From Manchester to Reading; Exeter to London via Taunton, Axe Valley Runners competed in distances ranging from 10k to the 26.2m on the road and up to 22 miles on the trails.

At the Therme Manchester Marathon, qualification was up for grabs for the World Championships, European Championships and Commonwealth Games, but for the seven AVRs a personal best (PB) and a good-for-age spot for London was enough incentive for the trip north.

In a big field with more than 14,000 marathon finishers, five AVRs finished in the incredible sub-three-hour bracket. First home was Terry Emmett in 2:37.22, followed by Duncan Staddon in 2:38.41, both in PBs. Next to finish was Rob Collier in 2:49.07, his first sub 2:50 finish and an impressive 12th M50. Matt Hewer in 2:55.34, was also delighted to secure a PB with Richard Hardy in 2:58.39 completing the sub-three set. Rupert Pady in 3:10.17 and Karen Eyre in 3:47.59 also ran excellent times for the 26.2m event.

Eight AVRs enjoyed a sunny Sunday morning in the capital running the London Landmarks half-marathon. Sam Tooze and Emma Richardson ran together and finished in 2:19.18 with Jo Orsman just behind them in 2:23.39. Carolyn Nation, who was running for Parkinson’s UK in memory of her mother, achieved a brilliant PB of 2:34.13. Sam Halls also got a great PB of 2:43.06, whilst raising money for Diabetes UK. Jason Hyde completed his third half-marathon in three weeks with a time of 2:19.54 while Denise Burges finished in 2:31.23. A big shout-out to the final member of the team, Bec Davey who helped at a water station after having to withdraw due to injury.

The Taunton marathon and half saw Jack Broom and Ron Seward amongst the 500 field in the half-marathon. An excellent fifth place for Jack Broom in a PB of 1:14.52 was particularly impressive given the hilly course. Ron Seward was second M70 in a very good 1:54.43.

Cliff Marriott and Haydn Boehm travelled to Reading, and following a recent bout of Covid, Haydn was happy with his 1:39.13 time, while Cliff finished in 1:47.10.

The First Chance 10k saw six AVRs test themselves on the flat course around Exeter Riverside. James Ashforth was first AVR home in 39th place in 44:21. Suzi Blackett was 74th in 52.19 with Angela Kerr hot on her heels in 52.56 which won her the trophy for first F65. Maxine Sweetman was delighted to bag the second F65 in 58.45 with Gill Day finishing in 58.41 and Rachel Hiscock coming in in 1:01.29.

The Exe to the Axe must be one of the most scenic races in the country. Matt Clist won the race, which had 142 finishers, in a brilliant time of 2:52.39, some eight minutes clear of second place. In third place and second male was Tim Lenton in 3:05.35. Eleanor Wood was a brilliant sixth female, first F60 in 3:53.30. James Green came in 20th in 3:43.33 with Stephen Grigg 28th in 3:49.34. Ian Kinnersley was second M60 in 3:57.29.

Margaret Pearce and Caroline French ran together to finish in 4:23.13 in 74th and 75th with Alan Morbey coming next AVR in 4:52.05. Steve Maclure finished in 5:22.22. Vicki Wraight, Helen Holmes, Katharine Moran and Julia Mallon all ran together to finish in 5:41.

A half distance option was also on offer running from Sidmouth to Seaton. Esme Markham completed this leg in 2.33.28, a creditable eleventh of the 25 finishers.

In the Powderham Castle 10-miler, Kerry Board set a 10m off-road PB finishing in 1:23.20, sixth female and first F45. Andy West was just behind clinching 49th overall place 1:27.46. Simon Dimmock took third in the Bolt Round the Holt in 40.39.

Innes Fitzgerald smashed her own female course record at Seaton parkrun by running a big PB of 17:11. Vivienne and Derek Blumfield, recent graduates of the club’s Couch to 5k, both secured a PB of 33.05.

Midweek Herald: Exe to the Axe first three menExe to the Axe first three men (Image: AVR)