Luke Reed took part in his first multi-sport event of the year - the Taunton Deane Aquathlon, which is a swim / run event. This is Reed’s fourth consecutive year at this race and his best result yet.

Reed completed the 1000m pool swim in 16.42 followed by the 10k run in 37.28, giving him a time of 54.10, and sixth place overall.

Although there has been no rain for many days, there were plenty of large puddles and deep mud on the Dalwood courses on Sunday morning. Runners were well dressed for the biting easterly wind that blew across the fields and over the steep hills.

The 1.5-mile fun run was won overall by Sasha Davy of Honiton RC in 10:06. AVR’s Caleb Sinclair was delighted to gain fourth place and first 11-year-old boy. Jenny Weber, the other AVR in the race, finished in 16:25 to earn 3rd place for her category.

The three-mile Mini-Challenge was won by Chris Nichol in 26:21. Just 10 seconds behind in second place was AVR Ollie Caute who won the Male 13 category. The other two AVRs were Mollie Hansford who was 5th in 30:22 also winning the Female 15 category, and James Knapp was 2nd Male 13 runner in 30:51.

The 10-mile 3 Hills Challenge was won for the second year in a row by Michael Robinson of Tamar Trotters in 1:06:26. The next two places were filled by Axe Valley Runners. Simon Bayliss led Tim Lenton for most of the way, then near the top of the nine-mile hill Lenton took the lead to finish second in 1:10:32 with Bayliss finishing just 34 seconds later.

Amy Greenhalgh was first lady home 17th overall in 1:21:25. Phil Bayliss scooped the first M60 prize, 31st in 1:25:51 and Eleanor Wood came in smiling to win the F55 category in 1:30:53, 42nd overall. Robin Britton sprinted across the river before crossing the line 48th in 1:33:13. Then came Clare Hansford 56th, 1:35:52; Rebecca Platt 67th, 1:38:04, Ian Clements 70th, 1:39:50 and John Larcombe 82nd, 1:49:39. The tired and muddy runners enjoyed all the refreshments provided in the hall.

Thanks go to the organisers and Garry Perratt for the timing and results.