The bogs have been re-captured!

The Grizzly 2025 – (Who let the bogs out?) – has been run and won. We’d like to say a massive well done to all the competitors who took part in the Grizfest races, The Cub and The Grizzly over the weekend, and a huge thanks to all the marshals, volunteers and supporters who once again turned up in big, enthusiastic numbers, making this a properly magnificent event. Congratulations to the winners of all the categories, and to everyone who ran this weekend – you’re all superstars.

Planning for the 2026 Grizzly will commence in May, when the race date and ballot details will be released.

The results for the 2025 Grizzly and Cub are available here.

Brilliant photos from the day are now available here (big thanks to Photo-fit, who did an incredible job at capturing your experiences once again this year).

Following is the race report by Carol Austin

Grizzly 2025 – Who let the bogs out?

Sunshine brings fast times and crowds out in Seaton

Around 2000 runners completed the Grizzly and Cub races today 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 taking the crowns in the 9-mile Cub race.

After weeks of rain and far too many grey days the conditions were excellent for the runners who set out from Seaton to tackle the challenge of the Grizzly races. The tough multi-terrain race takes runners over to Beer then up to Beer Head before dropping down into Branscombe. Those doing the shorter, nine-mile Cub race then turn back while those taking on the full Grizzly challenge head into the hills, bogs and valleys high above the picturesque village. All runners head back with a river crossing and a tough beach section followed by the notorious “Stairway to Heaven” before the scenic return through Beer and on to the finish on Seaton Esplanade.

The whole event was brilliantly organised by Axe Valley Runners led by Race Directors, Andy West and Steve Haines, supported by a huge team of volunteers from many local community and voluntary organisations. The runners are entertained all the way round by musicians creating a fantastic atmosphere amongst the competitors and the spectators alike. The event that has now been running for 35 years has raised more than half a million pounds towards local and national charities.

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.

In the women’s race, last year’s runner-up Alice Kelly of Exmouth Harriers went one better today 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.

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 Karawawski 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.

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.

All runners completing the Grizzly or Cub event were rewarded with an eye-catching wooden medal for their efforts. The race is also cup-free to keep the effects on the environment minimal.

The Grizzly weekend kicked off with a bumper turnout at Seaton parkrun on Saturday morning with many runners donning Grizzly T-shirts from yesteryear. More than 300 children then took part in the GrizFest races with a Junior Grizzly, Junior Cub and a Fun Run for different ages available all organised by AVR’s Karen Eyre and huge team of helpers.

The Grizzly is made possible by the sponsors, East Devon Physical Therapy who also provide 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 provide the prizes.

A quiz, craft and food markets and a shop window competition completed the Grizzly themed weekend in Seaton.

The Grizzly race would not be possible without the cooperation of the local farming community for which we are extremely grateful. We are pleased to announce we have chosen the Farming Community Network as our official charity partner this year. The FCN  supports  the farming community through difficult times and periods of change.