Speedsters in Somerset
A group of AVRs popped up to Yeovilton on Wednesday evening for the third of the summer series of 5ks. Run on flat roads these races are great for securing personal bests. First AVR home, and fifth overall, was Jack Broom in 15:42 with Rich Hardy in 16th and fourth M40 in 16:39. Adrian Strawbridge dipped under 20 for the first time finishing in 19:59 while James Ashurst came in in 22:30. Hats off to Suzi Blackett who was 21stfemale in a PB of 23:30.
Who is off to Dalwood Fayre?
Organised by Honiton Running Club the Dalwood Fayre 10k was back after a few years away. The 10k route starts and finishes at the Tuckers Arms in Dalwood running into the beautiful Blackdown Hills on a challenging route taking in some 1000 feet of ascent over tricky terrain. Just 46 took part with most describing the downhill finish as the highlight!
AVR’s Matt Clist took the win in 40.24 with Eleanor Wood, second female in 55.50 and Rich Hardy, followed his cracking run at Yeovilton with third place in 42.38.
Jason Potter was seventh in 52.24 with Paul Johns hot on his heels in 52.46. Ron Seward was 16th in 57.37 and first M65; Andrew Hartnell was 18th in 58.01; Margaret Pearce 20th in 58.17; Caroline French 25th 1:01.20; Kevin Feeney 34th 1:07.29; Rebecca Eastburn 38th 1:11.44 and Carly Lowe 45th 1:32.31.
Blackdown beauty
More of a beast than a beauty this year after a week of rain making the course exceptionally boggy in places. The run is a social self-navigated one over the Blackdown hills; with 10 or 18 mile routes available, it also includes an optional pub stop and cream tea. Mandy Harris and Angela Kerr joined the field for the tough 18 mile (ish) run with 2500 feet of elevation which they described as making the Grizzly look like a walk in the park. They were rewarded with some great views as well as the cream tea!
Ex- ceptional effort by the Exe
Cath Brenton completed only her second ever half marathon on Sunday at the Exe Estuary. Following personal tragedy she hasn’t been able to train over the last few months but decided, with the support of two friends to tackle it. The route was a mix of beach, trail, cliff tops and hills and, with the support of two friends, she completed it in 3:12.43. The time wasn’t important: the fact that she is back out running and feeling the benefits – she says, “I am so happy to have achieved it and now I feel I am ready to return to my running.” AVR look forward to welcoming you back, Cath.
AVR’s, Georgie Ryan also completed the half marathon in 2:52.01.
Seaton parkrun
The strong winds on Saturday meant it was definitely not a PB day. Ryan Snell came in third finisher in 18:56 with Debbie Whiston first female, despite starting slightly late, in 22:09. Susi Sadler completed her 200thvolunteering stint at Seaton which is an incredible innings. Anyone can help and there is always a need for more volunteers especially during the holiday season so please contact seaton@parkrun.com if you can help.
AVR also supports two junior parkrun events in Axminster, Stop Line Way junior, and in Lyme, Cobb Gate junior. These take place on a Sunday morning at 9am and with it being just 2k your volunteering role is usually over and done by 9.30/45. Contact stoplinewayjuniors@parkrun.com or cobbgatejuniors@parkrun.com if you can help or to find out more.
Killerton Duathlon
A few AVRs headed up to Killerton on Sunday for a “Run-Bike-Run” duathlon event. The first run, 5k, was very muddy with some downhill. The cycle ride was flat but very windy followed by a second hard 3k run. Emilie Brook took second female and first F40 with Andrew Snook in third place, second M40. Haydn Boehm, Darrell Farley, Dan Clist and James Hawker also took part, the latter two in their first ever multi-sport event. Full results here
