Excellence in Exmouth

Four AVRs took the short trip to Exmouth for the Bradley’s 10k on Sunday.  Starting on the seafront runners headed to Orcombe Point before turning and following the beachfront back to the start point and repeating for a second lap.  The flat course, run on hard surfaced footpaths and the lovely sunny spring day meant perfect conditions for the 150 competitors.

Joel Seward came in an excellent third place in 35:49 with Ritchie Durrant hot on his heels just six seconds behind finishing in 35:55 for fourth.  Next up was Luke Reed in fifth, first M40, in 37:31.

Lee Brooker was 72nd in a massive lifetime best of 53:53.

There is another running of the race, organised by LM Events, in the autumn.

 

Mud Glorious mud!

Debbie Whiston ran at the Inter-Services Cross Country Champs last week at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall, coming first female masters and fourth female overall.  On an exceptionally muddy course she even lost the sole of one of her running shoes with more than a kilometre still to go!

 

Seaton parkrun

With the cliff falls still affecting West Walk, the three-lap course was used again this weekend.  First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 20:47 with Kerry Board second in 22:56. Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with 89% for her 23:50 with Ron Seward second on age grade in 79% for his 23:26.

Out on the tourism trail were Dave Hutton and Sue Chambers nabbing their V for the alphabet challenge at Victoria Docks; Ian Smith and John Whittaker took part in Gunnersbury parkrun; Bec Davey ran Dolgellau in Wales; Kevin Feeney and Sarah Shepley completed Stewart parkrun in Middlesborough while Shaun Vinnicombe completed the very picturesque Llanhydrock parkrun in Cornwall.

Sea of Green at Seaton parkrun

Seaton parkrun went green on Saturday as a tribute to AVR, Phil “Evergreen” Bayliss who sadly died last year and who had been very involved in getting the event off the ground in the town.  AVRs, past and present, came to run, walk, and volunteer along with members of Phil’s family.  Tony Smith spoke prior to the event about Phil, saying how he has tried to ‘Be more Phil’ over the last year and presented Phil’s wife, Vikki with a volunteer hat for his contribution to the event.

It was also fitting that amongst Saturday’s volunteers were some young people doing their DofE award, something Phil had been involved with during his career.  One of them, Kira Moran has written a lovely full run report from Saturday – here.

In the event itself, run on a revised route due to recent cliff falls, Matt Clist was third finisher in 17:19 and also third on age-grade in 82%.  Eleanor Wood was first on age-grade with 89% for her 23:53. Congratulations to Jo Orsman on reaching her 100th milestone and Jeremy Norcombe on his 200th parkrun to coincide with a ‘big’ birthday.  Well done to Lee Brooker and Lucy Hanley on PBs, 26:22 and 30:51, respectively.

 

Five go wild in Wokingham

Four AVRs, Ryan Snell, Matt Hewer, Terry Emmett and David Cull had an early start on Sunday travelling up to Wokingham in Surry for the half marathon where they were joined by Cliff Marriott who was up there for the weekend.

The route had a slight adjustment due to flooding but was still a fast, flat course ran on rural roads and around the town centre.

First AVR home was Ryan Snell in 1:14.40, 74th and 14th M40 from 2772 finishers.  Terry Emmett was hot on his heels finishing with a shiny new PB of 1:15.19, 17th M40 and 84th overall. Also celebrating an excellent PB was Matt Hewer in 1:20.23, returning from a long period out with injury.  David Cull finished in 1:23.30, also an impressive PB.  Cliff Marriott finished in 1:51.24.

Exeter Trail 10k

Run around the grounds of Escot Park this was always going to be a muddy affair after the recent wet weather.  It also included some challenging climbs so perfect Grizzly preparation.  Julia Conway came in 53rd in 1:03.06, second F50. Ninety runners completed the race on Saturday in good conditions.  In the 5k Canicross event Denise Burgess was seventh, running with her pointer, in 36:44.

