The Lustleigh Show 10k is one of the most popular races in the calendar for Sidmouth runners and their families, writes John Perratt.

There are several reasons for this.

It has an unmistakable rural feel about it and there is plenty going on in the showground afterwards.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, the route is wonderfully scenic, there is everything from falconry to ferret racing, and this year, for the connoisseur, a demonstration on the History of Haymaking!

They’re lucky with the weather too, only three wet days in 50 years!

Setting off in the midday heat the runners were dispatched by a clang from the Town Cryer, and with an unusual request, to look out for a buzzard which had made a bid for freedom from the falconry tent.

First Sidmouth runners home were Justin Ashby (10th) and Naomi Garrick (54th), and making her debut in Sidmouth colours was Kerry Boyle (84th).

There were a few familiar names in the lower orders, and Chris Robinson (113th) claimed a unique achievement - 10 consecutive years of the same race!

Your times have stayed about the same too Chris! Caroline Ball took a wrong turn somewhere, but still finished in a respectable time.

As the Sidmouth group, like a flock of buzzards, homed in on the beer tent, all agreed that it had been a hot, but great day out.

Sidmouth times: Justin Ashby, 41mins 17secs; Naomi Garrick, 53.32; Jon Miller and Tim Mitchell, 55.29; Kerry Boyle and Colin Flood, 58.21; John Ball, 59.59; Becky Robson, 1.01; Chris Robinson 1.06 and Caroline Ball 1.26.