The sun shone, 1,800 runners battled the hills, mud, river, bogs and pebbles, and Seaton was buzzing with the throngs of visitors enjoying the spectacular start and finish of the 34th running of the famous Grizzly.

Five-time Olympian and European champion, Jo Pavey got the races underway after a moment’s applause to ‘paws for thought’ and remember all those who had lost their lives since the last Grizzly was held in 2020 and, in particular five-times winner of the Grizzly between 1996 and 2003, South West Road Runner, Mike Feighan who passed away following an accident last year.

The Grizzly, organised every year by volunteers from Axe Valley Runners, began to the deafening sound of hundreds of runners on the pebble beach before they returned along the Esplanade past the cheering crowds.

This year’s Cub run was won by Tom Perry of Exeter Harriers in 1:00.49 with Catie O’Donoghue from Bristol and West, first female in 1:11.19.

Second female was AVR’s, Ellie Dominey, in 1:14.48, who also received a prize for first AVR female home with Richard Hardy, 3rd overall in 1:09.33 and first male AVR.

First male in the Grizzly was David Green from Rugby & Northampton AC in an impressive 2:18.30 with first female, Molly Browne from Birmingham Running Athletics Triathlon (BRAT) who completed the 20m course in a brilliant 2:42.36. First AVR male was Matt Clist, 10th overall in 2:30.03 with Molly Adkin first AVR female, 3:07.34 in 9th female position overall.

Over the years, the Grizzly has raised thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities and good causes with donations of more than £457k.

Huge thanks go to our sponsors East Devon Sports Therapy Centre and Lyme Bay Winery.

Special Grizzly beer to help the runners for the last kick to home was offered on Beer Head by David Sadler. Finally, a huge thank you to the landowners and to all the support groups.

Before Sunday’s main event, local junior runners took part in a number of races during Grizfest with 350 children running along Seaton’s Esplanade. And on Saturday evening, the famous Grizzly quiz returned to the Gateway.

Full results are at www.axevalleyrunners.org.uk/grizzly

Midweek Herald: Jo Pavey with AVR Grizzly first finishers: Matt Clist and Molly AdkinJo Pavey with AVR Grizzly first finishers: Matt Clist and Molly Adkin (Image: AVR)

Midweek Herald: Jo Pavey thanks the finish line marshalsJo Pavey thanks the finish line marshals (Image: AVR)

Midweek Herald: Angela Kerr, Sarah Herfet and Mandy Harris head on their wayAngela Kerr, Sarah Herfet and Mandy Harris head on their way (Image: AVR)