 

Slay the Dragon 10k

Three AVRs popped over the border for this beautiful but challenging 10k which took place around Hinton St George in Somerset on Sunday.  Amazingly the promised deluge of rain and wind held off until after the race with runners just having some mizzle to accompany them.  Martyn Walker came in 61st in 1:05.47; Kathryn Thompson, 85th in 1:17.45 and Aileen Heal in 87th in 1:22.56.

 

Bath Two Tunnels HM

Georgie Ryan ran the Bath Two Tunnels Half Marathon organised by Relish Running on Sunday – a race with the longest underground section of any race in the UK!  The route, known as “Return Ticket” is a two lap out and back on the Two Tunnels Greenway Path, flat and fast. Georgie finished in 2.14:11 smashing more than six minutes off her previous PB.

AVRs tackle the Four Trigs

Organised by Sidmouth Running Club, the Four Trigs is another low-key, challenging multi-terrain race with an obscene amount of climb involved!  Approximately 28km, runners chose their own route that must include the four Trig points at High Point, Beacon Hill, Buckton Hill and Weston Cliff.  This year’s event was started by five-time Olympian and the 2014 European 10,000m champion, Jo Pavey.  The race raises much needed funds for the charity, Cardiac Risk in the Young.

The race, which provides ideal preparation for the Grizzly, was won by last year’s winner, Exmouth Harriers’ Sam Kelly.  There was a good turnout of AVRs with Tim Lenton finishing third in 2:30.37 and Patrick Devine-Wright just behind in fourth in 2:32.16.  Kerry Board was third female in an excellent 3:17.04.  Rob Collier came in seventh, improving on last year’s time to finish in 2:41.42.  Others who ran the challenging self-navigated route in pairs, were Ian Kinnersley and Eleanor Wood who finished in 3:33.37; Jeremy Slade and Andy West in 3:48.20; and David and Susi Sadler, who were delighted to reach all four Trigs this year, in 5:36.52.

 

British Masters Championships & Chichester 10k

Three AVRs travelled to West Sussex for the British Masters 10k Championship which took place at Goodwood Motor Race Circuit near Chichester.  AVRs team of Carol Austin, Ann Coston and Angela Kerr took second team prize in the F55+ category.  First AVR home in 562nd place was Carol Austin in 46:54, sixth F60.  Ann Coston was 704th finishing in 50:11, 18th F55 while Angela Kerr was ninth F65 in 917th place overall in 55:46.   More than 1200 runners completed the fast, flat race with the first five finishers in sub-31 minutes.

 

 Seaton parkrun

There was another bumper turnout at Seaton parkrun on Saturday with the good conditions and pacers helping six AVRs to shiny new PBs.  Tim Sibley came home in 20:18; his marathon training clearly paying off!  Adrian Strawbridge in 21:01; Suzi Blackett in 24:40; Ben Morgan in 25:36; Lee Brooker in 26:54; and Shirley Goy in 42:29 were the others celebrating PBs.

First home was Joel Seward in 16:59 with second finisher Rich Hardy in 17:42. First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 20:20, also second on age-grade with 79%, with Ron Seward third on age-grade with 78% for his 23:37 finish.

Congratulations to Kevin Feeney who completed his 350th parkrun as one of a number of AVRs on pacing duties.  Carol Austin, Saturday’s Run Director, completed her 200th volunteering stint at Seaton parkrun.

On the road, Georgie Ryan smashed her parkrun PB by nearly a minute at the fast Exmouth event finishing in 28:50.  Matt Frost completed Denton Dene parkrun in Newcastle; Alan Sealey Itchen Valley Country Park parkrun while Liz and Jeremy Slade completed Southsea parkrun.

Beastly but Fun

The Blackdown Beast, brilliantly organised by Honiton RC, is a ‘fun’ self-navigated run across 10 or 16 miles of the Blackdown hills starting and finishing in Dunkeswell.  There is a stop for mulled cider, tea and pasties in Smeatharpe to raise money for MacMillan’s as well as the option to call it a day there and take the minibus taxi back to the start.  Otherwise it is another 6 or 7 miles back via Upottery and Luppett.  Challenging, hilly and boggy after all the recent rain, a big turnout of AVRs enjoyed the event describing it as perfect Grizzly preparation!

