Honiton Running Club Junior Section held its end-of-year awards evening last Tuesday. The awards were presented by club captain Richard Harvey, writes Judy Davey.

He thanked the coaching team for another year of dedication to the club members. He also thanked the members for their commitment and enthusiasm, even on cold, wet, rainy winter nights when 30 or more often turn up for a club evening. He specially praised those who put on the club vest and compete in races, where Honiton Juniors are often the biggest junior team.

The awards were as follows: Loyalty to the Club: Lauren Davey, Jo Davey, Ella Harvey, Dougie Keywood, Josh Cottingham:

Tough runners who have just begun to race for the club: Bea Brett, Anna Lamb, Arthur Heeler-Frood

Dedicated runners who are into their second or third year of racing: Jake Harvey, Reuben Heeler-Frood, Harry Whiteley

Most improved runners: Morgan Davy, Iain Ross. Runners of the Year: Katie Davey, who has been with the club from the beginning, has run more races than any other member and always puts 100% effort into her running.

Sam Urquhart, who has worked very hard to become a very fast young runner and is the first member of the club to be awarded a gold medal for running under 10:30 for a 3K track race.

The club meets every Tuesday evening in term time at Honiton Community College. Full details can be found on their website: www.webjam.com/honitonrcjuniors

Last Wednesday it was the Met Office’s turn to organise the 2nd Woodland Relay of the year. It was held at Woodbury Common and was particularly undulating. Although each competitor only had to run just over 2 miles; this was definitely far enough with everyone agreeing it was a tough route.

Honiton had a good turnout fielding 7 of the 16 teams. Honiton Ladies’ team made up of Ceri Oak, Judy Davey and Julie Payne won the ladies’ race and Honiton Men’s A team came 3rd overall. The club’s boys’ team also came first but then they were the only boys’ team taking part. The overall victors of the evening were AVR Men and AVR also took home the girls’ prize.

Bruce Strawbridge and Steve and Judy Davey took part in AVR’s Every Which Way But Loose last Sunday. This is a self navigating mult-terrain social run of either 14 or 8 miles. The Honiton trio chose 14 miles and were very pleased to manage to keep it under 15 after taking a few minor detours!

The base was Umborne Village Hall where runners were treated to delicious hot pasties on their return. Runners were given a list of checkpoints they had to visit but otherwise they could choose how to get from point to point. The Honiton group decided to be different and run clockwise when everyone else chose the suggested anti-clockwise direction. A question was asked at each checkpoint ensuring runners didn’t cheat. Thanks to AVR for a great morning out, especially Garry Parrett and the refreshment crew. Over �100 was raised for hall funds.