Runners enjoy some great autumn sunshine

Midweek Herald: Axe Valley Runners membersAxe Valley Runners members (Image: Chris Carson)

There was a big turnout for the Minster Challenge Run at Axminster this year.

Organised by Axe Valley Academy PTFA as a fundraiser and community event it took place in glorious sunshine.

There were 5K and 12K courses and Axminster County Primary Academy PTFA also held a fun run to raise money for its funds.

But it nearly did not happen. Two weeks before the event organisers thought they were going to have to cancel the run as there was an archaeological dig closing part of the route.

Midweek Herald: Runners at the Minster Challenge. Picture: CHRIS CARSONRunners at the Minster Challenge. Picture: CHRIS CARSON (Image: Archant)

“Luckily we got the all clear from all parties involved and had the route opened for the run,” said a PTFA spokeswoman.

“We are so pleased with how it went and the runners commented on how beautiful the countryside was they ran through.

“We would like to thank all those involved including parents and school staff who helped on the morning, the landowners, and all the amazing marshals who had to stand about out on a sunny but chilly morning – we couldn’t run the event without them.

“A special thanks must also be given to Garry Perratt, who was integral to the organisation of this local run.”

Prizes were donated by local businesses including Ganesha Wholefoods, Tunnel Treetops, Cinnamons, Lyme Bay Winery and Palmers Brewery.

A date has already been set for the next Minster Challenge – Sunday October 6 2019, and organisers are planning for it to be bigger and better than ever.

Results:

Five kilometer race:

Adult male winner Ross Wayne in 20mins 28sec; female winner Joanna Hawkins in 24.12.

Boys, 12 and under - Harry Hodson in 23.39.

Boys 13 to 14 - Ben Price in 20.39.

Boys 15 to 17 - Noah Remington in 23.48.

Girls, under 17 – 1, Naomi Glennie in 29.22, 2 Florence Rogers in 38.59, 3 Chrianthi Nanayakkara in 39.12.

Twelve kilometer run:

Adult men - 1 Matt Clist in 49.05, 2 Nicholas Silkstone in 50.56, 3 Terry Emmett in 51.13. Adult women – 1 Karen Eyre in 1.01.29, 2 Eleanor Wood in 1.02.11, 3rd Chloe Burridge in 1.02.22.

Full results can be found at: http://axevalleyrunners.org.uk/