AVR triumphs at Exe to the Axe
There was a good turnout of AVRs for the latest running of JP’s Exe to the Axe organised by Sidmouth Running Club.
AVR’s Matt Clist retained his title finishing in a brilliant 2:59.53, two minutes clear of the second place and five minutes quicker than last year. Rik Tumber was fourth in 3:17.56 with James Green in tenth, and third M40, in 3:34.34.
Eleanor Wood was first F60 in an excellent 4:26.41, 65th overall.
The race which starts on the beach in Exmouth follows the South West Coast Path to the River Axe at Seaton with 22 miles of very undulating, difficult terrain. It was a particularly challenging route this year after numerous cliff falls and Storm Kathleen bringing high winds and more damage overnight. There were 188 finishers in the full race.
A relay option was also available with AVR’s Sam Miller and Tony Smith finishing second in a combined 4:55.31 and Team Feeney (aka The Smoggies) which included Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley took third just behind in 4:57.30.
The full results are here.
Powering it at Powderham
A small contingent of AVRs made their way to Powderham Castle on Saturday morning to take part in the Power Run. The event started and finished inside the castle walls, the remainder of the course consisted of a tour of the castle grounds. One lap for the ‘Classic’ 5 miles and two for the ‘Legend’ 10 miles. The off road sections of the course were as muddy as one would expect after recent deluges, in addition participants were buffeted by Storm Kathleen. On the plus side it was a beautiful setting with some stunning views, a fitting reward for climbing a long hill soon after the start.
Ron Seward was first home for AVR in the longer race finishing 40th, first M70 in 1:34:16. Next back was Dawn Carrah in 57th place and 2nd F60 in 1:39:39. Shirley Salter, in her first 10 mile run clocked 2:11:43 and Susan Wall and Liz Slade, who ran together came home in 2:21:55 and 2:21:56 respectively.
Fiona Seward took the one lap option finishing 73rd out of 159 finishers in 55:37.
Half marathon successes
Mark Spraggs took on the rather undulating Southampton half marathon on Sunday finishing in 1:47.46, 438th from more than 2000 finishers. He describes it as a picturesque course along the river and bridge in the city and was thankful for a sunny day at last!
Meanwhile up in the capital, Kelly Nickels completed the very popular London Landmarks half marathon in 2:05.20 coming in 6717th from more than 11000 finishers. The route covers much of the London marathon route taking in, as the name implies, many of the capital’s significant landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.
Mashing it up!
In its first running since 2019, the Minster Milers Mash 10k attracted 227 runners raising money for local charity, Ferne Animal Sanctuary. Simon Dimmock finished 12th in 44:24 in the undulating race which started and finished in Ilminster and took in some scenic Somerset villages. The route was especially challenging after months of heavy rain. Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard also took part and would recommend it as a well-organised local event. Results to follow.
Seaton parkrun
Back after a week off due to the effects of Storm Nelson the nearly 300 finishes on Saturday had the windy Storm Kathleen to contend with. First finisher was AVR’s Luke Reed in 18.30, a full minute ahead of the second finisher and also first on age-grade. With many local races over the weekend, many AVRs stuck to pacing duties or volunteering this Saturday.