It is self-timed without results but AVR’s Tim Lennon and Patrick Devine-Wright were the first back at the start.

 

Seaton parkrun – the one with the hot wind stream

The event started in a wickedly cold wind and, then, as predicted by Saturday’s Run Director, AVR’s Tim Sibley a change of wind direction led to a bizarre warm draught welcomed by volunteers and runners alike.

First home was Joel Seward in 17:12, sporting his sparkly new 100 milestone Tee after joining the 100-club last week.  Second finisher, and first on age-grade in 79%, was Ryan Snell in 17:45.  First female finisher was Debbie Whiston in 21:04 while Carol Austin was second on age-grade in 78% for her 24:59.

There was a PB for Baz Chandra in 26:48 and a special shout-out to Sarah Shepley who finished in 29:48, her first sub-30 since knee surgery following a bike accident in 2020.

Out on the road, Jon Day completed Sharpham Estate parkrun in Totnes  and Tony Smith ran Dinton Pastures parkrun near Wokingham.

Dartmoor ‘Delight’

Karen Eyre and Rupert Pady took part in The Pagan Trails half marathon in the toughest of conditions on Dartmoor. The challenging route visits many of the stone circles and pagan sites of north Dartmoor, steeped in ancient history and legends where mythical, mystical Dartmoor meets the lush valleys of the North Teign and Bovey rivers. Rupert was an excellent 27th in 2:30.45 with Karen finishing 78th in 3:04.52 with 140 completing the race in the wet and windy conditions.

Further afield

Three AVRs travelled further afield to take part in races this weekend.

In Helsby, Cheshire Angela Kerr ran the Essar Four Villages Half, the 40th running of this event.  She completed the 13.1m in 2:12.16 in strong winds towards the end as Storm Isha arrived in the UK.  Angela finished 1080th from nearly 1500 competitors and third F65, and now waits to hear if this will qualify her for the England Masters team.

Over in Essex, Cliff Marriott completed the Benfleet 15, which consisted of 15 multi-terrain miles of hills and mud in windy conditions. The course included parts of the 2012 Olympic mountain biking course as well as Canvey Island sea wall and the undulating Hadleigh Downs.  Cliff finished in 2:35.13 and described it as perfect preparation for the Grizzly.  He also received lots of love for the Grizzly from fellow runners!

While in the home counties Steve Lewis ran the Farnborough Winter Half Marathon.   The popular, fast and flat 13.1m road race around the business and technology parks is said to be the ‘coolest’ half-marathon due to its winter timetable; it wasn’t quite the -5 degrees of last year but the wind from the incoming Storm Isha was challenging.

Steve finished in 1460th place and sixth M70 in 2:06.43 with nearly 2000 completing the event.

 

Windy Seaton parkrun

It was a battle of Joel Seward and Ritchie Durrant at Seaton parkrun on Saturday with Joel taking first finisher spot in 17:40 just ahead of Ritchie who finished in 17:48. Debbie Whiston was first female in 21:02, also first on age-grade in 76%, with Kerry Board third female in 23:19.

Despite extremely windy conditions Lucy Hanley managed a PB in 32:30 and Andy Goy celebrated his 300th parkrun.

Axmouth welcomes AVR

There was a huge turnout of AVRs supporting the Axmouth Challenge which raises money for the community village hall.  With one mile, three mile, five and nine mile options there was a race suitable for most.  All races started with a wicked steep uphill before dividing up and circling the gorgeous countryside above the village.  The weather was perfect with chilly sunshine and little wind and the recent cold, dry spell had improved the conditions underfoot.

With the nine-mile option forming part of the 2024 club challenge there were a good percentage of AVRs amongst the 116 finishers.  Wayne Loveridge of Chard Road Runners and Debbie Whiston of AVR were the winners with Wayne coming home in 54:36 and Debbie in 1:04.55.  Second male was Michael Legg of Crewkerne followed by six AVRs headed by Matt Clist in third place in 56:12 and, last year’s winner, Rich Hardy, who once again ran ten miles to the start of the race, in fourth in 57:30.

