Members of Axe Valley Runners enjoyed a 1980s theme Christmas celebration on Saturday, wearing fancy dress and sharing food from the decade as their annual awards were handed out.

New chair Haydn Boehm – fetching as Freddie Mercury – announced the winners, nominated by members for performances and other achievements throughout the year. 

Club captains Eleanor Wood and Matt Hewer presented pottery mugs, made by local potter Gilly Humphreys, to the winners.

Ron Seward and Kerry Board were crowned male and female runners of the year. 

Ron has had an excellent year winning the InStep Devon Championships for M70 and securing a number of M70 victories throughout the year, while Kerry has had a tremendous year smashing all her personal bests, from parkrun 5k right up to a half-marathon, and sealed the year as the overall female winner of the InStep Devon series.

Most improved female went to Suzi Blackett for her continuous improvement throughout the year and excellent results in several local races, while Matt Frost took most improved male, having joined Axe Valley Runners this year and training and racing consistently, achieving goals across short and long distances.

Club person of the year is awarded for contributions to the club and this year went to Cliff Marriott, who has led and co-ordinated two 'Couch to 5K' programmes and supported the ever-increasing 'Run-Shiners' group, encouraging many from this group to take part in races.

He has, with his partner Pam, also organised Halloween and Christmas fancy dress runs.

The Founders award recognises determination and effort to achieve a significant goal and this year's recipient, Laura Kerr, did this in spades.

Despite two back surgeries, she ran a massive personal best at the London Marathon and also raised money for charity, all alongside looking after three children, two dogs and developing a successful hairdressing career.

Ben Stone took the President's Shield, awarded for a specific outstanding achievement, for winning the East Devon Round – a 65 mile race in which he set a new course record and won by some 20 minutes over the second finisher. 

The Chair's Award is awarded by the chair and Haydn presented this to previous chair, Lesley Adams, who was at the helm of the club during the pandemic, providing the necessary leadership to ensure the club got through the difficulties presented but also developed in terms of numbers and inclusivity. This award was met by a standing ovation from all.

Other awards included a team award for the Men's 60 team at the Exe Relays, the annual handicap which was won by Paula Cooke, and the Winter 5k Series won by Adrian Strawbridge.

Strong Axe Valley Runners show at the Wellington Monument

Following a two-year break due to Covid, this popular race returned in challenging weather conditions as the runners tackled the 10k around the bridle path and lanes of Hemyock.

Despite attending the Christmas party the night before, Ron Seward and Eleanor Wood again showed that age is no barrier by picking up first prize in the M70 and F65 respectively. AVR also took second place in the team rankings, losing out to SWRR

Runners sing carols for care homes

On Saturday a group from Axe Valley Runners dressed in their best festive attire toured Seaton's five care-homes singing Carols for the residents. 

Appropriately, they ran between the homes and finished the morning with mince pies and mulled wine on the Esplanade. 

Thanks go to Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard for organising this annual event.

Ice causes parkrun cancellation

Seaton parkrun fell victim of the icy conditions last weekend after a rain shower just as volunteers were setting up caused the Esplanade to freeze over.

There will be a parkrun in Seaton on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at 9am, and on Saturday, December 31 but not on New Year's Day.

To check parkrun events locally and further afield over the festive period visit https://www.parkrun.org.uk/special-events/