Two Honiton runners braved the cold to take part in the Dawlish Coasters’ ‘Oh My Obelisk’ last Sunday, writes Judy Davey.

Billed as a 10-mile multi-terrain race, runners are taken on a undulating course up to Haldon Forest and the obelisk, and back down again, which ends up being closer to 11.5 miles in total! Although cold, the weather was on-side with beautiful sunshine throughout. The course was muddy in places but it all added to the fun. First back for Honiton was Clare Melbourne, in 2.02hours, and second was Juliet Hall in 2.17. This was a great result for Hall’s first off-road race and both runners thoroughly enjoyed it! The only disappointment of the day was that neither runner actually saw the obelisk, leading them to believe that it may be just a myth created to entice runners up the steep climb to the summit!

?On the same day, several Honiton runners took part in the much closer Axmouth Challenge where runners could choose from a variety of route lengths. The main race was 9.4 miles and mainly on road. The route differed slightly to previous years but there were still plenty of hills and, this year, very slippery mud in places.

Steve Davey was first back for Honiton in 21st place in 1:13:23 hours. Howard Bidmead was next back in 35th place in 1:18:44. Rod Inglis finished just one place and 11 seconds later having had a great run. Ceri Oak had an amazing race as she has not raced for well over a year due to injury but she stormed round coming 38th in 1:19:31 showing she is truly back on form.

Mark Andow had to get off to a very hurried start as he thought the race started 30 minutes after it did and it may have been lack of time for nerves but he had a great run. He finished 49th in 1:21:47. Andow had overtaken Judy Davey on a particularly slippery field near the finish and he managed to maintain this position with Davey finishing just one place later in 1:21:52. Mark Dallyn was wearing his Honiton vest for the first time. He was out not to push himself to his limit but rather to enjoy the event. He came 53rd in 1:22:50. Warren Oak was next back in 58th place in 1:25:13 with John Burgess hot on his heels finishing just 20 seconds later in 62nd position. Steve Briggs completed the Honiton line up coming 71st in 1:26:45. There were 96 finishers.

?Honiton’s junior boys flew the flag brilliantly with Henry Riddle coming first in the five mile race and Findlay Fuller second bringing home a medal each. Henry finished in 39 minutes 45 seconds and Findlay completed in 41:28. There were 22 runners in this race.

?Iain Ross isn’t old enough to take part in the five mile race so he had to settle for the mile long fun run for juniors. He also won the race in 8:26 with 15 juniors finishing the run.

After the race, runners were treated as usual to hot soup, rolls and delicious home made cakes. Thanks to Axe Valley Runners and Axmouth Village Hall for another great event.