Blustery Babcary

AVR’s Eleanor Wood and Ian Kinnersley popped over the border to Somerset on Sunday for the Babcary 10k, a road race on undulating country lanes around South Barrow, North Barrow and returning via Foddington.  The race, organised by Wells City Harriers and part of the Somerset Series, was challenging in Sunday’s windy and very wet conditions.

Both AVRs had great performances with Eleanor Wood coming in 58th in 59:28, first F65 and a tremendous first overall on age-grade and Ian Kinnersley finishing 35th in 54:15 and second M60.  Some 133 runners braved the conditions to complete the race.

Windy Wokingham

Terry Emmett and David Cull completed the Wokingham half marathon on Sunday.  A fast flat half running out of the town centre on to rural roads it attracts good club runners amongst the nearly 3000 competitors.  Conditions were challenging for the runners and organisers on Sunday with toilets having to be relocated and fewer signs used due to the high winds.

Terry finished in 157th place, 35th M40 in 1:19.18 after suffering from a stitch for a few miles with David in 512th for his 1:29.06.

 

Delightful Dartmoor

Tim Lenton and Patrick Devine-Wright took second place in the first of a two race fell series for pairs on Dartmoor on Saturday. Although muddy and challenging underfoot it was a beautiful sunny day.  Their time was 1:43.05 for the 16km which included 850m of ascent. Full results

Seaton parkrun and beyond

Conditions were beautiful on Saturday for Seaton parkrun with the sun coming out just as the 280 parkrunners started.   AVR’s Debbie Whiston was first female finisher in 20:00 and second on age-grade with 80%.  It was a clean sweep for AVR on age-grade with Karen Eyre leading with 81.9% for her 21.32, also third female, and Ron Seward in third on age-grade with 80.9% for his 23.02.

Out and about Tom Parsons enjoyed Eden Project parkrun finishing in 22:48 which he was pleased with after recent knee issues. He describes it as a fantastic course especially because you get free entry to the biomes and site afterwards! Tony Smith and Sam Miller joined Teignmouth Promenade’s 250th event celebrations with Tony delighted to get his first sub-20 5k for many years.  Helen Boehm completed Moors Valley parkrun; Wayne and Sam Tooze enjoyed the width of Hove Promenade parkrun while Paul Johns ran Bideford parkrun; Jon Day Killerton parkrun; Claire Warner Weymouth parkrun; and Andy and Shirley Goy Exmouth parkrun.

 

And finally …

Innes Fitzgerald took bronze at the UK Athletics Indoor Championships on Sunday in the 3000m in 8:52.56.  It was her first senior champs so to finish on the podium with esteemed athletes, Hannah Nuttall and Laura Muir was some considerable achievement.

Three hills, ten miles and a lot of fun

The Dalwood Three Hills race returned this year with hills, river crossings and a lot of mud for the 203 runners to enjoy.  Organised by Honiton Running Club the 10 mile race attracted a good turnout of AVRs looking for some Grizzly practice.
AVR’s Matt Clist was the male winner finishing in 72.38, also first M45.  AVR also secured the men’s team prize after dominating the leaderboard with Tim Lenton, third and first M50 in 75:14;  fourth and second senior male was Max Richardson in 75:42 and Matt Hewer fifth and second M45in 77:26.
Ninth female and first F65 was Eleanor Wood in 1:42.12; Simon McLennan was first M55 in 1:27.08 and Ian Kinnersley was first M60 in 1:40.40.
There was also a shorter 5k option available, the Dalwood Dash, which attracted 16 runners including James and Ann-Louise Childe who finished 12th and 13th respectively.
World record and a PB at Barcelona
While Uganda’s Jacob Kiplimo set a new world record at the Barcelona half marathon on Sunday finishing in an incredible 56:42, AVR’s Simon Dimmock was delighted to run a PB finishing in an impressive 1:21.06.
Seaton parkrun and beyond
Despite the misty, cold and damp conditions, there were 221 participants on Saturday at Seaton parkrun. Debbie Whiston was first female finishing in 20:58 which also placed her second on age-grade with 77%.  Karen Eyre pipped her for first on age-grade with 80.1% for her 22:00.  Joel Seward was second finisher in 18:24.
Out on the road Carol Austin went back to her old stomping ground of Cannon Hill parkrun for her 81st event there; Jon Day and Paul Johns took part in Moors Valley parkrun while Adrian Strawbridge and Lee Brooker ran the fast, flat Exmouth parkrun.  Ron and Fiona Seward enjoyed Groe parkrun in Wales while Pam Goddard took part in Edenbrook parkrun in Fleet.

