Sunday morning saw 12 runners, five walkers and three four-legged friends assemble at Axmouth Harbour ready for the return to Sidmouth, writes Terry Bewes.

The previous week we had run from Exmouth to Sidmouth. For the runners this was the last training run before the Grizzly on March 13, and the penultimate one before the Exe to the Axe on April 3.

Starting with a run along the shingle beach from Axmouth to Seaton this was a good taster of what was to come. Going up the hill out of Seaton was the last we saw of Rocker Sheppard as he went off like a rocket. Arriving at Beer Head for a change we went down the Stairway to Heaven to the beach.

Another run along the shingle from Beer Head to Branscombe Mouth was just what we needed in preparation of the hills to come.

While the main body fuelled up on energy bars and gels Rob Edwards headed off to the café for a cappuccino.

As we left him sunning himself on the patio we headed off up the hill, but before we reached the summit he came running by and continued to run up every hill back to Sidmouth not always by the most direct route just to show off.

There is a moral there somewhere! Continuing on to Littlecombe Shute we passed many other runners preparing for the big one and it was along this stretch that we caught up with David Palmer.

David was walking the route in preparation for his coast to coast walk later in the year, and although he started 15 minutes before us it took us a long time to catch up with him, either he is a fast walker or we are slowing down. Arriving back we were most appreciative of the free cakes on offer at Cycle Services and yes, David did make it before we had time to eat them all. It was a hard run, but enjoyed by all on a beautiful sunny morning. Monica Read, David Lee and David Wright all had excellent runs.

The day, before Suzi Rockey who joined us as far as Branscombe had taken part in the 5K Resolution Run at Escot Park.

She had entered this race to improve her fitness prior to joining the club and the training runs she has done with the club certainly paid off.

This was a multi-terrain race and Suzi was the second runner home and first lady. Another medal to add to her collection.