The village of Yarcombe is well know for its strong community spirit, and last Sunday members of the running fraternity had the chance to enjoy the hospitality of the village and the beauty of the area in this year's Yarcombe Yomp.

The village of Yarcombe is well know for its strong community spirit, and last Sunday members of the running fraternity had the chance to enjoy the hospitality of the village and the beauty of the area in this year's Yarcombe Yomp.

The route takes in farmland and hills in a wide 5-mile sweep and, for those with time to stare, the views are spectacular.

Within yards of the start, the runners were ankle-deep in mud and moments later they were ankle deep in water, too.

A slippery muddy slope to a farm soon followed and had many fighting to keep their balance with one or two losing the battle.

Then a succession of fields, woods and hills with lots more mud led to the end of the first lap.

It is an energy sapping race but the Honiton Running Club contingent found it to their liking. Bruce Strawbridge is unrecognisable from the runner of two years ago and put in another strong performance to lead the team home. Bruce was well clear of Richard Harvey, who had hoped to give him a good race, but missing several months of running earlier in the year have taken their toll on his fitness.

Judy Davey and Ceri Oak found themselves in a battle for the ladies' places with Axe Valley and Sidmouth runners. At the end of the first lap, there was not much to choose between them but in the end Judy was delighted to take the 3rd lady spot with Ceri having to settle for 5th. Meanwhile vet runner John Burgess was having his own battle with fellow club member Greg Axel.

John started strongly but the second lap was much more of a struggle and half a mile from the finish Greg was just 30 yards behind. The downhill finish came to John's rescue and he managed to hold off the challenge but Greg was hard on his heels.

Maria Wadey was next home. Shortly afterwards Simon Hall and Peter Hughes of Axe Valley Runners came into the final field neck and neck and charged down the slope in a tremendous sprint to the finish. To the delight of the spectators they matched each other stride for stride, crossed the line together and collapsed exhausted on the grass. Last but by no means least, was Pete Lyus who loves cross-country events and ran not for a time but for sheer enjoyment. Honiton results: Bruce Strawbridge, 8th, 01:23:49; Richard Harvey, 11th 01:26:01; Judy Davey, 12th 01:27:02; Ceri Oak 14th 01:28:59; John Burgess, 20th 01:32:29; Greg Axsel, 21st 01:32:37; Maria Wadey, 27th 01:37:28; Simon Hall 29th 01:39:38; Pete Lyus, 37th 01:59:09.

By Alan Nicholls

Honiton Running Club