just behind in 1.21.25 317th Sandra Thorpe 1.23.32 342nd Carol Turnham 1.25.25 356th and finally Vanessa Glynn Jones 1.44.02 in 421st place.
There were 425 finishers and the race was won by Phil Mosley in 46.44m 
A great day enjoyed by all and big thanks to Nick Thorpe for driving the mini bus.

Jersey Marathon & Relays, Bournemouth Marathon, South West Coast Path and Minster Challenge
Three years ago, Honiton Running Club had a fantastic club trip to Jersey to take part in the Jersey Marathon and relays. Everyone had such a fantastic time in this beautiful part of the world that the trip was repeated this year. On 2nd October 13 members took on a leg or two of the relay marathon whilst 8 members tackled the whole 26.2 miles. In beautiful sunshine and unusually warm for the time of year the runners set off. Kevin Hawker made a magnificent job of it coming in 12th overall in the amazing time of 2 hours 49 minutes. His efforts were justly rewarded with a trophy and prize for the 1st master over the line. Steve Davey had the race of his life finishing in a massive personal best time of 3:33 in 74th position. However, he wasn’t too far ahead of his wife, Judy who finished 2 minutes and 3 places later. Judy managed a prize for 2nd lady master and was pleased that she was just a few minutes slower than 3 years before. Stephen Boyes finished in 3:43 in 96th place looking a little pale as he crossed the line. Hadleigh Davies had a good run until the half marathon point managing to keep ahead of the 3:30 pace maker. Once she had overtaken him, he slowly watched her go off into the distance. Hadleigh slowed right down and found the 3 mile sea front unbearable with plenty of walking going on. Hadleigh finished in 215th place in 4:18. Wendy Williams bettered her time of 3 years ago by about 10 minutes to come in with Bernice Bastin in 292nd place. It was Bernice’s first ever marathon and her only aspiration was that she would finish. Of course, she was going to do this as she has put in the required training and she and Wendy managed to sneak back in well under 5 hours (4:56). They didn’t have too long to wait for Rachel Mandrupson  who  was also tackling Jersey for the first time and was chuffed to complete it in 5:08 in 312th place. The winner was Aleksey Toshkin who came all the way from Russia. He finished in the unbelievable time of 2 hours 18 minutes  having won the event several times before.  There were 354 finishers.
The relay race was divided into 5 legs and followed the exact route of the marathon with runners setting off half an hour later. The legs varied in lengths between 3 and over 7 miles. The first of the HRC relay teams back was the Magnificent 5 whose captain was the Jersey trips organiser, Wendy Le Masurier. They finished 107th in 3:47 and consisted of Roger Saunders who completed both leg 1 and 2. Mike Rose was next followed by Nick Thorpe and then Wendy herself.  Honiton Hopers  were next back coming 161st just getting in under 4 hours (3:59). Their Captain, Howard Bidmead, did the final leg with Liam Dushynsky leading off followed by John Burgess. Denis Costello ran the 3rd leg and Sandra Thorpe did the 4th.  The final team was captained by Clare Melbourne who ran both 2nd and 3rd legs. The first runner off in her team was Phil Hall and Jay Sweetman  went next. Juliet Hall was the one who crossed the finish line in 213th place in 4:12. There were 277 relay teams with the winning team storming past the marathon runners to finish in 2:28. Thanks to Wendy for arranging another thoroughly enjoyable and successful trip.
Alasdair Moffett, Tom Bornet and Mark Dallyn were slightly closer to home but also on a coast as they ran Bournemouth Marathon. Alasdair came 121st in the great time of 3 hours 20 minutes. Tom Bornet was next HRC member back coming 590th in 3:56. Mark Dallyn had been feeling a little unwell in the lead up to the run but he still managed to finish under 4 hours in 3:58 to come 625th. Great results as there were over 2000 runners.
Five Honiton Runners (Sherri Hare, Paula Ferris, Suzanne and Simon Spiller and Sharon Wells) decided to ignore HRC's “Marathon madness" weekend and take on the South West Coast Path race.  The race as the name suggests was along the south west coast path from East Portsmouth to Dartmouth listed as approximately 17.5 miles and 1343m of accent. The  distance measuring was a little fluid as when the runners crossed the finish line their watches all said 19 miles.  But despite the distance and the climbs the run was fantastic made all the better by the glorious weather and the most stunning back drop.  All involved finished between 4:10 and 4:30, certainly a race to recommend due to is unsurpassed views. 
If that wasn’t enough there was another option for HRC runners. The Minster Challenge was the most local run with the base in Axminster. This is a challenging mainly off road run of approximately 7 miles. Ben Stone is getting back to form and did fantastically in his come back run to come 7th in 54 minutes 35 seconds. Gemma Collier was first lady back overall in 10th place in 55:43. David Hawker also had a great run coming just after Gemma in 56:13. Adam Hennessey followed just 6 seconds later. This was also Sascha Kranen’s first race for a while and he came 35th in 1:09:04. Tim Wigram came next in 39th place in 1:10:29.Rachel Hennessey enjoyed the run but found it hillier than she thought but she did well to come 53rd in 1:17:33.There were 82 finishers and the race was won by Axe Valley Runner Jake Smith in 45:29. 


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 and Kathy Layzell were taking part in the Barnstaple Half Marathon. Jennie finished in 1 hour 53 and Kathy was very pleased to finish in 2:10 getting back to last year’s form. 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. 
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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 hereand 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!

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 and 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.  
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
Six  members of Honiton Running Club made the short trip last Saturday to Charmouth for the annual running of the Charmouth Challenge.This is a fell race over 8 miles and takes the runners up the steep ascent of Stonebarrow Lane before being faced with a further climb to the top of Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast. Prior to the start there had been heavy showers but just before race start the sun came out and runners were faced with warm conditions.
First back for Honiton was Adam Hennessey. He made Stonebarrow Lane look easy and soon disappeared out of sight. Adam finished the race in 28th place in a time of 1.06.34. Next back in 35th was Findlay Fuller in 1.08.51. Rod Inglis and Howard Bidmead had run up Stonebarrow Lane almost together before Rod pulled away at the top. He finished in 40th place in 1.09.59. Howard finished 60th in 1.14.05. Kathy Tompkins running her first CC really enjoyed herself and finished 134th in 1.27.24 and was followed by James Tompkins in 1.34.41.
The race was won by Chris McMillan from Weston AC in 53m 16s
 
Keeping it in the family George Tompkins running in his Honiton vest won the 2 mile junior run. James also had to endure running up Stonebarrow Lane before cutting across to the coast path where there was a steep descent to the finish.

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.


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.
 
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. 
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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.

Ashtown Tree Trial, Umborne Ug and 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.


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. 

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. 

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. 


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 92% 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.


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. 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.
 
Taunton Marathon & Half Marathon, Reading Half Marathon & Cheddar 5k and 10k
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. 

Kilmington Kanter
On Good Friday, Honiton Running Club managed a fantastic turnout at Kilmington Primary School’s Kilmington Kanter. The race starts on the playing fields and runners are 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 & Fleet Half
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.
 


Grizzly, Cub and Junior Runs
​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.

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.


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. 

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.

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.

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.
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​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.  ​