The 2014 Charmouth Challenge was held on Saturday and is categorised as the most southerly fell race in England – that means hilly, writes Dave Mutter.

The eight-mile course goes through breath-taking coastal scenery and includes an ascent of Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast of England.

Despite the hot and humid conditions 234 entrants completed the race which was won by Michael Robinson of Tamar Trotters in 52:09.

First back for Axe Valley Runners was Tim Lenton, fourth in 55:24 (first male vet 40 plus). Martin Lascelles was 17th, 1:02:03 (first male vet 50 plus) closely followed by Lin Lascelles 22nd, 1:03:09 (second lady finisher).

Phil Bayliss was 27th, 1:04:40 (first male vet 60 plus) Chris Keefe 31st, 1:06:50, John Blackledge 40th,1:09:02, Neil Vincent 44th ,1:09:29, followed by Eleanor Wood 47th 1:09:58 (first female vet 50 plus).

Next in was Robin Britton 51st, 1:11:00 then Nick Adams 89th, 1:18:12, Steve Reynolds 101st, 1:19:39 just ahead of Alan Morbey 102nd 1:19:47. Margaret Pearce was 121st 1:21:11, Ian Clements 122nd 1:22:11, Angela Kerr 217th 1:48:47, Martin Kerr 221st 1:49:48 and in his first appearance for the club Gary Readings was 222nd in 1:50:41.

The AVR Juniors put in a fine performance in the tough 1.8-mile fun run.

The course winds up the steep Stonebarrow Hill, cuts across a field then all the way back to the primary school.

The winner, in 10:48, was Iain Ross of Honiton Running Club, who is also a member of AVR. He was closely followed by four other AVR boys.

In second place Ollie Caute, 11:07, who won the 1st boy Year 9 trophy; third Bobby Simpson, 11:19; fourth William Blackledge, 11:44 and in fifth place Arun Hawkes, 12:05, who won the first boy in Year 8 trophy.

William Watson was 13th in 13:31 chased by his brother, Chris, 30th in 14:56. Imogen Waterhouse, the only girl running for AVR finished well in 15:56.

Thank you to Charmouth School for organising such an outstanding race and to the local fire brigade for the cooling hose down for finishers on what seemed like the hottest day of the year!