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.

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.