The Ottery 10k race organised by Honiton Running Club (HRC) took place last Sunday on a gorgeous sunny day, writes Judy Davey.

Ottery Carnival committee provided many of the marshals and although many HRC members were involved with organisation, the club still managed to sport a good representation of runners.

Numbers entered overall beat the course record in dramatic style with 301 crossing the finish line.

This all road course is around the streets of Ottery St Mary and is billed as fairly flat although in the heat of the day most runners disagreed with this.

The race was won by Tom Merson of Exmouth Harriers in the fantastic time of 32 minutes and two seconds – over two minutes ahead of the second placed runner.

The first lady was Suzy Rushforth of South West Road Runners in 41:08. First back for Honiton was young Will Daly who came 12th in 38:22.

Another young HRC runner was next back in the form of George Tomkins who came 35th in 41:38. He was just ahead of Sherrie Hair, who was first lady back for HRC and second lady overall.

She finished in 41:49. Other HRC runners were: Mark Newson, 47th, 43:12; Rod Inglis, 52nd, 44:06,; Sam Pollard, 56th, 44:33; Steve Davey, 62nd, 45:15; Richard Harris, 66th, 45:42; Mark Dallyn, 78th, 46:34; Jo Davey, 79th, 46:45; Steve Selley, 80th, 46:57; Pippa Westall, 93rd, 48:36; Darren Roberts, 107th, 49:55; Kate Smith, 114th, 50:47; Andy Ashford, 119th, 51:05; Jay Sweetman, 146th, 52:37; Rachel Hennessey, 147th, 52:38; Lex Turnham, 176th, 55:12; Asilah Jarrald, 177th, 55:14; Clare Melbourne, 178th, 55:20; Linda Pike, 181st, 56:03; Charlotte McKechnie, 189th, 57:07; Teresa Pollard, 190th, 57:10; Geri Terry, 193rd, 57:36; Owen Bukin, 207th; 58:52; Phil Hall, 209th, 58:58; Alan Rowe, 216th, 59:58; Claire Staniforth, 219th, 1:00:13; Carol Turnham, 223rd, 1:00:35; Liz Corney, 224th, 1:00:39, Becky Galiford, 232nd, 1:01:42; Lucy Daly, 238th; 1:01:48; Karen Shaw, 264th, 1:05:40, Claire Arscott, 276th, 1:07:16, Paula Ferris, 283rd, 1:10:08 (running with Paul Bryant), Vanessa Glyn Jones, 286th 1:12:09; Elizabeth Kranen, 289th, 1:14:05.

There was also a one-mile fun run open to youngsters. The first three boys and girls won chocolate, a trophy, a medal and a tee-shirt for their efforts. Huge thanks, to all the sponsors, the Cricket Club, the Carnival Club and anyone else who made the day such a success.