AVRs shine at the Monument

It was a very successful trip into Somerset on Sunday for AVR at the Wellington Monument race.   The race, which is just over 10k, sees runners taking on the challenging climb from the village square in Hemyock up to the Monument before enjoying a downhill finish albeit with a sneaky hill included.  There are great views at the summit and on route with mulled wine, cider and mince pies to greet the runners afterwards.

AVR’s Rich Hardy was third, and first M40, in 36:49.   Eleanor Wood was an excellent 58th and first F65 in 50:28 which would have also scooped F55 and F60!  Ron Seward was 62nd and first M70 in 51:28.

Matt Frost was eighth in 40:09 and Lee Moran 12th and second M45, in 41:36.  Richard Jackson was 65th in 52:07; Lee Brooker 97th in 57:51 and Fiona Seward 131st, and third F65, in 1:06.30.

The team prize also went to AVR with Rich Hardy, Lee Moran, Matt Frost and Eleanor Wood scoring and taking away bottles of cider, rosettes and chocolates for their morning’s work.

Christmas cheer on the Otter

The Otterton Reindeer Run fell victim to Storm Darragh last weekend but went ahead on Saturday with AVR’s Karen Eyre finishing third female in 49:35. Rupert Pady finished in 46:40.  The race was won by Tom Merson, Exmouth Harriers in 37:13.

It was a lovely scenic looped multi-terrain run starting and finishing in Otterton with views of Ladrum Bay from the coastal path and views down into Budleigh from the riverside of the Otter.

Full results

Christmas jolly at Escot

Fancy dress and fun was the order of the day at Escot on Sunday as seven AVRs joined the Extremely Jolly 10k trail race. The festive trail around the stunning private grounds of the Escot Estate uniquely includes a 30m water slide!  But it isn’t just fun, there are trails, woodland paths, bridges and water crossings to navigate. Runners are rewarded with a lovely ‘reindeer’ medal and hot drinks and mince pies.

Zoe Harp and Louise Rawlins were 113th and 114th in 1:22.41 and 1:22.44 respectively while Rachel Hiscock, Denise Burgess, Shirley Salter and Kelly Giles all ran together finishing 193rdto 196th in 1:40.29 with 261 completing the race.

 

Christmas Cracker

Ragnhild Richards ran the 10k Christmas Cracker in Weston-super-Mare, a flat course along the Esplanade with some parts ran on the beach itself.

In good conditions, she finished in 54.43, fifth F60 a little faster than last year.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

After three weeks of no parkrun in Seaton it was great to be back with the sun shining as an added bonus.  AVRs dominated the top finishers with first home Matt Clist in 17:00, also second on age grade in an impressive 83%.  Debbie Whiston was first female to finish in 20:09, third on age-grade.  Joel Seward was second finisher in 17:44.

Tony Smith and Sam Miller finally took part “where it all began”, the famous Bushy parkrun while Carolyn Nation ran the very scenic Plym Valley parkrun.  Rob Collier and Sam Summers did Riverfront parkrun in Newport and Kerry Board ran Exmouth parkrun.

 

And finally …

Innes Fitzgerald followed up the defence of her European Cross Country U20 title last weekend with a brilliant run indoors at the Cardiff Met Christmas Classic to finish in 9:04.87 to go third on the all-time British U20 indoor rankings behind Zola Budd and Jess Warner-Judd.

AVR celebrate a successful year

There was no running gear in sight on Saturday evening as AVR members celebrated their successful year at the annual awards dinner at the Picture House in Seaton.  There was a ‘black and white’ dress code for the event which saw the awards presented by Chair, Haydn Boehm and club captains, Rob Collier and Carol Austin.

The top performance awards went to Debbie Whiston, best female runner and Matt Hewer, best male runner.  Both have won a significant number of local races and achieved excellent marathon times in London; 3:07 and 2:47 respectively.  Matt also achieved PBs at every distance from parkrun to the marathon and both won their category at the Club Challenge.

