Ax Minster means business

After a gap of five years the Minster Challenge returned on Saturday with Axe Valley Runners dominating both podiums in the 12k multi-terrain race.  Rich Hardy in 48:32 and Karen Eyre in 1:01.30 were the winners with AVR also taking the first seven male spots and five out of seven of the first female finishes.

It is a very challenging route, starting and finishing in Axminster, which then meanders out of the town into the beautiful surrounding countryside with climbs up Stammery Hill and Lodge Lane and a return via the aptly named Evil Lane! Despite the beautiful weather on the day runners faced a lot of mud, camber and flint underfoot.

Completing the men’s podium were Max Richardson, second in 49:04 and James Green, third in 49:35.  AVR also had almost a clean sweep of the men’s age group crowns with Rich Hardy, also first M40; Ryan Snell first M45 in 51:20; Richard Jackson, first M50 in 1:05.14; Rob Collier first M55 in 53:00; Ian Kinnersley first M60 in 1:04.59; Mike Wadsworth first M65 in 1:05.03 and Kevin Feeney first M70 in 1:20.45.

On the women’s side, Kerry Board was third in 1:03.47 with Eleanor Wood fifth and first F65 in 1:07.54.  Other age group winners were Karen Eyre, first F50; Jacqui Stokes first F45 in 1:10.06; Sarah Coates first F35 in 1:10.36; Ann Coston first F55 in 1:16.56; and Ragnhild Richards first F60 in 1:17.00.

Big thanks go to Ruby Red Running for reviving the event, Axe Valley Academy for hosting and AVR for providing the MC, Haydn Boehm.  There were 87 finishers in the 12k race with 5k and children’s races also available. For the AVRs the race formed part of this year’s club challenge.  Full results.

Yeovil Half and 10k

It was a beautiful sunny Sunday morning for the Yeovil Half Marathon and 10k which both start and finish in the centre of the Somerset town.  Five AVRs popped over the border to take part.  The routes are tough and undulating on country lanes surrounding Montacute House, the beautiful NT mansion house adjacent to Ham Hill.

In the 13.1 miler, Joel Seward came in a fantastic fourth place, nabbing a PB, of 1:14.57 which sets him up very well for the London Marathon in four weeks.  Matt Hewer, also with eyes on the Capital’s big race, was 20th and second M45 in 1:20.51.  Simon McClennan ran an excellent 1:32.47 to finish 93rd and secure himself a PB.  Ron Seward finished in 1:53.16, fourth M70.

Meanwhile in the 10k Fiona Seward finished in 1:01.13 and third F70.

 

Coastal Splendour

Cathy Brenton took part in the Total Coastal Half Marathon on Saturday with a finishing time of 3:26:43 for the tough 13.1 miles of the South West Coast Path between Torquay and Shaldon.

The race started at Preston Green, then meandered through Torquay, onto the SWCP towards Babbacombe so the views were stunning but the terrain very challenging.  The weather was perfect and helped especially with the last three hardest and toughest miles into Shaldon. Cathy, who finished in 60th from the 85 who took part, describes it as a great event with a generous cut-off and well organised by Winding Paths.

Not contend with 13.1 miles, James Hawker and Patrick Rosello took part in the ultra, 50k event which started in Kingswear, also following the Coast Path through Brixham and Paignton before joining the half marathon route to finish in Shaldon.  Patrick was 45th in 7:14.43 with James 57th in 7:47.51 with 116 completing the longer race.

Gloucester Half

Matt Frost completed the Gloucester Half Marathon in 1:20.30, 38th place in the event which starts and finishes in Gloucester Park in the cathedral city.  More than 1700 took part in the race with the route taking runners around the city centre passing the cathedral before heading out on closed roads and the canal towpath.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was another sunny day in Seaton with 223 finishers at the parkrun.   AVR’s Debbie Whiston was first female finisher in 21:00 and second on age-grade with 77% despite using it as part of a three-hour marathon training run. Lily Sibley nabbed another PB of 34.03.

Out and about Tom Parsons enjoyed Chippenham parkrun; Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard completed Frimley Lodge parkrun; Craig Tiley took part in Lydiard parkrun while Sean Vinnicombe enjoyed the beautiful but challenging Lanhydrock parkrun in Cornwall and John Whittaker ran Exeter Riverside parkrun.  Sam Miller and Tony Smith completed the stunning Mount Edgcumbe parkrun, surely in everyone’s top three events.

 

And finally …

Jake Smith and friends gave the Derry City parkrun team a bit of a surprise with seven of them breaking 17 minutes and Jake taking almost a minute off the course record with his finish time of 14:17.   The group were visting as part of a Stag weekend – definitely not your average stag party!  More info:  Fast Running 

AVRs racing far and wide

It was a bumper racing weekend for AVR members with road and trail, competitive and friendly events across the country, many in preparation for marathons while others targeting national honours.

