The Dalwood 3 Hills Challenge is one of those hard 10 mile multi-terrain events that sometimes cause us to wonder why we bother, writes John Perratt

Even the potholes on the way there are pretty daunting. On the plus side there is an exhilarating run down the last of the three hills and a surprisingly refreshing stream crossing just before the finish line. The locals are very friendly and in the Village Hall afterwards everyone seems to rediscover their sense of humour.

David Palmer was like a rose amongst the thorns as Sidmouth Running Club’s only male representative or, perhaps, that was just his rosy cheeks as he tried to adjust to running again after too much time on his bike. Jo Earlam is running well at the moment, preparing for the Paris marathon next month, and led the girls home. Carol Goddard, Bev Tarry and Helen Palmer all completed the course with less distress than David.

?In Exeter, Milan Goc came 3rd in a 10k road race around the River Exe Flood Relief System in an excellent time of 37.11 but racing two days in a row took its toll as he was off his best at the last of the Winter 3k races at Exeter Arena with a time of 10.28. Also at the Arena but setting PBs, were Grey Grierson and Zak Francis with 10.42 and 11.11 respectively. Kit Grierson was the quickest, but his time of 10.11 was two seconds off his best.