Most improved runners of the year went to Helen Boehm and Jacqui Stokes for the women with Lee Brooker and David Long taking the male equivalent.  All four have shown considerable and consistent improvement throughout the year.

The Founders Trophy recognises determination and effort to achieve a significant goal or overcoming significant challenges, such as injury or illness.  This year it was awarded jointly to Sarah Shepley and Kevin Feeney who received one of the biggest cheers of the evening.   They have each overcome major injury or illness while at the same time being the absolute driving forces to establishing Stop Line Way junior parkrun so successfully as well as contributing to the Club through Grizzly work, run leading and helping with numerous club events.

The Chair’s award, is chosen by the chair rather than voted on by members, and this year Haydn Boehm has selected Liz Thomas who has acted as the Club Treasurer since 2013.  A stalwart of the spreadsheet Liz has kept the finances on track and brought many of the systems into the modern age, working tirelessly behind the scenes on both Club and Grizzly business.

Matt Clist was awarded the President’s Shield, chosen for a specific performance related achievement.  This year Matt targeted the Club Challenge in which the maximum points any runner can achieve during the year is 800 and Matt finished the year on the magic 800 points, winning the M40 category by 15 points from Rich Hardy, who also finished on an extremely creditable 785 points.

The other category winners were as follows:

Female: senior – Adrianne Mullins 291 points; F40 Jacqui Stokes 476; F45 Debbie Whiston 706; F50 Karen Eyre 634; F55 Ann Coston 254; F60 Adele Girdwood 320; F65 Eleanor Wood 561; F70 Diana Burn 62.

Male: senior – Joel Seward 770; M40 Matt Clist 800; M45 Matt Hewer 762; M50 Rob Collier 567; M55 Rupert Pady 692; M60 Ian Kinnersley 592; M65 Andy West 476; M70 Ron Seward 414 and M75 Rick Wood 11.

Also awarded on Saturday evening were the prizes for the handicap winners with first place going to Helen Boehm who won an incredible four of the ten monthly prizes accumulating an unstoppable 149 points.  Second place went to Anthony Mullins with 107 points with third place going to James Gullar on 99.

Team of the Year for 2024 went to the M45 Masters Relay Team who came a staggering fifth place in the National Road Relays earlier this year.  The team consisting of Matt Hewer, Matt Clist, Ryan Snell and Duncan Staddon were up against some serious competition from clubs with much bigger catchment areas.

The final award of the evening went to Club Person of the Year, awarded for a significant contribution to the running of the club above and beyond what is expected.  The 2024 award went to Haydn Boehm for taking the Club forward since taking over as Chair and building on the strong foundations set by the previous Chair.  In particular making it such an inclusive club with an ever increasing membership; building the brand; developing the coaching; facilitating the juniors section starting up again and encouraging links with both Seaton Cricket and Seaton Football clubs to enable a programme of social events to take place.

All award winners received a mug, especially designed by local potter Gilly Humphreys.

Storm Darragh cancels parkrun

The Amber weather warning from Storm Darragh meant no Seaton parkrun and very few events across the south-west with the Ottery Reindeer Run also falling victim to the weather.

A few AVRs blew over to St Mary’s parkrun in Bridport which did go ahead with Simon Dimmock first finisher. Tom Parsons managed to get to The Great Field in Dorchester and Tony Smith escaped to Reading on Friday to run Dinton Pastures parkrun on Saturday.

Vamos Valencia!

Six AVRs travelled to Spain to tackle the famously flat and fast marathon Trinidad Alfonso Valencia.  Taking place just a few weeks after the city was devastated by flooding the race began with a period of reflection and the anthem of Valencia.  Runners, supporters, families and friends all bringing much needed income and support to the region in the race, branded “Valenica runs 4 Valencia”.

Making his marathon debut, Kenya’s Sabastian Sawe took the victory in 2:02.25.  There were mixed emotions for the six AVRs.   First AVR in a huge PB was Joel Seward in 2:35.56 in 846thplace, from 28721 men; a brilliantly paced run with a negative split.  There was also a tremendous PB for Matt Frost in 2:47.50, 2266th male.

