Following the success of last summer s Blackdown Beauty organised by Honiton Running Club, Alan Nicholls had the brainwave of organising a similar social run in the middle of winter!

Following the success of last summer's Blackdown Beauty organised by Honiton Running Club, Alan Nicholls had the brainwave of organising a similar social run in the middle of winter! This took place last Saturday and 'The Beast' was a 15 mile run with several stops en route at convenient pubs, running through the Blackdown Hills.

The event began and ended at the Royal Oak, Dunkeswell. The first stop, after 6 miles, was not a pub at all but on the terrace of the beautiful Springdale garden in Smeatharpe with mulled cider and hot pasties being served to the grateful runners.

The next stop was the Sidmouth Arms, Upottery, and then on to the Luppitt Inn. This family run 'pub' only opens if you happen to strike lucky or you ask very nicely as it is essentially the owner's front room. Mary, the proprietor, has been unwell recently but, with help from her family, runners were made welcome, despite muddy shoes. The rest of the route was entirely on road, taking in two long steep hills. After these, runners were ready to return to the Royal Oak and much needed sustenance. Thanks to the many landowners for allowing the 52 local and not so local runners to pass through their land, as well as three walkers. Thanks to those Honiton RC members who did the lion's share of the organisation but special thanks to Alan Nicholls, who has moved from the area. Alan has contributed immensely to the club in many different ways and has been awarded life membership.