‘Every Which Way But Loose’ was run for the second year on Sunday by Axe Valley Runners, writes Sarah Brown.

It is a low key, self navigation event, where runners have a choice of an eight or 14-mile route (as long as you don’t get lost in which case it could be further !).

Runners often run in pairs or groups and a map of the area provided with mandatory check points marked and a numerical question at each one. The choice of route is then up to the runners and local knowledge must be an advantage, as well as being able to read a map.

Four Sidmouth runners took part but as there is a loose start time it was not until the results were published that Terry Bewes and Helen Palmer, who ran the long route, realised that John Perratt and his grandson Byron Fitzgerald had taken part in the shorter route. Palmer and Bewes were both pleased with their improved map reading ie not getting too lost and not being last either – a result !

The weather was at last sunny and hot for a jaunt round the beautiful hills, lanes and fields of East Devon.

Starting at Umborne village hall the long route took in Colyton, Musbury, Whitfield and Shute Beacon.

The terrain was not easy underfoot being still wet and rutted in places but runners were rewarded with some beautiful views and pasty, cake and a mug of tea at the end.

Axe Valley runners once again organised a great friendly run but be warned, their numerical clues can be fiendish !