Terry Emmett struggled with a tight calf finishing in a still impressive sub-3; 2:55.57; Matt Hewer, suffering from the effects of a virus, finished in 3:06.07; while Ryan Snell had to pull out at 14 miles and David Cull completed it in 4:04.56.

Molly Smith finished 28th female and second British woman in a brilliant four minute PB of 2:31.46 while Jake Smith had an impressive day at the office pacing the fourth group at 2:10 pace to 30KM.

Full results 

Glorious Goodwood

A bit closer to home and a group of AVRs headed to the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit to take part in the marathon and half marathon, which uses the racing track so fast, flat circular racing!  They faced wet and windy conditions but came away with some excellent results.

In the marathon Rich Hardy not only got a podium finish, taking second place but also a shiny PB in 2:38.24 and first M40.  Rob Collier finished in 3:03.16, 28th and first M55.

Max Richardson, coming back from a long knee injury, had an outstanding race in the half-marathon finishing in 1:24.56 in 18th place.  Adrianne and Anthony Mullins ran together and finished in 2:01.10 and 2:01.12, PBs for them both.

 

A mudfest at the Full Montycute

It was a tough and very muddy affair at Yeovil Montecute in Somerset for the 10-mile off-road race, the Full MontyCute.  The race starts and finishes at Ham Hill with runners facing ten hills during the ten-mile scenic route around the Ham Hill Country Park.  Twelve AVRs enjoyed the Grizzly’esque conditions to complete the race, organised by Crewkerne Running Club.

The race was won by Chard Road Runners’ Wayne Loveridge in 1:15.43.  First AVR home was Will Campbell in 1:30.40 in 12th place.  Kerry Board was an impressive sixth female and first F45 scooping a trophy and bottle of wine.  Also going home with wine and a trophy was Eleanor Wood, first F55 in 58th, 1:46.25 while Ian Kinnersley was second M60 in 1:46.26, 59th.  AVR were also the third mixed team with Jeremy Larcombe (227th in 1:40.11) and Sue Hayes (95th in 1:44.16) completing the team with Will Campbell and Kerry Board.

Full results  with 236 completing the race.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

Sadly there was no parkrun in Seaton on Saturday with a late cancellation due to a police incident.

Out on their travels Craig Tiley took part in Lydiard parkrun in Swindon; Jeremy Norcombe ran Highbury Fields in London; Tim Sibley and Alan Morbey completed Porthcawl parkrun in Wales; and Canny Hart ran The Old Showfield parkrun in Frome.

And finally …

Congratulations to Eleanor Wood who finished third female in the InStep Devon Series for 2024 and also first F65.  Also to Ron Seward who retained the M70 crown.  AVR also finished third in both male and female team categories.  Prizes will be awarded at the First Chance 10k event in Exeter in Januray.

Brent Knoll secures Somerset series success for AVR

In the final race of the Somerset Series, AVR’s Karen Eyre and Rupert Pady beat Storm Bert to take part in the Brent Knoll multi-terrain race on Sunday.  It is described as a “short sharp shock” of a race and is six or so miles of muddy, steep footpaths and roads up and over Brent Knoll.  The heavy rain reduced to light drizzle for the race which was oragnised by Burnham-on-Sea Harriers.

Karen Eyre had a tremendous race to finish fourth female and first F45 in 51:04.  This also secures her second placed female in the 2024 Somerset Series and first in the F45 category.  Prizes were presented after the race so she travelled home with two engraved pint glasses.

Rupert Pady also had a good race.  Full results to follow.

 

Sunshine for some!

Pam Goddard and Cliff Marriott were holidaying in Tenerife so ran the ‘la espiritu triabona’ at Caleta De Adeje.  Pam completed the 5K while Cliff ran the 10K.  The events took place in the evening with lights, music and amazing support from the marshalls and public alike.  They were made very welcome by the lovely people of Amarilla Coastrun and loved the experience and the sunshine!