The five-mile race was won by AVR’s Simon Dimmock in 42:22 with Amy Waterson first female in 46:29. AVR’s Simon Freathy was third, second AVR, in 46:30 with 28 finishers.

Full results are here

The three and one-mile races attracted mainly junior runners.

AVR also provided the timers, back markers for each race, and some marshals.  Soup, tea, bacon butties and cakes were served in the village hall for runners, spectators and helpers adding to the lovely community feel to the event.  A big thank you to all the organisers for another successful day.

 

Cornish Ultra

Julia Mallon took part in the Endurance Life North Cornwall Ultra on Saturday taking on 32 challenging miles of the beautiful Cornish coast path.  The race started in Polzeath running along the coast path to Treligga and back again. It was very tough with 7,000 feet of elevation but the scenery was stunning.  Finishing in 8:11:16 59th place from the 63 that completed it, Julia was also the first V50 female.

 

Worldwide parkruns for AVR

In Seaton it was very chilly day but still more than 200 ran, walked or jogged parkrun.  Luke Reed was first finisher in 17:56 which also placed him third on age grade with 78%.  Debbie Whiston was first female in 21:39. Second on age grade with 79% was Carol Austin for her 24:36.  There were PBs for Pam Goddard in 29:17 and Shirley Goy in 43:33.

Paul Lloyd took part in Heartlands parkrun in Cornwall while Jon Day went to Teignmouth Promenade parkrun and Ian Smith tackled Northwich parkrun in Cheshire.

Further afield, Diane and Graham Newton took advantage of still being “Down Under” this week to take part in the lovely but rather undulating Risdon Brook parkrun, near Hobart, Tasmania.  It was a family affair for them as they were joined by their son, Adam and granddaughter, Saskia.  For Graham it was his first run in his new age category and he set a new course record for the M75-79 in 26.09, with Diane coming in 40:30 and third in her hotly contested over 70s age group. Adam and first-timer, Saskia, both finished first in their age categories making it a clean sweep for three generations of Newtons.

 

Freezing First Chance

The First Chance 10k, the first event of the 2024 InStep Devon Series, took place in cold but sunny conditions on Sunday.  Starting and finishing on Exeter Quay the event, organised by South West Road Runners, was a sell-out with almost 600 runners taking part.  A flat, fast course of a small then large loop alongside the River Exe the route included a number of tight turns and narrow parts but still saw some very speedy times.

Fourteen AVRs took part with Matt Frost, Tim Sibley and Suzi Blackett starting the year with huge PBs, and Carol Austin securing her best time since 2018 after a string of injuries.

First AVR home in a magnificent 34:41 was Rich Hardy, ninth overall and an excellent second M40.  Sixth M40 and 23rd overall was Duncan Staddon in 35:22. Matt Frost was 33rd in 36:26 taking a minute off his PB.

In 113th Tim Sibley, currently in training for next month’s Seville marathon finished in a brilliant 41:36 which bodes well for the big one.  Suzi Blackett took a huge three minutes off her PB finishing in 46:54, 13th F40.

In the battle of the F60s, Eleanor Wood finished 3rd F60 in an excellent 46:51 with Carol Austin, fourth F60 in 47:37.

The other AVRs were Ian Kinnersley in 43:11, fifth M60; Kerry Board in 45:05, tenth F40; Andy West, 45:51, 11th M60; Haydn Boehm in 44:35; Alan Hornibrook in 48:23; Shirley Salter and Maxine Sweetman, who ran together, finishing in 1.10:28.

Following the race last year’s InStep Devon Championship prizes were presented with AVR’s Kerry Board picking up overall Female and F45 prize and Suzi Blackett the F35 crown.

Ron Seward, who was unable to attend, won the M70 category with AVR also taking third place in both male and female team champs.  After yesterday’s great start AVR will be looking at picking up some more silverware this time next year!