AVRs celebrate half marathon PBs

Three AVRs travelled to Farnborough for the Winter Half Marathon organised by 2:09 Events on Sunday.  The event was an England Masters qualifier so attracted a very competitive field with victory for Adam Clark in 1:03.46 and Ellie Monks 1:15.55.

In very cold conditions Rich Hardy had a great race to finish with a shiny new HM PB of 1:14.31 and seventh M40-49.  Rob Collier also had a good run to finish in 1:24.05 and 22nd M50-59.

Angela Kerr, returning from a hip injury, finished in 2:10.09 and 26th F60-69.

Closer to home three AVRs took part in the Exeter half-marathon on a flat course around the riverside, Countess Weir and Matford Marshes.  Organised by the Exeter City Community Trust, races took place on both Saturday and Sunday with a five-mile option also available on Sunday.

Mark Sprags ran on Saturday securing an excellent PB of 1:44.26 in 150th place while Vicki Wraight was very pleased with her time of 2:06.17 in 292nd after a spell of injury and illness curtailed her training.

In Sunday’s half Adele Girdwood finished in 1:57.39, just shy of her PB but an excellent first F60 in 213th.

Matt Frost used the five-mile race as a spot of speed training within a 20-mile training run and secured second spot with 29:57.

Freezing Four Trigs

It was a bright sunny day but bitterly cold for the Four Trigs on Sunday which takes in four viewing points across the East Devon countryside around Sidmouth.  There was a good turnout of AVRs for the race which is around 27k with some 3999 feet of elevation.  It is self-navigated with trig points at Weston cliff, Buckton Hill, Beacon Hill and High Peak.  Nine AVRs took part in the challenging event enjoying the sunshine despite the tough terrain.

Results to follow.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a chilly one on Saturday with a wicked northerly wind so a huge thank you to those who volunteered.  Congratulations to Tony Smith who has joined the selective 250 volunteer club.

First female finisher was Debbie Whiston, who really felt the cold after two weeks in Cyprus, in 20:20 which also put her first on age-grade with 79.6%.  Joel Seward was third male in 17:50 even having again run 11 miles from home to the start line then another eight after parkrun!  Ron Seward was second on age-grade with 79.5% for his 23:26.  There was a PB for Matt Chenery in 26:28.

Further afield Craig Tiley took part in Lydiard parkrun near Swindon; Bethany Laycock ran Porthcawl parkrun; Emma Ellynn enjoyed Heartlands parkrun in Cornwall; Paul Johns ticked off a ‘B’ with Brynaman parkrun in Wales; Sidney Heaslip completed Central parkrun, Plymouth while Anthony and Adrianne Mullins enjoyed Aberfields parkrun also in Wales.

There was a quartet of AVRs  at Killerton parkrun with Kerry Board, Jess Board, Rupert Pady and Karen Eyre all getting some good Grizzly practice in!  Finally Tracy Chapman took part in St Mary’s parkrun in Bridport.

And finally

Last Tuesday in Ostrava, Czech, Innes Fitzgerald smashed the European U20 indoor record for 3000m finishing fourth in a loaded field in 8:40.05.  Her indoor season is really hotting up with the UK Championships and European Athletics Indoor Championships to come.

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.

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.

Blister bounces back

The Budleigh Blister, having replaced the Bicton Blister in the East Devon running calendar, then became victim to Storm Darragh late last year.  Exmouth Harriers managed to rearrange it to Sunday when conditions were perfect for the 10-mile mixed terrain route starting and finishing in Budleigh and featuring the stunning South West Coast Path out of Budleigh towards Otterton then following the River Otter back.

There was a good turnout of AVRs for the race which was won by Tom Merson in 59:42 with AVR’s Tim Lenton an excellent second, and first M50, in 1:03.47.  There were age category prizes for Simon McClennan, first M55 and 16thoverall finishing in 1:12.39 and Eleanor Wood, first F65, in 53rd finishing in 1:23.19, a full 30 minutes ahead of the next F65! Both went home with a bottle of wine for their efforts. Jacqui Stokes was third F40 in 69th place in 1:27.19.