Bert cancels many local parkrun events

Storm Bert well and truly blew away Seaton parkrun on Saturday with the route unsafe.

But further afield Bec Davey and Carolyn Nation completed their parkrun alphabet with an N at Netley Abbey, supported by Emma Richardson.

Louise Rawlins, Suzi Blackett, Zoe Harp and Laura Kerr completed Cardiff parkrun as a ‘fast walk’ the first 5k for Laura since a foot operation. Patrick Devine-Wright ran University Parks parkrun in Oxford while Steve Speariett took part in Clevedon Salthouse parkrun and Anthony Mullins hot-footed it to St Mary’s parkrun in Bridport after the cancellation of Seaton.

And finally …

Well done to Innes Fitzgerald who won the U20 Liverpool Cross Challenge on Saturday securing her place in the British team for the European Cross Country Championships in Antalya next month where she will look to defend her title.

Three Rs at the Gosport Half

Rich Hardy, Ryan Snell and Rob Collier made the trip to Gosport for the half-marathon which starts and finishes in the Hampshire seaside town.  Conditions were good on Sunday for the two-lap flat course along the scenic seafront towards Lee-on-Solent.

First AVR home was Rich Hardy in 17th in a big PB of 1:14.38, second M40.  Ryan Snell, aiming for marathon pace, was 29th in 1:17.54, third M45 with Rob Collier in 116th in 1:25.47 fourth M55.  More than 1300 completed the race.

 

Seven Hill Loop for the Smiths

Tony Smith accompanying son, Jake ran the 15k NN’s Zevenheuvenloop in Nijmegen in the Netherlands on Sunday.  The race, which saw a 15k world record from NN’s Jacob Kiplimo, was undulating with the runners tackling seven hills!

Tony finished in an excellent 1:05.42 while Jake Smith, continuing his comeback was 29th in 45:27.

Success at St Neots Half

Will Campbell and mum, Sue Hayes ran the St Neots half marathon in Cambridgeshire on Sunday.  There were perfect running conditions and even an appearance from the sun. Although there is some undulation the route takes runners along the riverside with a three-mile downhill finish so it is a race known for some fast times.

Will set a target of 90 minutes and smashed it with 1:28.44, coming in 125th while Sue also had a good race finishing 303rd in 1:41.08.  More than 1100 completed the race.

 

AVR run the “Coly Dog” for Children in Need

On Tuesday evening around sixty members ran the “Coly Dog” to raise money for Children in Need.
The 8-mile route around the town of Colyton and village of Colyford forms a collie dog on the run tracking app, Strava and is in memory of Rosie, a collie belonging to club members Tim and Amie Sibley who designed the route during lockdown.
The club now run it annually and has this year raised more than £500 for Children in Need.  Axe Valley runners is based in East Devon attracting members from Seaton to Lyme Regis and Axminster to Branscombe.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

AVR women had a good day on Saturday with Debbie Whiston first female in 19:59, also third on age-grade, and Kerry Board second female in 22:12.  Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with a brilliant 92% for her 23:05.  Janet Cullum tipped into 80% age grade for her 28:45.

There were also shiny PBs for Matt Hewer in 18:09, Mark Parsons in 23:17 and Anthony Mullins in 24:12.

Further afield Tony Smith and Sam Miller completed Goffert parkrun in the Netherlands before the big race on Sunday.  Rob Collier celebrated his birthday with Sam Summers at Tilgate parkrun in Sussex while Kevin Feeney also celebrated his birthday with Sarah Shepley at Kingston parkrun, alongside the Thames.  Closer to home, Craig Tiley ran the new Simmons parkrun in Okehampton; Paul Johns took part in Central Plymouth parkrun; Simon Dimmock ran Tamar Trails and Jon and Gill Day crossed the border completing Severn Bridge parkrun.

Delightful Drogo!