Walter Raleigh Round

 Dan Clist and James Hawker enjoyed the winter sunshine and amazing scenery on Saturday completing the Walter Raleigh Round Half Marathon organised by Climb South West.  Starting and finishing in Budleigh the route visits the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child.  Using quiet back lanes, country roads, little known footpaths and a disused railway line the course follows the Otter Valley, High Peak and the Jurassic Coast with some 366m of ascent and almost the same descent making it a challenging course and after Storm Henke the terrain was muddy even if the sun was shining.

The two AVRs ran together finishing in a creditable 2:40.47, 95th and 96th out of 146 who completed the event.

 

Chocs ahoy!

On Sunday across the other side of the world,  Diane Newton took part in the Cadbury Half Marathon near Hobart, Tasmania. The race starts in front of the Cadbury factory, making a circuit of the Cadbury estate before setting off alongside the River Derwent across the Booker bridge and back. The event started at 6.30 am in a bid to beat the heat. However, Diane still found it uncomfortably hot.  Unfortunately a marshalling error meant that the runners ended up running just over an extra kilometre. Diane finished in 3:15, coming first in the women’s over 70 category. All the runners were presented with a medal and a large bar of Cadbury chocolate.

Seaton parkrun

It was a beautiful chilly day for the first event of 2024 in Seaton with more than 300 enjoying the conditions.  As it was pacer day several AVRs were supporting others achieve their targets so big thanks to Keith Agland, Haydn Boehm, Vicki Wraight, Louise Rawlins and Joel Seward for their excellent pacing.

Third finisher and in a brilliant PB time of 18:24 was Max Richardson.  First female and second on age grade was Debbie Whiston in 20:17 with Ron Seward third on age grade in 23:45. There were PBs for Simon McClellan in 21:05; Lee Brooker in 27:37 and Shirley Goy in 44:11.

Andy West secured his 100th milestone last week so completing his 101st on Saturday!

Carolyn Nation popped over the border to Newport Wales to complete Riverside parkrun while David and Paula Cooke took part in Birkenhead parkrun.

Off to a (Chard) flyer

The Chard Flyer is a road 10k with a wicked climb to the finish after a relatively flat course that takes in the reservoir, starting and finishing at the cricket club in the town.  Organised by Chard Road Runners, 11 AVRs supported the event on New Year’s Day which attracted 174 competitors.

In fourth place and first AVR was Joel Seward in 36:52 with Rich Hardy just behind in fifth and first M40.  In his first race for six months, Terry Emmett was second M40, seventh overall, in 38:07.  Eighth female and third F45 was Karen Eyre in 48:51. Ian Kinnersley took the M60 crown finishing in 47:29.

Other AVRs were David Cull 12th in 41:10; Adrian Strawbridge 51st in 48:06; Richard Jackson 67th in 49:55;  Mark Spraggs 86th in 52:54;  Lee Brooker  151st in 1.04:24  and Jools Elsom 168th in 1.11:43

 

Christmas and New Year racing

Storm Gerrit and the Christmas festivities didn’t stop AVRs during the last couple of weeks with three parkruns in Seaton, the Bank Holiday 10k Time Trial and the last race of 2023 plus first of the new year.  Alongside these there was a singing tour of care homes on Christmas Eve and a trip to the Great Field parkrun on New Year’s day.

It’s the Final Countdown …

An off-road 10k starting on Sidmouth Esplanade and heading up Peak Hill and into Mutters Moor was the challenging final race of 2023 organised by Winding Paths.  Due to the high winds a slight route change on the day meant it was just under 10k with six AVRs taking part and a few others supporting the race by marshalling.

In second place was AVR’s, James Green in an excellent 41:57 just behind winner, Simon Minting of Exmouth Harriers.  Eleanor Wood was fifth female finisher in 55:36, first F65.  Other AVRs were Andrew Snook, 18th in 50:20; Zoe Harp, 103rd in 1:07.19; Vicki Wraight, 115th in 1:09.00 and Kathryn Thompson in 218th in 1:25.21.  More than 250 runners took part.

Wet, wild and windy

Storm Gerrit meant a 24-hour delay to AVR’s Christmas 10k Time Trial but still the 43 runners faced some horrendous weather.  Biblical rain, gale-force winds and even a hailstorm came their way as they ran along the newly opened path from Colyford to the seafront in Seaton and then along the Axmouth straight and back to finish right into an evil headwind on the Esplanade.