The 181 finishers were all rewarded with a memento from the well organised race.

Full results

 

Benfleet 15

Cliff Marriott was back in his home county of Essex for the Benfleet 15, a very hilly and muddy tough trail race.  After finishing in 2:40.20 Cliff summed it up: “I hated every minute but will be back next year!”.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

Conditions were chilly but calm for Seaton parkrun on Saturday with 245 finishers.  AVR dominated the age grade podium with Karen Eyre, first with 79.9% for her 22:04 and second female finisher; Debbie Whiston, who was first female in 20:27 and second on age-grade with 79%; and third, Ron Seward, 78% for his 23:39.  Joel Seward was second finisher in 17:59.

Baz Chandra celebrated his 100 milestone, a fantastic achievement having only started running three years ago.  There was an excellent PB for Lee Brooker in 25:33.

Paul Lloyd was in Cornwall so took in Heartlands parkrun near Redruth, a lovely three lap course around old mining works;  Matt Frost celebrated his birthday with a first finisher spot at Clevedon Salthouse Fields in 17:49;  Luke Freathy completed Holyrood parkrun in Edinburgh while Roberta and Mike Wadsworth and Darrell Farley visited the new Greendale Farm Shop parkrun.

 

And finally …

On Tuesday all AVR club runs will feature 70 in some way, be it 70 minutes, 7.0 miles or 7 hills, all to celebrate a plethora of 70th birthdays in the club.  The Club is proud of its inclusivity and the fact that age is no barrier to running.  The 70+ age categories are about to get even more competitive than they already are!

AVR dominate Axmouth Challenge

Conditions were good for Sunday’s Axmouth Challenge with the freezing temperatures giving way to slightly milder weather with plenty of mud underfoot.  There were nine-mile, five-mile and three-mile races on offer and a one-mile fun run all starting and finishing at the village hall. Mixed terrain, hilly and muddy meant it was great training for the Grizzly and Cub events.  A huge turnout of AVRs supported the event with timers, back markers and helpers as well as many racing.

Chard Road Runner, Wayne Loveridge was the comfortable winner of the nine-mile race finishing in 56:00.  Then followed a host of AVRs headed by Matt Clist, in second, also first M45, in 57:13 and Ritchie Durrant in third in 58:02.  These were followed by Andrew Snook fourth and first M40 in 1:01.06; Max Richardson fifth in 1:02.43; Matt Hewer sixth and second M45 in 1:04.50 and Rob Collier seventh and first M55 in 1:0715.

Honiton RC dominated the women’s podium.  Fourth female and first AVR female was Eleanor Wood, also first F65, in 1:20.01. Other AVR age group firsts were Ian Kinnersley, first M60, in 1:16.51; Jacqui Stokes first F40 in 1:24.20; and David King, first M70 in 1:26.39.

The five-mile race was won by AVR’s Simon Dimmock and Charlotte Bailey in 37:27 and 58:10 respectively.

Full results 

 

Seaton parkrun and beyond

With so many events cancelled further north, it was with relief that Seaton parkrun took place with conditions very cold but not icy.  AVR’s Joel Seward and Debbie Whiston were first finishers in 17:23 and 21.11 respectively with Debbie also third on age-grade with 76%.  Mark Parsons got a shiny new PB of 22:42 and congratulations to Helen Boehm who reached her 100 milestone.

With the Axmouth Challenge the following day many AVRs took the opportunity to volunteer. Ron Seward, who was volunteering, also received his In Step Devon award for first M70 in 2024 from club chair Haydn Boehm and In Step Devon third female and first F65, Eleanor Wood.

James Ashforth travelled to the Eden Project to enjoy their parkrun and the centre.  Tom Parsons took part in the Marine Parade parkrun in Weston Super Mare.  There was a posse of AVRs at Frogmary Green with Aaron and Louise Rawlins, Karen Eyre and Rupert Pady taking part.  Craig Tiley and Paul Johns visited the inaugural Greendale Farm Shop parkrun.

And finally …

Innes Fitzgerald continued her fantastic form indoors by breaking the British U20 3000m record with 8:48.30 in Cardiff.