There was a huge contingent of AVRs at the Drogo 10, a popular and challenging trail race which is also the final race in this year’s club championship.  The event, organised by South West Road Runners, starts and finishes at Castle Drogo taking in views of the stunning Teign Valley and a total climb on the undulating course of some 535m.  After days of cloud runners were greeted with some sunshine and blue sky.

First AVR home was Rik Tumber in seventh place in 1:08.24 with Karen Eyre the first AVR woman to finish taking first F50 in an impressive 1:26.08.

Patrick Devine-Wright was ninth home in 1:10.35 and second M50 closely followed by Tm Lenton, third M50 in 1:11.59,  12th overall.

Full results

Hats off to Seaton parkrun

On Saturday there was birthday hats, cake and a party atmosphere as Seaton parkrun celebrated its eighth birthday.  Since starting in November 2016 nearly 15000 different people have completed the 5k run with 657 different volunteers including, of course, many AVRs.  On Saturday the Event Directors, Carol Austin and Tony Smith presented prizes to those who have volunteered the most and to some of the best hat creations then cut the cake.

In the event itself it was a quiet day for AVR with many volunteering or saving themselves for Drogo so it was a full podium for Chard Flyers.  However Claire Warner returning from a long injury and a recent birthday was third on age grade with 79% for her 27:17 followed by Janet Cullum, 78% for her 29:29 finish.

South West Shenanigans for AVR

Right across the south-west this weekend AVRs were racing with considerable success.  From Bodmin to Bideford and Sidmouth to Somerset AVRs had it covered!

 

All for the Cornish pasty!

On Sunday, Jeremy Slade and Tim Sibley ventured across the border into Cornwall to run the Cornish Marathon, now in its 40th year.  It is a challenging, hilly route with runners rewarded with wonderful views of Bodmin Moor and Cornwall, looping from Pensilva to Golitha falls and Jamaica Inn. The conditions were good and the threatened drizzle didn’t come. The autumn colours were lovely and it was a very well marshalled event with runners receiving a medal, hoodie and a tasty Cornish pasty after their 26.2 mile effort.

Both AVRs had great runs with Jeremy setting a huge marathon PB of 4:33:53 to finish 202nd, some 16 minutes quicker than last year. Tim also had a brilliant run to finish in an excellent 56th in 3:35:17. There were 378 finishers.

Bideford 10 – flat and fast!

Six AVRs ventured up to north Devon to compete in the Bideford 10 – a ten-mile, mainly flat route along the Tarka Trail starting and finishing in the town.  There is a small hill as the runners head out of the town giving magnificent views of the Taw and Torridge Estuary.  Always a well-organised race by Bideford AAC and attracting a competitive field, Sunday’s event was won by international steeplechaser, Phil Norman in 49:57.

First home for AVR was Rich Hardy, 17th in 56:52, fourth M40 followed by Ryan Snell, 20th in 57:35 taking the third M45 prize.  Matt Frost and Matt Hewer were neck and neck with Matt Frost finishing in 40th in 1:00.47  and Matt Hewer in 1:00.51 in 42nd.  These four were all using the event as part of their marathon training.

Diane and Graham Newton also had excellent runs after the disappointment of the cancellation of the Great South Run due to Storm Ashley.  Graham was third M75 in 1:22.05 and Diane fourth F75 in 2:15.42.

Full results

Beautiful Byes – Sidmouth 10K

Five AVRs opted for the short trip to Sidford to take part in the Sidmouth 10k organised by LM Events.  The race, which started at Sidford Social Hall, takes runners along the scenic Byes, adjacent to the River Sid, to the seafront and along the Esplanade before returning the same way.   However, it also includes an evil steep hilly loop in each direction!

Joel Seward was first AVR home taking third place after a great race with the lead pack finishing in 36:46, some 43 seconds quicker than last year. Richard Coffey was 62nd in 51:26 while Carol Austin, returning from injury, was 16th female and second F55 in 52:46.  Lee Brooker was 105th in 56:09 with Matt Chenery 111th in 56:27.  There were wooden medals for the 266 finishers.