First home was Joel Seward in an impressive time of 37:41 with Rich Hardy second in 39:10 and Debbie Whiston third in 43:51. The race was the first event in the 2024 AVR Club Challenge so all 41 finishers were rewarded with points towards the series.  Full results here.

 

O Come all Ye Faithful

Twelve AVRs donned their festive attire and took their best singing voices to a number of care and retirement homes in Seaton on Christmas Eve to entertain the residents.  Led by Pam Goddard and Cliff Marriott the group ran between the homes, singing Carols in each venue and finishing with a sing-song and mulled wine on the seafront.

 

Berkshire Gutbuster

Pam Goddard and Cliff Marriott took part in the very hilly and muddy Berkshire Gutbuster on Saturday with Pam finishing the 10k in 1:12.04 and Cliff choosing the 10 mile option and finishing in 1:41.49.

 

Bumper Festive parkruns

New Year’s Day is another optional day on the parkrun calendar and with Seaton taking a day off, a group of AVRs joined with the Seaton parkrun core volunteer team to travel to The Great Field parkrun in Poundbury.  Third finisher and first AVR was Matt Orsman in 18:40 with Matt Hewer continuing his return from injury finishing in 19:47. Second female to finish was Lucy Watkinson in 21:41.

There were parkrun events at Seaton on Saturdays 23rd and 30th as well as one on Christmas Day with records aplenty and AVRs doing well at all three.  On Christmas Day there was a record 419 finishers with Innes Fitzgerald first female and second finisher in 16:36 – the time also the third fastest female finisher across all UK parkrun events on both Christmas Day and Saturday 30th.

On 23rd both Claire Warner and Emilie Brock celebrated their 50th volunteering milestones with Keith Agland reaching his 100th on Christmas Day.  As with all events parkrun cannot happen without the wonderful volunteers.

On Saturday 30th Seaton parkrun held its 300th event – it has come a long way since the very first one in November 2015.  Despite the wind, Suzi Blackett and Shirley Goy celebrated PBs in 25:18 and 45:07 respectively.

AVR dominate Seaton parkrun

It was a quiet weekend on the racing front so Seaton parkrun ended up as a competitive affair with AVR taking the first three male and first two female spots as well as first and third on age grade.

Joel Seward was first finisher in 17:10 with Ritchie Durrant chasing hard finishing in 17:30 and Rich Hardy third in 17:51. Debbie Whiston was first female finisher in 20:21 with Emilie Brock just behind in 20:37.  Once again, Eleanor Wood was first on age grade in 88.5% for her 23:37 with Debbie Whiston third on age grade in 78.79%.

The conditions were good although breezy with Georgie Ryan scooping a PB of 30.06.

Out on the road, Simon Dimmock completed Portsmouth Lakeside parkrun in 20:47 while Bec Davey and Carolyn Nation added the I to their alphabet challenge at Itchen Valley Country Park parkrun.

Cardiff Christmas Classic

Following her brilliant cross-country gold medal winning performance in Brussels last weekend, Innes Fitzgerald ran in the Cardiff Met Christmas Classic Indoors 3000m yesterday.  Running in a senior race the 17-year old finished third behind none other than world indoor champion Laura Muir. Her PB of 9:06.26 places her third behind Zola Budd and Jess Judd in the all-time UK indoor U20 rankings.

At the same meeting, Jake Smith continues his return to form from illness and injury with fifth place in a stacked men’s 3000m in 8:15.09.

Axe Valley Runners celebrate a successful year

More than 65 members of Axe Valley Runners attended the annual awards celebration at the Old Picture House in Seaton on Saturday evening.

A great night included the presentations of the awards with each winner receiving a lovely, specially commissioned mug from local potter, Gilly Humphreys.  Chairman, Haydn Boehm and captain, Rob Collier presented the prizes.

The first winner was Suzi Blackett, who followed her “most improved runner’ last year, to take the top gong, female runner of the year.  She has had an outstanding year culminating in winning the InStep Devon Championship F35 category for a range of events across the county over different distances and terrains.