British champs success for the Newtons

Graham and Diane Newton ran the Forest of Dean Spring Trails Half Marathon. The course undulates along a course of forest trails through the heart of the Forest of Dean. More than 1,000 runners took part and were lulled into a false sense of ease on the long downhill start, only to work their way back up the 750 feet of elevation to get back to the finish line. Graham had a brilliant run, coming in second M75 in 1:54:33 to take the British Trail Running Championship silver medal. Diane was very pleased to finish third  F75 in 3:09:09.

Flat Fens prove a challenge

With England Masters places at stake it was a stacked field at the Keith Hall Memorial 10k in Thorney with former international, Gemma Steel taking second place in the female race. Angela Kerr and Carol Austin travelled up to the flat, Fenland race which left the village on an out and back route on closed country roads.  After the turn at 5k runners faced a wicked headwind back into the village.

Carol finished in 47:54, 46th female and seventh F60, with Angela, 80th female and sixth F65 in 55:10.  The race was celebrating the 40th anniversary of Thorney Running Club and also celebrated the life of its chairman, Keith Hall.  There were 333 competitors.

A right royal half

A trio of AVRs took part in the Green Park Reading Half Marathon, a popular pre-London marathon race.  The fast scenic course finishes in the Reading FC stadium, home to the Royals, where a big crowd awaited the runners; including AVR’s very own Reading fan, Tony Smith!

Andy Charrington finished in 1:42.53, 1217th, seventh M65.  Haydn Boeham and Suzi Blackett finished in 1:58.28 in 2872nd and 2873rd.

 

Feighan Fury

South West Road Runners organise this ten mile event in memory of Mike Feighan, a much loved former winner of the Grizzly who tragically passed away in 2021.  The ten-mile event is a challenging, multi terrain race across the rolling hills of mid-Devon including hills, woods, trails and rivers.  AVR’s Eleanor Wood was first F60 in 1:37.55; Jeremy Larcombe finished in 1:30.36 with Alan Morbey coming home in 1:53.54.

   

Birthday celebration in Eastleigh

Ryan Snell celebrated both his birthday and a return to racing following injury at the Valencia marathon in December by taking part in the fast, flat Eastleigh 10k in Hampshire.  He finished first M45 and 55 in an excellent 35:38 in a race which attracted 2500 runners.

Oakley 20 revives Grizzly memories

Diana Burn completed the Oakley 20 mile undulating road race in 4:09 in preparation for her London marathon next month.  She was second F70.  She describes it as a very friendly race organised by Bedford Harriers,  many of whom had run the Grizzly earlier this month. She received lots of shouts of ‘the home of the Grizzly’; ‘we love Seaton’ and ‘we were there two weeks ago’ as she ran in her AVR top!. She used this as a good excuse to stop and chat at water stations! This year 50 Bedford Harriers came down for the Grizzly weekend.

 

Thames Trail

The Windsor Trail half Marathon is a guided tour of a race beginning at the foot of Windsor Castle and meandering along the River Thames passing the Royal Windsor racecourse and Dorney Lake, the summer Olympic venue for rowing and kayaking, and the spires of Eton College before heading back to finish just before the gates of Windsor Castle.  AVR’s Ian Kinnersley finished an impressive seventh in 1:43.11 and first M60, a great pre-London Marathon work out.  There were 126 finishers.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

There was a special guest at Seaton parkrun on Saturday with AVR’s James Ashforth running as a robin in preparation for his Guinness World Record attempt taking place at the London Marathon next month where he hopes to become the fastest ever marathon runner dressed as a bird.  He is running for Tommy’s following personal experiences of baby loss this is a charity close to his heart and many others at AVR.  Details and donations can be made here

First finisher on Saturday was Ritchie Durrant in 17:26 with Ann-Louise Childe bagged another PB in 28:14.

Out on the road Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley enjoyed the sunshine in Vienna at Donaupark parkrun; Tony Smith took part in Richmond parkrun; Tim and Amie Sibley bagged a D for their parkrun alphabet in at Dudley parkrun; Carolyn Nation ran the flat, fast Walsall Arboretum parkrun; Jon Day and Paul Johns completed Barnstable parkrun; and Shirley and Andy Goy took on the new Greendale Farm Shop parkrun.  Prior to their races on Sunday, Diana Burn completed Milton Keynes parkrun and carol Austin and Angela and Martin Kerr ran March parkrun.

And finally …

Spare a thought for Simon Davey who travelled back from Vietnam for the Hastings half marathon only to find it cancelled due to a police incident.

It’s a weekend of three halves!

With Spring marathon training in full swing, this weekend is a popular one for a half-marathon race tester.  AVRs competed over the 13.1-mile distance in events in Bath, Fleet and Weymouth.