Herepath Half – the people’s path!

Five AVRs travelled up to Somerset for this challenging trail half marathon organised by Taunton’s Running Forever RC and forming part of the Somerset Race Series.   The route follows the Staple Fitzpaine Herepath Trail in the Blackdown Hills for around 13.7 miles. The trail reaches the highest point in the Blackdown Hills to give fabulous views.

Herepaths were originally important trade and communication routes between settlements during the ninth century – they are often referred to as people’s paths.

First AVR home was Rob Collier in an excellent 12th place in 1:43.29 followed by Karen Eyre, 34th in 1:55.37; Eleanor Wood, 58th in 2:06.49 first F60; Zoe and Rob Harp 106th and 107th in 2:21.38.  There were 177 finishers.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a grey but still morning for Seaton parkrun on Saturday with 274 finishers.  AVR’s Debbie Whiston was first female and second on age grade in 20:16, 79%.  There were PBs for Mark Parsons in 23:38, Sue Hodge in 25:45, Sarah Farmer in 28:14 and Liz Curley in 31:29.

Further afield Tom Parsons nabbed his Z at  Zegerplas parkrun in Alphen aan den Rejn in The Netherlands. He was delighted with a 21:26 PB.  Meanwhile also on the alphabet challenge, Carolyn Nation was in Jersey for her J leaving her with just one letter to go.  Tony Smith and Sam Miller completed Brueton parkrun in Solihull while Paul Johns was just down the road at Oaklands in Birmingham. Jon and Gill Day took part in the new Simmons parkrun in Okehampton and Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard ran Central parkrun in Plymouth.

 

A Grand Day Out

There was an impressive turnout of AVRs at the Grand Canal Canter half-marathon in Tiverton on Sunday perhaps tempted by those extra championship points on offer.  The flat course is run entirely on the Grand Western canal towpath starting and finishing in Tiverton with the turnaround at Sampford Peverell.

It was a beautiful sunny morning, although still a little misty at 8am when the first race began in which Georgie Ryan took part finishing in 2:08.59, a new PB, and 75th place.  The second race, at the later start of 10.45am attracted another eight AVRs with first AVR home Jason Potter in fourth place and first M35 in a PB of 1:36.11 closely followed by Simon McClellan in sixth place in 1:39:18.  Luke Freathy was 12th in 1:52.01 with Jo Orsman in 29th in 2:13.35; Bob Carter, 30th in 2:15.16; Cath Brenton, 38th in 2:33.59; Shuna George, 44th in 2:48.53 and Baz Chandra, 45th in 2:48.54, running in his ever half-marathon.

The Power of Ten(s)

Matt Frost took part in the Exeter City Community Trust Halloween 10 miler. Starting in Exeter Canal Basin, the flat and fast route took runners around the scenic route of the Exe Valley River Park with a five and ten mile option available. Matt chose the ten-mile race to use it as part of a marathon training run so did a 10-mile warm up beforehand.   He was then aiming to run at planned marathon pace but ended up running in his words more like “a dream marathon pace” finishing fourth in an excellent 1:01:29.   A total of 116 completed the 10m option.

Jeremy and John Larcombe took on The Stickler, a challenging ten-mile race hosted by the Dorset Doddlers, now in its 29th year.  It includes three of Dorset’s highest peaks with more than 1500 feet of gruelling climbing, beginning with the infamous ’Stickle Path’. Runners ascend three locally renowned peaks along the beautiful Stour Valley: Okeford Beacon, Hod Hill and Hambledon Hill. The course is mostly on gravel tracks, with some stretches on tarmac and grass.

Luckily on Sunday it was a super sunny morning with the course dry in most places.  Jeremy came in 128th in 1:32:42 with John 431st in  2:09:52. More than 500 completed the race.

