Mud, mud, beastly mud

There was a good turnout of AVRs at the Blackdown Beast, a social self-navigated run around the scenic Blackdown Hills brilliantly organised by Honiton Running Club.  The event on Saturday was also sandwiched perfectly between the two weekend storms, Storm Eowyn on Friday and Herminia on Sunday meaning the runners, who could choose from a ten or 16-mile route, enjoyed glorious sunshine although it was extremely muddy underfoot from many weeks of rain.

The timing of the run is perfect for Grizzly training.  The multi-terrain run includes seldom used footpaths, country lanes and off-road sections around Upottery, Dunkeswell and Smeatharpe.  Uniquely runners can enjoy a hot pasty and mulled cider after 8 miles in Smeatharpe Village Hall. For those on the 16-mile route there is a climb above the River Otter to the viewpoint at Luppitt giving a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside before the final descent and run across Luppitt Common to the finish at Dunkeswell Airfield.

Big thanks go to Honiton Running Club for another excellent day.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a glorious sunny Saturday in Seaton with 237 finishers enjoying the break between storms.  AVR’s Simon Dimmock was second finisher in 18:18 with Graham Newton second on age-grade with 79.4% for his 24:17 which was also a shiny new PB.  Third on age-grade with 79.2% was Ron Seward for his 23:31.  Lee Brooker continued his run of form with another PB, 24:57.  Congratulations to Paula Cooke who celebrated her 100 milestone.

Out on the road this week were Tony Smith and Sam Miller at the scenic Cycle Route 43 parkrun Ystalyfera in Wales; Anthony and Adrianne Mullins and David Cull at The Great Field parkrun; Paul Johns at Simmons parkrun in Okehampton; Aaron and Louise Rawlins and Jon Day enjoyed the mud at Greendale Farm Shop parkrun; and Kerry Board and Patrick Devine-Wright took part in Killerton parkrun.

Furthest afield was Debbie Whiston who ran the unique ESBA parkrun in Cyprus, an event only open to authorised personnel as it takes place in an army base.