An early start was required for six Honiton runners last Sunday as they travelled to the lovely village of Cheddar in Somerset, writes Judy Davey.

Having read the pre-race notes runners were told that there was a walk to the start - this walk turned out to be a climb of 420 foot over a third of a mile which would be good training for anyone thinking of mountain climbing. However once at the start runners were greeted with the most stunning views where you could see for miles.

Being an open field meant that the wind doth blow and there was little escape from it.

The 5k and 10k races started at the same time and point. The first part was another climb but once at the top runners were treated to a fantastic view of Cheddar Reservoir.

The race split at about 2k sending the 10k route on an out and back run meaning that runners got to see the first place runners on their way back. The route had rocky paths needing extra care with the wind blowing as it was.

At one stage runners were sent up ‘Devils Steps’ which have to give the Grizzly’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ a run for its money.

This was a particular challenge for young Jasmine Stone as the steps were almost too much for her little legs to climb! Jasmine and Nicola Greenland both did the 5k run with Jasmine leading the way for the ladies being fourth back and first female in a time of 24 min 23sec.

Nicola finished in a time of 29.06 coming in 16th place out of 60.