Marathon Eryri

Back from completing two marathons on opposite sides of the world, Angela Kerr took part in her third marathon in two months at the beautiful and scenic Marathon Eryri in Snowdonia on Saturday. The demanding and spectacular route which encircles Yr Wyddfa – the highest peak in Wales – has made this iconic route one of the most popular races in the calendar.  On a beautiful sunny day in Wales, Angela finished in 5:33.44, 593rd female, enjoying the stunning scenery as well as the 2590 feet of ascent!

Turkish Delight

Ragnhild Richards completed the Kaş half marathon in Kalkan, Turkey on Sunday.  It was hilly and hot so she was pleased to finish in 2:16.32, just two seconds different to last year! She was also first, of two, F60.

Halloween Fun at Haldon

It was a spooky Friday night in the Haldon Woods and Louise Rawlins, never one to shy away from a dressing up opportunity, Aaron Rawlins and their son, Marley, took part in the Halloween Twilight 5k.  With ghosts, spooks and zombies to distract and scare them they finished 33rd, 34th and 35th in 36:51.

Stonebarrow 10k

It was a beautiful autumn day for the final National Trust 10k of this summer with Tony Smith, Andy West and Sarah Day taking part in the slightly shortened route due to Landgon Woods being out of use but still providing spectacular views over Golden Cap.  Purely for the enjoyment of the scenery and with no times this run is held on the fourth Sunday of the month, May to October.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

Conditions were perfect again in Seaton on Saturday with AVR securing both first finisher places and first on age-grade.  Ritchie Durrant, first male in 17:13 and Kerry Board, first female in 22.21.  Eleanor Wood was again first on age-grade with 91% for her 23:17. Simon Dimmock was second finisher in 18:30.  There were PBs for Mark Parsons in 23:41; Nicola Guppy in 29:22; Helen Boehm in 29:26 and Shirley Goy in 30:43.

Further afield Paul Johns completed Riverfront parkrun in Newport; Jeremy and Liz Slade ran Arrow Valley parkrun in Redditch; Cliff Marriott took part in Thurrock parkrun in Essex; Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley joined the masses at the new Battersea parkrun while Patrick Devine-Wright, Rupert Pady, Karen Eyre and Tom Parsons enjoyed the new winter route at Killerton parkrun.  Meanwhile David and Susi Sadler nabbed a U at Upton House parkrun and completed their 50th different location.

 

Mendip muddy madness

With the effects of Storm Ashley wiping out many events including the Great South Run it is a short round-up this week.

Storm Ashley was at its peak as AVR’s  Karen Eyre and Rupert Pady took to the start line for the Mendip Muddle, a tough 20k multi-terrain race in the Mendip Hills starting at Blagdon.  The route is described as scenic with a 420m climb and stunning views, a nature reserve, conifer forest and an iron age fort.  However with the wind and driving rain and hail of Sunday runners just wanted to see the finish line.  Finishing in an excellent ninth place, Rupert Pady was first M50 in 1:40.07 while Karen Eyre, despite feeling tired after organising the ColyTEN last week, also ran exceptionally well to finish eighth female and first F50 in 1:58.17.  Both won a large tub of chocolates.

The race, which attracted 137 finishers, forms part of the Somerset Series of 18 races from which runners must complete eight to be in the final standings.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

On Saturday the perfect conditions attracted another big turnout to Seaton with 280 finishers. Many AVRs completed the parkrun before, as part of or after a longer run clearly aware of Storm Ashley’s arrival on Sunday!  First AVR home was Rich Hardy, second finisher, in 17:47 just pipping Harry McMahon into the third finisher spot in 17:50.  Debbie Whiston was second female in 20:12.  Eleanor Wood with an amazing 90% was first on age-grade for her 23:33.

There were PBs for Zoe Harp in 25:35; Helen Boehm in 30:51; and Shirley Goy in 31:05.

