Saturday evening saw the running of the Shaves Cross mini marathon in West Dorset, writes Dave Mutter.

This is one of the oldest races around, been going for about 70 years. It's actually a five-mile run, starting with a couple of laps of the field before out on to the road for the steady climb up to Pilsdon and then a descent to the finish. The 2019 race proved to be highly successful for AVR with the three members involved in the race all coming away with silverware!

Karen Eyre came home first in the ladies race in a fantastic time of 35:35. She was closely followed by Eleanor Wood, as second lady and first vet lady in 36:24. Not to be outdone by the girls, Rob Collier finished second overall behind winner Wayne Loveridge from Chard, in 30:38 claiming first vet male.

There was another bumper summer turnout at the latest Seaton Parkrun with 306 finished, led home by Jen Elkins from Southampton AC absolutely smashing the female course record coming home in 18:12 and taking third place overall.

This, despite the introduction of some extra pebbles with all Parkrunners now having to go around the Spot On kiosk on the return legs to avoid congestion on the chicane!

Elkins had a great battle throughout the run with AVR's Lee Moran who just pipped her in the final straight to finish second in a new PB of 18:10.

He was one of three AVRs to snatch personal bests along with Andy West and Haydn Boehm.

An impressive 29 AVRs took part with Kerry Board the first female AVR home in 23:39.

Amongst the many 'Parkrun tourists' were visitors from Ireland, Wales and Singapore, the latter meaning another flag will be added to the finish line display.

Ellie Dominey ran the Totnes 10k for the fifth time. It's a stunning route along the River Dart with excellent organisation by the Teignbridge Trotters.

Ellie started steady, but slowly worked her way through the field and made use of her strength on the uphill section to come through to second lady (38th overall / 536 finishers).

Ellie's time of 44:56 is only one-and-a-half minutes slower than her course best, which was a welcome surprise only five months post-baby!

Graham Newton was the next AVR home in 51:16 winning the first MV70 prize. Diane Newton settled for a more leisurely pace, thoroughly enjoyed herself and was pleased to finish in 1:15:23.

Bob Carter completed the Wessex 10k race at Somerton and was pleased to get a PB of 55:40, in 102nd spot and was fourth in 60-69 age category.