Bright sunshine and close to zero temperatures greeted the eleven HRC members who were looking for a flat 10K to start the year, writes Judy Davey.

The course is from the quay in Exeter and loops out to the Countess Weir Bridge twice. The race hosted by South West Road Runners is the first of the InStep Devon race series for 2015 and competitors earn points if they run five of these races.

Over 500 runners finished with the first male being James Rodgers from North Somerset and first lady Serane Stone from Tiverton Harriers. Kevin Hawker was a rather reluctant racer who really fancied the hills in the Axmouth Challenge, which others in the club were attempting, but was persuaded to run fast instead. He did! and was pleased to finish 10th overall in a time of 36:05. Steve Selley was the next Honiton runner in a time of 42:39 and was 61st overall and second in his category to win a prize. The next Honiton runner was Julie Payne in 45:19 in 93rd place which meant she was the first in her category, well done Julie! She was followed by Roger Saunders in 47:49 in 133rd place who managed third in his category, but was a few minutes slower than his last run on this course. Michala Hudd came next at 176th place in a time of 49:53 cheered on by family and Jennie Sleeman came in at 207th place in a time of 51:11. Tony Peek took the opportunity to run this race after all his coaching the new runners and finished in 224th place in a time of 54:06. Next came Sharon Wells in a time of 53:53 in 255th place. Jo Davey was on good form at 1:00:57 in 383rd place. Wendy Williams ran with Dawn Peek who was a beginner runner and this was her first race, they finished in 407th and 408th with a time of 1:02:35. Let’s hope this is the first of many for Dawn!