Honiton Running Club embarked on their first away trip in three years, with 36 members taking to the beautiful Quantock hills. 

The course was going to be tough with hills, hills, hills in the two distances of 10km and a half-marathon.  

The club was very proud to welcome all new members, especially the Couch to 5km cohort, who have become determined members, making friends and facing challenges through the club’s training programmes. This was their time to put all the hard work to the test, taking great advice from seasoned club members. 

The event was organised with helpful crew and marshals and the course well marked and briefed. At 9am, the Half Marathon race got underway, closely followed by the 10km at 9.10am.  

Both groups followed the same course up to four miles, which included two long hilly sections and then the split in the event approached - with 10km heading left and the half taking the right turn.  
 
The course was challenging and technical with loose stones and gravel underfoot, woodland and stream section and then climbing again for the wonderful views of the coast. The last mile of the course was tackling the steep downhill. The finish was greeted with cheers, applause and a wooden medal. A huge thank you to organisers Prosper Events. 

10km Results: Ceri Oak 6th overall and 1st lady in 1.12.09, followed by Howard Bidmead 10th, 1.21.35 and Clare Melbourne 14th and 3rd lady, 1.22.22. Gareth Lewis 20th 1.25.12; Roger Saunders 24th 1.27.50; Ella Churchill 34th 1.36.31; Sue Jones 35th 1.37.41; Sarah Yates 36th 1.37.43; Katy Lancaster 46th 1.43.01; and Kathy Layzell 47th 1.45.09. The event was won by Sam Carden in 58.20. 

Half Marathon Results: Kevin Hawker 6th 1.53.41; Alasdair Moffett 7th 1.58.17; Johnny Bennett 11th 2.05.43; Nick Couch 26th 2.13.19; Steve Davey 38th 2.20.00; Rebecca Stevens and Tim Wigram 61 & 62 place 2.30.24; closely followed by Paula Ferris 65th 2.32.51; Steph Mabbutts 82nd 2.39.19; Anna Drake 83rd 2.39.35; Andy Punter 96th 2.42.21; Jennie Sleeman 96th 2.44.04; Lyn Grady 101st 2.46.03; Ben Welch 105th 2.49.58; Helen Williams 157th 3.40.16 and completing the HRC team Victoria Henwood and Rachel Welch crossing the line together in 4.03.02.  

A meal at the Plough Inn at Holford was enjoyed by all and truly well deserved.