Grizzly Recce Run

AVR held its annual Grizzly and Cub recce run on Sunday where runners can get a taste of what is to come.  This event, for Axe Valley Runners members only, is possible due to the generosity of the farmers and landowners whose land is used for the Grizzly event.  The official route should not be used any other time of the year for running.  The practice run also allows those in the club who are organising the event or helping on the day to get the “Grizzly” experience!

Conditions were good and, although muddy underfoot, perhaps not as muddy as expected.  That said there is still a month to go until the big day and the route is challenging and should not be under estimated.

Big thanks go to Andy West and Steve Haines, the Grizzly Race Directors for organising Sunday’s practice runs and to the Run Leaders who helped make it an enjoyable day.

 

Seaton parkrun and beyond

There was an AVR 1-2-3 at Seaton on Saturday with Joel Seward just pipping Rich Hardy to the first finisher spot in 17:16.  Amazingly Joel had run from Axminster to Seaton as a ‘warm-up’ and then ran back to Axminster after parkrun.  Congratulations also to Joel who last week received news of his Championship spot at the London Marathon in April so this training regime is clearly paying off. Third finisher on Saturday was Terry Emmett in 17:57.

AVR also dominated the age-grade podium with Eleanor Wood top with 89% for her 23:38;  Rich Hardy second with 79% for his 17:17 and Ron Seward third on age-grade with 78% for 23:43.

There was a PB for Lily Sibley in 35:29.  Thanks should go to East Devon District Council’s Street Scene team for clearing the West Walk of the deluge of pebbles after Storms Eowyn and Herminia as well as Seaton parkrun core team for clearing near the start and finish ramp.  Without this the event would not have been safe to go ahead.

Out on the road Debbie Whiston took part in the ‘closed facility’ Happy Valley parkrun in Cyprus where she was first female in 19:43 while Rebecca Eastburn ran the Poppintree parkrun in Dublin.  Tony Smith and Sam Miller enjoyed the picturesque Watermead Country Park in Leicestershire.  Closer to home, Carol Austin ran the fast, flat Five Arches along the Dorset and Somerset Cycleway while Paul Johns took part in Minehead parkrun and Jon Day did Shepton Mallet parkrun.   Kerry Board and daughter, Jess enjoyed Killerton parkrun’s mud and hills while Carolyn Nation completed Exeter Riverside parkrun.