Wind and mud for juniors

Lashing rain on Sunday morning didn t stop 21 runners turning out to take part in the season s first East Devon cross-country race for the junior runners.

Lashing rain on Sunday morning didn't stop 21 runners turning out to take part in the season's first East Devon cross-country race for the junior runners.

When the races got under way, the rain had stopped and the trees of Morganhayes Wood near Colyton were looking splendid in their autumn colours. The runners had to keep their eyes firmly on the ground as they contended with ankle-deep mud and water streaming down the paths, but this all added to the fun.

With feet slipping and sliding, it was hard going and tiring running but everyone put in very gutsy performances.

There were some very good times and a few close battles at the finish. With lower numbers than normal, many found themselves having to fight through the mud without another runner in sight, but there was plenty of tape to keep them on course and friendly marshals to give encouragement.

Many thanks to all the runners, and their parents, for ignoring the weather and making it such a good event. Thanks, too, to the marshals and helpers. The series is organised by Axe Valley, Honiton and Sidmouth Running Clubs but runners from local secondary schools are welcome to take part. The next race will take place on January 31, 2010.

Category winners: 1st U11B - Hugh Williams (HRC), 1st U13B - Harry Felgate (AVR): 1st U13G - Lily Helston (HRC): 1st U15B - Sam Urquhart (HRC): 1st U15G - Ellie Stone (SRC): 1st U17B - Stephen Moss (SRC)

Full results and photos can be found here: www.webjam.com/HonitonRCJuniors

By John Burgess

Junior cross-country Race