AVR celebrate successful 2022

The 2022 AVR awards and annual Christmas celebration was held on Saturday evening with a nod to the 1980s as runners wore fancy dress and enjoyed food from the decade.

New chair, Haydn Boehm, fetching as Freddie Mercury, introduced the winners, nominated by the members for performances and other achievements throughout the year.  Club captains, Eleanor Wood and Matt Hewer presented the beautiful pottery mugs, made by local potter, Gilly Humphreys.

First up Ron Seward and Kerry Board were crowned male and female runner of the year.  Ron has had an excellent year winning the InStep Devon Championships for M70 and securing a number of M70 victories throughout the year.  Kerry has had a tremendous year smashing all her PBs from parkrun 5k right up to half-marathon and sealed the year as the overall female winner of the InStep Devon series.

Most Improved Female went to Suzi Blackett for her continuous improvement throughout the year and excellent results in several local races.  Matt Frost, who took the Most Improved Male, only joined AVR this year, and has trained and raced consistently achieving goals across short and long distances.

Club Person is awarded for contributions to the club and this year went to Cliff Marriott who has led and coordinated two “Couch to 5K” programmes; supported the ever-increasing “Run-Shiners” group encouraging many from this group to take part in races. He has, with partner Pam, also organised Halloween and Christmas fancy-dress runs.

The Founders award recognises determination and effort to achieve a significant goal. This year’s recipient, Laura Kerr, did this in spades! Despite two back surgeries, she ran a massive PB at the London marathon and also raised money for charity all alongside looking after three children, two dogs and developing a successful hairdressing career.

Ben Stone took the President’s Shield, awarded for a specific outstanding achievement, for winning the East Devon Round – a 65 mile race in which he set a new course record and won by some 20 minutes over the second finisher.  A phenomenal achievement.

The Chair’s Award is awarded by the chair and Haydn Boehm presented this to previous Chair, Lesley Adams who was at the helm of the club during the pandemic providing the necessary leadership to ensure the club got through the difficulties presented but also developed in terms of numbers and inclusivity.  This award was met by a stadium ovation from all on the night.

Other awards included a Team award for the Men’s 60 team at the Exe Relays; the annual Handicap which was won by Paula Cooke and the Winter 5k Series won by Adrian Strawbridge.

Strong AVR show at the Wellington Monument

Following a two year break due to Covid this popular race returned in challenging weather conditions as the runners tackled the 10k around the bridle path and lanes of Hemyock.

Despite attending the Christmas party the night before, Ron Seward (81st in 51.40) and Eleanor Wood (61st in 48.21) again showed that age is no barrier by picking up first prize in the M70 and F65 respectively.

First to finish from AVR was Joel Seward in 38.14 in ninth place with Richard Hardy 10th in 38.16.  Matt Hewer was 19th in 40.10 with Matt Frost hot on his heels in 23rd in 40.39. These four ensured AVR took second place in the team rankings, losing out to SWRR

Jason Potter was 56th in 47.13 and Cory Schultze was 126th in 61.30.

 

AVR Carols for Care-Homes

On Saturday a group from AVR dressed in their best festive attire toured Seaton’s five care-homes singing Carols for the residents.  Appropriately they ran between the homes and finished the morning with mince pies and mulled wine on the Esplanade.  Big thanks to Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard for organising this annual event.

  

Ice causes parkrun cancellation

 Seaton parkrun fell victim of the icy conditions on Saturday after a rain shower just as volunteers were setting up caused the Esplanade to freeze over.

There will be a parkrun in Seaton on Saturday, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day this year, at 9am.  Also, on Saturday 31 December but there will not be one in Seaton on New Year’s Day.

To check parkrun events locally and further afield over the festive period visit https://www.parkrun.org.uk/special-events/