Five Honiton Runners took part in the second annual running of the Ham to Lyme Ultra Marathon, writes Judy Davey.

This is a mixed-terrain race organised by Albion Running with two distances on offer, 50k or the out and back 100k, needless to say the HRC runners all choose the 50k.

The course followed the Liberty Trail from Ham Hill through some beautiful countryside taking in West Chinnok, Crewkerne, Misterton, Ford Abbey, Wotton Fitzpaine, Lamberts Castle and finally Lyme Regis. The race started at 9:30 and pace was relaxed from the start with all mindful of just trying to finish rather than get a PB or top place.

All of the Honiton Runners stayed within a mile of each other until Lamberts castle and then they all started to stretch out as they gauged how much was left in the tank.

First home for Honiton was Suzanne Spiller and Daniel Strawbridge (33rd-34th) in a time of 5:56:35. They split off from the pack so Suzanne could catch four more female contenders she had seen up ahead.

She did catch them and nearly killed Dan in the process, but it meant they had a great time and fourth lady.

Next home were Tim Wigram and Simon Spiller (43rd and 44th) in 6:05:33 and then Sharon Wells in 58th in an awesome time of 6:24:59.

There were 125 runners and the race was won by Iain Trickett in unimaginable time of 4:26:34.

It was also great to see Tracey and Bruce Strawbridge out along the course at many places cheering the team on providing well needed encouragement.

Also out to support at the finish line were Ben, Donna and the rest of the Stone family which was a great sight and well received after 50k.