A record 240 runners came from all over the country to take part Honiton Running Club’s Blackdown Beast.

The Beast is a very social, self-navigated run. Runners followed a picturesque cross-country route of 7.6 miles on seldom used footpaths to Smeatharpe. The next leg of the run is 2.8 miles on lanes and country paths down to the village of Upottery and the Sidmouth Arms.

The 10-mile option finished here with minibus transport provided to take the 10-milers back to Dunkeswell. The 16-milers then took the road to Rawridge, where they rejoined footpaths across country, over fields and the River Otter before climbing to the top of the ridge to the viewpoint above Luppitt for a spectacular panorama of the surrounding countryside.

They then ran the next leg of 3.3 miles to Luppitt Village Hall and another refreshment stop. The last 2.7 mile leg of the day took runners on muddy fields and quiet country lanes back to Dunkeswell Airport for a well-earned drink and food.

A great day was had by all and very few reported getting lost, and those who did did not stray too far before getting back on route. Well over £3,000 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Relief.