We raced the tram… ..and the tram won!
The sun shone for the annual AVR race the tram event on Tuesday evening. There was a huge turnout with some opting to race the tram in teams of three or nine while others enjoyed a social run back from Colyton after the scenic ride through Seaton Wetlands.
The tram and the teams all left Colyton station at the same time with the tram back at base in Seaton in a very speedy 13.31 so this was the time to beat. The men’s team, The Trambusters, arrived home in an impressive 14.40 and the women’s team, The Thunderbirds also excelled arriving back in 18:24.
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Another 12 teams of three took part with each runner completing around 1.1 miles of the route. The Traminators was chosen as the best team name by the tram drivers to win a free drink at the bar. All the runners including some 40 who ran back as a social run enjoyed a drink and barbecue at Seaton Cricket Club prepared by a wonderful team of injured or non-runners. Huge thanks go to Seaton Tramway who provided the trams, drivers and sunshine for a cracking evening. A donation has also been made from AVR to Devon Air Ambulance on behalf of the tram.
Dalwood Delight for AVR
AVR’s Matt Clist and Karen Eyre were the winners at the Dalwood Fayre 10k on Sunday finishing in 40.45 and 53.36 respectively. A hilly, muddy and challenging course, especially after Saturday’s rain, the race starts and finishes at the Tuckers Arms in Dalwood. Runners enjoyed stunning views from the Blackdown Hills as well as around 3000 feet of elevation!
Joel Seward was second home in 42:58 and Eleanor second female in 55:03. Eleven AVRs took part amongst the 60 finishers. Organised by Ruby Red Running the results are on their Facebook page.
Down by the Riverside
It was a warm evening on Wednesday for the Exeter 10k River Run organised by City Runs. The fast, flat race attracts many speedy club runners with pacers provided. It runs alongside the River Exe and Exeter Canal with picturesque views across to the city.
Three AVRs took part: Matt Hewer was 38th in 38:43; Cory Schultze was 149th in 49:27 and Angela Kerr 226th in 57:17, third F65. More than 300 took part.
Seaton parkrun and beyond
There were 248 finishers at Seaton on Saturday with Ritchie Durrant first finisher in 16:50 and Debbie Whiston first female in 20:37 and third on age grade with 77%. Luke Reed was second home in 18:37.
Steve Maclure in 25:52 and Helen Boeham in 32:23 secured PBs. Congratulations to Sam Miller, the current volunteer coordinator, who reached her 100 volunteer milestone on Saturday.
Further afield there were double celebrations in Stockholm where Diane Newton celebrated her 75th birthday at Haga parkrun with her 75th parkrun – that is meticulous planning!
Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard braved the atrocious Scottish weather completing Lews Castle parkrun; Paul Johns was in Llanelli and did Sandy Water parkrun; Georgie Ryan took part in Eastville parkrun while Ian Smith ran Nonsuch parkrun and John Whitaker completed Bolton parkrun.
