Just three AVRs made the short trip to Exmouth for the new Bradley’s 10k, writes Carol Austin.

Conditions were perfect for running with just a light wind on the seafront for the two-lap course that went along the Esplanade, with a long ascent followed by a short, sharp downhill on the return along the Maer.

More than 400 runners took part with Carol Austin first AVR home in 78th (13th female) in 45:44; her best time for four years.

Elaine Hourihan finished in 54:44 with Helen Holmes in 55:06.

At last Saturday’s Seaton Parkrun, Sam Eyre was the first AVR home in 20:38, a cracking time over 5k for the youngster.

AVR members Richard Matthews, Sue Hayes, Sarah Shepley, Diane Newton and Paul Lloyd all achieved personal bests. Diane was also the highest age graded AVR.

Last Saturday, AVR members Anthony Chadwick, Garry Perratt and Matt Hewer decided to do something a bit different and invented the ‘Cubman Duathlon’.

They began with the Grizzly Cub Run, then did a 46-mile ride taking in some big hills (including The Bitch, Peak Hill and Chineway Hill) and a coffee stop before finishing with half the Cub Run (turning at Beer).

They went at a leisurely pace, including coffee stop, taking six hours and 38 minutes.

? After such a splendid, hot and prolonged summer, it was slightly disappointing to have such severe weather for the Weymouth Half Ironman 70.3 on Sunday last.

Months of training and nerves must be worth it, thought Eleanor Wood. The swim was cut short due to choppy and dangerous sea conditions and more than 40 athletes out of about 2,500 were pulled out, so this was the end of their day.

The cycle was windy, wet and cold and Eleanor’s fingers were freezing, making changing gear very challenging.

She also struggled with taking fluids or food as she could not use her hands.

There were several crashes and punctures along the 56-mile route, but thankfully not involving Eleanor.

By the time she started the 13.1-mile run it was blissfully warm as the sun broke through, but Eleanor still struggled with frozen feet!

After just over six-and-a-half hours of tremendous effort Eleanor was delighted, ecstatic and happy, not to mention hungry at the end.

She was delighted to finish as third female vet 60-64 and went home with a big ironman trophy and already planning her next adventure.

? Last Sunday five AVRs took part in the Bovey Beauty, a 10-mile fell race that is run over the most rugged and remote areas of East Dartmoor, with a climb of 1,800ft.

It begins in Pullabrook Woods in the Bovey Valley, climbing to Lustleigh Cleave and on to Hunters Tor before running through the rare Western Oak Woods on the southern side of the valley over Houndtor ridge and on to Trendlebere Down before returning to the start for a nice downhill finish.

With 80 runners completing the challenging course, the AVRs really excelled with Tim Lenton taking second place (and first male 40) in 1:17.27.

Second woman (and first female 50) was Robin Carter in 1:43.41.

In fourth overall was James Jackson (second male 40) in 1:22 and Patrick Devine-Wright was fifth (third male 40) in 1:24.

Graham Newton was first male 60 in an excellent 1:42.56, going home with a bottle of cider for his efforts.