Sunshine brings fast times and crowds out in Seaton
Grizzly 2025 – Who let the bogs out?
Some 2000 runners completed the Grizzly and Cub races on Sunday in the glorious Spring sunshine with Ceri Rees and Alice Kelly coming out victorious in the 20-mile race and Robin Dafforn and Sarah McDade winning the 9-mile Cub.
In the Grizzly, Ceri Rees led from the start finishing in an excellent 2:22.02 adding to his five previous Grizzly crowns. Last year’s winner, Exmouth Harriers’ Sam Kelly had to settle for second in 2:23.13. South West Vets, Shaun Dixon was third in 2:24.43. AVR’s Rich Hardy was an excellent sixth in 2:31.42 and third M40. Other AVRs to take category podium spots were: Joel Seward, first M35 in 2:31.59; Matt Clist first M45 in 2:33.24 just ahead of Matt Hewer in 2:42.02, second M45. Tim Lenton was second M50 in 2:50.41 with Patrick Devine-Wright second M55 in 2:45.34 and Rob Collier third M55 in 2:51.19. Steve Lewis was third M70 in 4:54.56.
In the women’s race, last year’s runner-up Alice Kelly of Exmouth Harriers went one better sealing victory in 2:51.35 a full six minutes ahead of Fleur Dodwell who took second place in 2:57.53 and Hannah Darcy of Marlow Striders, third in 3:05.32. First female AVR was Karen Eyre in a brilliant 3:26.56, also first F50. Eleanor Wood was second F60 in 3:46.39.
Despite taking a slight wrong turn in Beer, 18-year old, Robin Dafforn of Exeter Harriers won the Cub race comfortably in 1:05.01. Daniel Kariaskou of Bedford Harriers took second place in 1:06.11 with Mike Cowell from Cheddar third in 1:07.01. Fifth place and first AVR was Simon Dimmock in 1:11.39. Chris Rathbone was seventh and first M50 in 1:15.13. Graham Newton in 1:31.50 and Ron Seward in 1:33.37 were first and second M70.
The women’s Cub race was won by Sarah McDade of Reading Road Runners in 1:18.07, well clear of second placed, Grace McMahon who finished in 1:21.22 and Sarah Trim of Yeovil Town third in 1:23.11. AVR’s Sue Hayes finished in 1:26.23 to win the first AVR plate and first F50. Lou Tucker was second F45 in 1:34.03 while Adele Girdwood was second F60 in 1:46.58 and Janet Cullum was third F70 in 2:12.57.
Congratulations to all finishers in both the Grizzly and Cub races. The biggest shout-outs must go to Race Directors, Andy West and Steve Haines and all their wonderful team of helpers who have worked hard over many months as well as this weekend to put on such a brilliant and successful event; even booking the dry spell in the lead up and sunshine on the day!
More than 300 children took part in the GrizFest races on Saturday with a Junior Grizzly, Junior Cub and a Fun Run for different ages available all organised by AVR’s Karen Eyre and a huge team of helpers. A great atmosphere and brilliant to see so many potential future AVR and Grizzly runners.
The Grizzly is made possible by the sponsors, East Devon Physical Therapy who also provided much needed massages to runners at the end and raised an impressive £600 for Devon Air Ambulance; Lyme Bay Winery; and Quicks Engineering (SW) Ltd, Kilmington who provided the prizes. Also thanks to Seaton Fire Service for their usual hose down of the muddy runners and photo-fit.com for the official photos.
As ever, the runners were entertained all the way round by musicians creating a fantastic atmosphere amongst the competitors and spectators alike.
Seaton parkrun
It was a Grizzly themed parkrun on Saturday with a huge number of tourists amongst the 434 finishers and the big team of volunteers. Many were sporting Grizzly T-shirts from yesteryear. A few Grizzly bears were also spotted!
First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 20:22, also second on age-grade in 79.54%. Carol Austin celebrated her 300th parkrun taking the third age-grade spot with 79.5%. for her 25:07. Katharine Moran achieved a triple whammy of 100 parkruns; 50 volunteer stints and her first non-stop 5k since a bad accident last year.
And finally
At the European Athletics Indoor Championships in Apeldoorn, Holland, Innes Fitzgerald took eighth spot in the 3000m. In a very competitive field she finished in 8:57.00; a brilliant result for her first senior GB appearance.
