Three Axe Valley runners travelled to Minehead to compete in the Somerset Club’s Seaview 17 event which is actually 20.5 miles long, writes Dave Mutter.

The participants are dropped off at the top of Contisbury hill near Lynmouth to run back along the hilly coast path to Minehead. Geoff Woodward, Steve (Retro) Reynolds and Simon Radcliff who took the place of the ailing Eleanor Wood were the trio.

This was Simon’s first attempt at this distance but he made a quick start and soon left the others behind.

Steve felt as though he was struggling most of the way so he was surprised to catch Geoff at Porlock Weir approx 12miles.

Simon was feeling his early pace and the others could see him not too far ahead. Then came the Dreaded heartbreak hill up to Dunkery Beacon. Geoff managed to walk past Simon with Retro struggling behind.

Geoff made the most of his lead and went on to finish in 3hrs 26mins. Retro was closing in on Simon until an attack of cramp held him up.

Simon did well to finish in 3hrs 32mins with Retro not far behind in 3hrs 36mins. All three tucked into the generous spread laid on by the hosts although perhaps surprisingly Geoff’s eyes were bigger than his belly on this occasion.

Harry Moore was very pleased with his efforts at the Lyme Regis Lifeboat 2.5 mile race, he was the second male veteran in 30 mins.

April seems a long time ago and the effort of London Marathon a distant memory. After running his first marathon in 4hrs 19mins 57secs Tim Sibley has finished his fund-raising and has raised �469 towards two Local Charities.

A sum of �233.75 went to Sift, a Seaton based charity which helps poor and needy in Nicaragua and will help with medical work at a remote clinic. More Information can be found at www.seed-trust.com.

There was also a sum of �235.25 despatched to the Devon Air Ambulance Trust to assist with keeping Devon’s two Air Ambulances flying and more information on the work of DAAT can be found at www.daat.org. Tim would like to thank all those who supported him and Axe Valley Runners for the entry into the Marathon.