A good few Honiton Running Club members graced the Otter Rail and River Run 10k based at Tipton last Saturday, writes Judy Davey.

James Reeves of South West Road Runners won the race in the excellent time of 36 minutes 57 seconds.

Running for Honiton, his brother Graham was not too far behind coming fifth in 40:03. Tim Legg came 10th in 42:54 winning his age category as did Julie Payne who came 36th in 47:44.

Esme Moffett had a great run to come 55th in 50:09 and Mark Andow was next back finishing 63rd in 51:18. Sam Shute completed the Honiton line-up to come 127th in 1:06:43. There were 141 finishers.

Honiton Running Club’s own Blackdown Beauty took place last Saturday around the Blackdown Hills’ countryside.

It started off as another hot one but it cooled down during the afternoon to ideal running conditions. The rain came down but it did stay off until most of the runners had finished and were able to shelter in a barn whilst still enjoying the barbecue.

The main choice of routes was either 18-miles or 10-miles with runners able to pick which points they ran enabling them to run a distance of their choice.

The base was at Priors Park Farm, Culmhead courtesy of Jim Hill and family. The long route took in four pubs as well as a cream tea taking runners to Pitminster and then on to Clayhidon before a visit to Pear Tree Cottage, Stapley for the delicious cream tea, appreciated by all!

Thank you, to the Parry family, for the use of their gorgeous garden and all the ladies of Smeatharpe WI for making the scones and serving welcome cups of tea.

Once fed and watered, runners went on to Churchinford before running back to base.

Thanks to everyone who helped in any way as well as all the landowners, but especially Jim Hill for giving up part of his farm for the day by providing the ideal base for the run including a barn for the post race barbecue.

Keep an eye on the website www.honitonrc.com for the winter version - The Blackdown Beast due to be held in January.

Howard Bidmead was in charge of the backup car for the Beauty so didn’t run the route which meant he could run the Bridport Jurassic Coast 10K on Sunday.

It’s starts and finishes at the Bridport Leisure Centre and is nearer 12K than 10. It winds its way out to the coast path where the runners climb Thorncombe Hill, the second highest point on the Coast path.

Runners are greeted there with spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast before the descent back to Bridport via West Bay.

Howard was extremely pleased with his run finishing in 58m 21s and taking a prize for 3rd O50 vet male.

There were close to 100 runners and Howard finished well up the field.