In Bath the race attracted a top-class field as it was a qualifier for the British team at the World Road Racing Championships taking place in September.  It was won by former AVR, Jake Smith in a brilliant 1:02.20 meaning he is guaranteed a spot in the team if he can shave 20 seconds off that time at another half-marathon before the selection in mid-May.  After two years of battling injury and RED-S it is fantastic to see Jake again competing at the very top.

Also back from injury, Duncan Staddon had a fine race finishing in 146th place in 1:18.31 and an impressive third M45.  Heather Simmons finished in 2:13.51.  More than 11000 completed the race in the beautiful regency city.

The Fleet half marathon also saw a competitive field with England Masters selection up for grabs.  Debbie Whiston, using the race as part of her training preparations for London, finished in 1:26.44, 33rd female and ninth F45.

Meanwhile just down the road in Dorset, Diana Burn, also in London marathon training, used the Weymouth half-marathon as a slow training run finishing in 2:31 and second F70.

Nantwich 10k

Ron and Fiona Seward travelled up to Cheshire to run the Nantwich 10k, a fast and flat race on closed country lanes in the picturesque Cheshire countryside.  It was a very cold, but sunny morning for the nearly 1750 runners.  Fiona completed the course in 59:39 to be the first F70 in 1235th place while Ron finished in an excellent 46:27 for 338th and second M70 from an amazing 13 in that age bracket.

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a cold, sunny morning for Seaton parkrun with our friends at Honiton RC providing the majority of the volunteers as part of a “takeover” day.  AVR’s Karen Eyre was first female and first on age-grade in 21:19 and 82.7%.  First finisher was Joel Seward in 18:01 with Tony Smith, Seaton parkrun’s co-Event Director finishing in an excellent sub-20, 19:57 and third on age-grade 77.7%.  As well as Tony there were PBs for Ann-Louise Childe in 28:18 and James Childe in 28:55.

Away from Seaton, Carol Austin completed Donaupark parkrun in Vienna, her 70th different venue and tenth different country.  Closer to home Tom Parsons, Gill Day, Rachel Hiscock, Denise Burges and Shirley Salter took part in Greendale Farm Shop parkrun, mercifully dry for a change.  Elsewhere, Pam Goddard ran Woodley parkrun in Reading; Shaun Vinnicombe completed Hove Promenade; Paul Johns ran Shepton Mallet parkrun; Mark Spraggs enjoyed Lymington Woodside and Tim and Amie Sibley took part in Porthcawl parkrun.

And finally

Following her debut for the senior GB team at the European Athletics Indoor Championships, Innes Fitzgerald has been selected for the World Athletics Championships in Nanjing which take place next weekend.

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.

Results

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.

Terrific Tokyo

AVR’s Kerry Board travelled over to Tokyo to take part in the marathon, one of the Abbot World Marathon Majors.  Despite suffering from a virus just before travelling she finished in a very pleasing 3:48.11, 1467th woman from more than 9000 women.  With more than 37000 finishers it is a disappointing gender ratio.  With temperatures rising during the race and the after effects of the virus Kerry took the decision to enjoy the event rather than push on for a time.

Tadese Takele of Ethiopia won the men’s race in 2:02.23 with Ethiopia’s Sutume Asefa Kebede successfully defending her title in the women’s race finishing in 2:16.31.  For the first time in ten years former world record holder Paula Radcliffe ran the 26.2 miles crossing the line in an impressive 2:57.22.

Full results

 

Seaton parkrun and beyond

It was a beautiful sunny but chilly morning for Seaton parkrun on Saturday and, after a fitting tribute to one of the event’s loyal spectator’s Ernie Stock who passed away this week, 289 parkrunners set off on the pebbles.

AVR’s Matt Hewer was first finisher with a fantastic PB of 17:54. After a great battle with former AVR, Ellie Dominey, Debbie Whiston was pipped into second female spot in 19:44.  Ryan Snell was third male finisher in 18:26.  It was a clean sweep for AVR on age-grade with Eleanor Wood achieving a remarkable 90% for her 23:56; Debbie Whiston, 82% and Karen Eyre, 81.8% for her 21:32.

Conditions were excellent with no wind so there were also PBs for Mark Parsons in 22:28; Lee Brooker in 24:40; Matt Chenery in 25:25; and Ann-Louise Childe in 28:28. AVR provided many of the pacers who supported Saturday’s event.

Out on the road Simon Dimmock took part in Hogmoor Inclusure parkrun in Hampshire while Jon Day enjoyed Netley Abbey parkrun in Southampton.

And finally …

Congratulations to Innes Fitzgerald on her selection for the GB team at next weekend’s European Indoor championships in Apeldoorn, Netherlands. Her first senior call up will see her compete in the 3000m with heats on Saturday (0920 hours GMT) and the final on Sunday (1636 hours GMT).

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.