On bank holiday Monday, Chris Polley ran the London BUPA 10k.

On bank holiday Monday, Chris Polley ran the London BUPA 10k. This is the second year it has been run and the course is to be used as part of the 2012 marathon route. Having never run a 10k on-road, Chris had no idea what to expect time-wise (the only clue was his 58 mins only weeks before at the Umborne Ug). He completed the race in 48:41, a great effort, as he started five waves back in the staggered start and had to weave his way through the crowds. Chris reports that it was a great day, with large crowd support all along the route. Applications for next year are to open soon and the plan for Chris is to get near to the 45 min mark -watch this space!l On Sunday morning, in the scorching sun, the AVR gang travelled to Crewkerne for their annual nine and three mile road races. The nine mile race was won by Great Britain marathon runner Adrian Marriott in an impressive time of 48.10. Luke Reed was the first Axe Valley runner across the line after a fine run, 14th in 56.46. That was five minutes faster than two years ago. Garry Phillips also had a good run, finishing 30th in just under the hour. Joyce Rendell also ran but her time is not yet available.Lydia Clapp was fourth girl in the three mile fun run, 11th overall, in 24.35. Harry Moore completed in around 37 mins and Romy Phillips also ran.l Dan Clapp ran really well in Crediton Crunch 10k. He came 11th out of 240 in 42.53mins, his first ever 10k race.l The hottest ever monthly handicap race was run on Monday evening, with many of the juniors relishing the conditions and producing PB's. Henry Richards was the junior winner in 18:00. Those in the placings were Tom Kiernan, 15:08; Mollie Hansford, 15:37; Ellis Bee, 15:49 and Sammy Barry, 16:10. Gary Davies made a mockery of the senior event by knocking more than a minute off his PB, winning in 27:47. Sue Willer was second, 33:55; Steve White third, 24:08; Eleanor Wood fourth, 24:37 and Mark Hilder fifth, 24:25.l Dave Mutter raised �1,1011.74 for the local scout group's archery equipment through his London Marathon run.l The AVR AGM will be at 7:30pm on Monday, June 8, at the Eyre Court Hotel in Seaton.