Matt Clist won the male equivalent for his first places at the Exe to the Axe, the Beer Blazer and Umborne Ug, along with first AVR at the Grizzly and fourth place at the Ham to Lyme ultra.

This year’s most improved runners proved difficult to call after great progress for many runners in the club. Zoe Harp and Georgie Ryan both demonstrated a sustained and significant improvement and were impossible to separate. On the male side, Tony Smith has improved in every race this year while Jase Potter, has had improvement on both short and long courses and even ran three relay legs at the Race the Tram event.

Club person of the year had one stand out candidate supported by members votes and the committee.  Louise Rawlins has supported so many runners throughout the year including helping at two Couch to 5K programmes and then nurturing runners afterwards in their transition to the club.  She is developing the junior section with a view to it restarting next year and has recently successfully completed her Leadership in Running Fitness qualification.  A regular helper at both Seaton and Stopline Way junior parkrun events where she is loved by the volunteers and runners alike, she is known for her encouragement and motivation.

The Founder’s Trophy recognises determination and effort to achieve a significant goal and this year was awarded to Kathryn Thompson who a year ago was suffering from a serious illness and told she may never run again.  But she didn’t listen, went on to run the London Marathon and an ultra, raise a lot of money for charity all while bringing up three young boys.

Jack Broom was awarded the President’s Shield for a specific outstanding achievement following his incredible marathon debut, running 2:38 in Manchester.

The team award went to the AVR men’s team (Joel Seward, Duncan Staddon, Richard Hardy and Tim Lenton) who at the Templar 10 took first place by a whooping 25 minutes.

The Chair’s award, chosen by Haydn Boehm, went to Eleanor Wood who has stepped down as captain and committee member after more than 15 years and who has contributed hugely to making the club what it is today. She started the Umborne Ug and has served on the Grizzly Committee for many years as well as leading and supporting runners throughout the club.

Other awards were the Winter Series improvement, chosen by Rob Collier, and going to Sue Chambers; the handicap winner, Dave Hutton and runners-up, Richard Matthews and Bob Carter; and the new AVR Race Series winners: Laura Kerr (FSen) Emilie Brock (F40);  Kerry Board (F45);  Karen Eyre (F50);  Adele Girdwood (F55);  Carol Austin (F60);  Eleanor Wood (F65);  Janet Cullum (F70); Joel Seward (MSen) Matt Clist (M40);  Haydn Boehm (M45);  Robert Collier (M50); Darrell Farley (M55); Ian Kinnersley (M60);  Alan Hornibrook (M65) and  Ron Seward (M70).

The evening also saw a draw take place for the club’s TCS London Marathon place with Laura Kerr the lucky winner.  A raffle held for the Devon Air Ambulance raised nearly £250.

AVR would like to thank Committee member, Shaun Vinnicombe for his organisation and the Old Picture House for hosting the evening.

Christmas Cracker 10k

Ragnhild Richards completed the Weston Super Mare Christmas Cracker 10k on Sunday.  It was a wet and soggy day but it didn’t dampen the Christmnas spirit with many running in festive dress. She finished in 54.58, fifth F60.

Seaton parkrun

It was a good day at Seaton parkrun for AVR with almost a clean sweep on the podiums.  First finisher was Joel Seward in 17:03 with Ricthie Durrant, third finisher in 17:29.  On the female side, it was Debbie Whiston in 20:53; Lucy Watkinson in 21:36 and Eleanor Wood in 23:31 as first three finishers with Eleanor Wood’s incredible 88% placing her first on age-grade.  A big shout-out to Kevin Feeney who made his debut as Run Director successfully looking after the 152 finishers.

On the road, Tony Smith and Sam Miller completed their parkrun alphabet by running Zuiderpark parkrun in the Netherlands while Bec and Si Davey secured a Z in a snowy Poznan, completing Zalew Wrzesinski parkrun.  Closer to home Carol Austin ran The Old Showfield parkrun in Frome with Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard completing Winchester parkrun.