AVRs celebrate at First Chance

Nine AVRs faced challenging wet and windy conditions on Exeter riverside on Sunday for the First Chance 10k, organised by the South West Road Runners. It is a flat course but with some tight turns crossing the River Exe a number of times.

Rich Hardy was an impressive eighth and first M40 finishing in 34:51, although felt it was one race too many after a busy few days including an excellent result at the Chard Flyer on New Year’s Day.  Matt Frost was 24th in 37:15.

First M75 was Graham Newton in 48:50 with Eleanor Wood second F65 in 47:58; Carol Austin second F60 in 50:02; and Diane Newton second F75 in 1:20.41.

Full results

After the event, the In Step Devon awards for 2024 were presented with Eleanor Wood receiving third female overall and first F65 and Ron Seward picking up first M70 for the year long series of events across all disciplines, road, trail, short and longer distances throughout Devon.  AVR also took third club in both male and female team awards.  Full results for 2024 

Yesterday’s event was the first in the 2025 calendar.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a windy parkrun on Saturday for the first event of 2025 with another 315 finishers including many tourists.  First female was Debbie Whiston in 21:10 with Karen Eyre second female in 21:56 and also first on age-grade with 80.4%. Janet Cullum was third on age-grade with 76.8% for her 29:58.  Simon Dimmock was third finisher in 18:47.

Congratulations and thanks to Andy West who celebrated reaching his 50 volunteer milestone.

Out on the road Patrick Devine-Wright took part in the University of Galway parkrun in Ireland while closer to home Louise and Aaron Rawlins completed St Mary’s parkrun.

AVRs off to a flyer

After a very successful 2024 AVR began 2025 with more success at the Chard Flyer, a 10k road race held on New Year’s Day and organised by Chard Road Runners.  There was a big turnout from AVR despite the wet and very windy conditions, boosted by the opportunity for some early point scoring in the club championships.  Run on a mix of park paths and country lanes the route takes runners from Chard into the South Somerset countryside including some challenging hills.

Second place overall and first M40 was Rich Hardy in 35:19 with Matt Clist just four seconds behind in 35:23. In fourth place was Joel Seward in 36:27.

Fifth female was AVR’s Karen Eyre in 45:12, also second F45, with Eleanor Wood a very impressive first F55 (despite being 65+) in 49:49.

Rob Collier was an excellent first M50 in 40:53.

Full results

 

Final Countdown

The Final Countdown, held on New Year’s Eve in Sidmouth and organised by Winding Paths,  is a multi-terrain race of approx.10k which starts on the Esplanade in the town with runners tackling the very challenging Peak Hill then enjoying the views from the golf course and Mutters Moor before descending into Connaught Gardens to finish.  Five AVRs took part with first AVR home in sixth place and second M40 Andrew Snook in 42:04.

Full results

 

Gutbuster

Cliff Marriott ran the undulating 10-mile Gutbuster in rural Berkshire on Sunday finishing in 1:44.36. Pam Goddard took part in the 10k version completing it in 1:10.53.  Both describing the races as huge fun but very muddy.

 

Seaton parkrun and beyond

Christmas Day saw a record breaking 504 finishers at Seaton parkrun including a rare appearance from female course record holder, Innes Fitzgerald.

There was another bumper parkrun in Seaton on Saturday with 373 completing the 5k event.  First home was AVR’s Rich Hardy in 16:52 with Debbie Whiston first female in 19:55. Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with an incredible 92% for her 23:00.  James Ashforth celebrated his 100th parkrun milestone by running in a weighted vest in preparation for his challenge later this year when he takes part in the London marathon dressed as a robin to raise funds and awareness for the baby loss charity, Tommys.

With extra parkrun events on both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day there were a lot of AVRs out on the road including Tom Parsons who took part in the Coedweg Niwbwrch/Newborough Forest parkrun on Anglesey / Ynys Môn in a time of 22:57. It was a very scenic route through the woodland with views over a rough sea to the mountains of Eryri.

Meanwhile Matt Frost ran Five Arches parkrun on Saturday. Ending the year on a high he managed to come away with a parkrun PB in 17:38 to finish the year with PBs in parkrun, 5k, 10k, half marathon and marathon – some effort that!

 

And finally …

In the club organised Bank Holiday 10k time trial, 49 members took part in excellent running conditions. With early club championships points available there were some super fast times.

Results

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.