Further afield Kerry Board, fresh from her brilliant Chicago marathon last week, took part in Roosevelt Island DC parkrun  in Washington, finishing fourth woman on her tired legs in 23:20.  Luke Freathy took part in Durham parkrun while Craig Tiley completed Nothwich parkrun and Andy Goy ran Peter Pan parkrun in Hull.   Closer to home, Patrick Devine-Wright and Rupert Pady did Killerton parkrun and Georgie Ryan and Steve Saunders enjoyed the fast Exmouth parkrun.

Thrills and spills at the ColyTEN

The conditions were perfect for the second year of the ColyTEN held on Sunday with the event once again a huge success thanks to the great organisation of Rob Collier, Karen Eyre and a big team of AVRs supporting them.

The 10-mile race began in the muddiest of fields in Colyton with runners crossing two rivers, tackling a number of tough hills into the woods at Morganhayes then returning via more mud to the finish at the Peace Memorial Playing Fields.  AVR’s Chair Haydn Boehm rocked the MC role all morning and a host of AVRs and Colyton Youth Football members provided refreshments and huge support for the runners and spectators.

The race itself attracted nearly 250 runners with a big-turn out of AVRs amongst them.

The winners were Wayne Loveridge, Chard Road Runners, in 1:06.25 and Emily Cowper-Coles, Dark Peak Fell Runners in 1:10.43.  Second male was AVR’s Rik Tumber in a superb 1:08.18 followed by a great battle between Matt Clist who held on for fourth in 1:09.49, and Rich Hardy, fifth in 1:09.50.  AVR’s Debbie Whiston was an excellent third female in 1:17.51.  Age group prizes went to Matt Clist, M45; Rich Hardy M40; Rupert Pady M55 for his 1:18.27; Eleanor Wood, first F60 for a brilliant 1:32.34; and Sue Hayes F50 finishing in 1:36.33, even after stopping to help a fallen AVR.

The prizes, handcrafted mugs and boxes of veggies,  were presented by Jody Tucker, chair of Colyton Youth Football and Haydn Boehm, chair of Axe Valley Runners.

Full results are here.

 

My kinda marathon

Kerry Board and Angela Kerr completed the Chicago marathon in the windy city, one of the World Marathon Majors.  On the day when the women’s marathon record was obliterated by Kenyan Ruth Chepngetich who won in an incredible 2:09.56, there were mixed fortunes for the AVR duo.

Kerry finished in a brilliant 3:31, 2645th female, 197th F45, 12021st overall.  After just four weeks to recover from the Sydney marathon, Angela struggled from 30k but still dug deep to finish in 5:50, 141st F65,  to achieve an amazing fifth marathon major with just one to go to complete the set.

A Royal Affair

AVR’s Lee Brooker and Emma Richardson travelled to the Capital for the Royal Parks Half Marathon.  Starting in Hyde Park the route includes Green Park, Kensington Gardens, Buckingham Palace Garden, St James’s Park and the Mall, so covering much of the London marathon route but just the 13.1 miles.

Finishing as the 5257th male in 2:03.03 Lee Brooker was delighted with a shiny new PB while Emma Richardson ran her second fastest half marathon to finish in 2:19.23, 5195th female.  More than 17000 completed the race.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a quiet one for AVR in Seaton on Saturday due to the ColyTEN but there was a good turnout of volunteers and visitors including a family from Australia showing the joy parkrun brings across the world.  Harry McMahon was first finisher in 18:03 and Helen Boehm continued her streak of PBs for her 31:04.  Julia Conway celebrated her 50th milestone; Robert Kerr achieved his 100th parkrun and 100th volunteer milestone on the same day – great synchronisation; and a shout-out to Sarah Shepley for her 250th volunteer milestone achieved recently at Stop Line Way junior parkrun.

Tom Parsons popped over the border to complete St Mary’s parkrun in Bridport in the pouring rain along with Tracy Chapman; Andy Goy did Peter Pan parkrun in Hull; Paul Johns took part in Plym Valley parkrun while Anthony and Adrianne Mullins secured their U at Upton House parkrun.  Jo Orsman ran Exmouth parkrun mid long-run and Patrick Devine-Wright was an impressive sixth at Killerton parkrun.