Several HRC members were out in force tackling the Exe to Axe race, which is 22 miles following the coast path from Exmouth to Seaton. This is a very tough race with just under 4000 foot of climb.

First back for HRC was Johnny Bennett, coming 14th in 3:29. Steve Davey had a fantastic run, knocking 30 minutes off his time of last year and coming 1st in his category. Steve was 36th in 3:56. Steve was followed by his wife, Judy who led the HRC ladies home to come 43rd in exactly 4 hours.

It was a family affair, as Steve and Judy’s daughter, Jo Buxton, finished 64th in 4:18. Mark Dallyn had run the race together with Tim Wigram, and Mark finished 75th in 4:23 with Tim right behind him, one second later.

Rebecca Stevens was 84th in 4:37 and the line-up was completed by Paula Ferris and Gareth Henwood, who had also run together. They finished 95th in 4:40. Race winner was Matt Clist in the amazing time of 2:52. Thanks to Sidmouth Running Club for hosting.

Honiton Running Club member Mandy Ward ran the deferred 2020 Weston Super Mare Half to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society and was pleased to finish relatively strongly in a time of 2 hours 30 minutes.

In the Powderham Castle 10-miler, Anna Dalzell and Vanessa Knowles ran together to finish 131st in 2 hours and 1 second. Three HRC runners took on the 5-mile version with great success. Mark Newson came 6th overall in 39:08 and Clare Melbourne was given 3rd lady podium position coming 15th overall in 43:15. Janice Newson came 77th in 53:35.

On the same day, Roger Saunders and Mark Newson ran the First Chance 10K organised by South West Road Runners (SWRR) from the Exeter Quay. Mark ran it in 44:11, which considering he ran the previous day at Powderham, was a good effort, while Roger finished in 52:10.

After the race, the Instep Devon results were awarded for 2021 and Ellie Spiller (Under 20) and Lin Grady (Vet 45), both from Honiton Running Club, received awards as first in their categories.