Several Honiton Running Club members took part in this year’s Axmouth Challenge. This multi-terrain race is actually mainly on road but the parts that are off road were particularly muddy this year following some very wet weather.
There are four distances on offer with HRC runners either deciding to tackle the 9-mile or 5-mile option. First back for HRC in the 9-mile race was Nick Couch, who came 22nd overall in 1 hour 17 minutes and 12 seconds.
Ceri Oak led the HRC ladies back winning a medal for coming 2nd in the ladies’ vet category. She came 24th in 1:17:14 and had Howard Bidmead hot on her heels just six seconds later. Steve Davey came 33rd in 1:20:16, just beating Will Davis to the line who came in 11 seconds later. Mark Dallyn followed coming 36th in 1:22:50 beating Rebecca Stevens by 13 seconds. Judy Davey and Rebecca had been together for much of the race and Judy finished 40th in 1:23:49. Paula Ferris finished 45th in 1:29:06 and Linda Grady completed the HRC line-up coming 58th in 1:34:04. There were 68 finishers and the race was won by Richard Hardy in 59:34.
Following a lengthy spell of injury, Lou Bennett decided to return in the 5-mile option. She ran with husband, Johnny, and finished extremely well to come 2nd lady overall in 5th and 6th position in 39:20. Gareth Henwood followed coming 11th in 54:31.Kate Harding came just ahead of George Oldfield in 15th position in 1:00:43 with George coming in just 2 seconds later. Ella Churchill, Richard Kemp, Asilah Jarrald and Luke Holway all ran together coming 26th in 1:05:48. There were 33 finishers and the winner was Jake Hodgetts in 34:57.
Upon their return to the headquarters, runners were treated to delicious warming soup and delicious cake. Thanks to Axe Valley Runners and to all the organisers and marshals for putting on a fantastic event.
Meanwhile, Roger Saunders chose the much flatter option of running the First Chance 10K along the River Exe. Luckily, the heavy showers held off during the race which this year had over 500 runners. Roger ran it in a time of 51:53. After the race, George Pemberton was awarded the winner of the male under-20 category in the 2022 Instep Devon championship.
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