On the 10th of January 2023, on a cold evening in Honiton, 30 potential runners met to start their eight-week Couch to 5km beginners’ course. Head Coach Paula Ferris, with her team of leaders and helpers, greeted the cohort with smiles and calming encouraging words to quash the nerves.

The C25km app was used and runners encouraged to run twice a week on their own. Each Monday, another week would commence. This would enable the smooth transition from week to week improving fitness, endurance and stamina through run and recover timings.

Each week, a different run route would be chosen and take on a few hills and flatter sections, offering variety and change. Communication through a WhatsApp group aided with motivation and encouragement with small groups meeting to complete weekly runs.

The finale was a 5km Park Run at Seaton on March 4, where all the graduates would complete their final run. A second date was also added for those who could not make the 4th and the 11th was other options.

The success of the course is the best yet with 23 /30 completing the C25km course. 76% course retention.

Honiton Running Club paid tribute to all the leaders and helpers throughout the whole course. Each and every graduate has appreciated the input, advice and support. The club is looking forward to welcoming some new runners and members to HRC very soon, with pace groups appropriate to moving forward.

Elsewhere in the East Devon running scene, six Axe Valley Runners took part in the Weymouth Half Marathon. Eleanor Wood, Ron Seward and Diana Burn came away with age category victory trophies for their excellent runs. Eleanor was first F65, 177th overall, in 1:41.00, while Ron won first M70 for his 1:45.07, 254th finisher.  Diana was second F65 finishing in 2:13.08.

First AVR home and in a brilliant personal best was Tim Sibley in 1:32.28, 87th overall and fourth M50, setting him up nicely for his forthcoming Boston marathon. Adele Girdwood finished in 1:52.55 with Cath Brenton coming home in 2:20.09 in her first ever half-marathon.

The sun was out for the latest Seaton Parkrun and AVR Ellie Dominey was the second female finisher in 21:02, while Ben Tucker celebrated his 50th parkrun with a PB of 20.38.