Exmouth Harriers hosted the popular Bicton Blister on Sunday for the first time in two years.
The event is set on Woodbury Common; starting and finishing at the Bicton College in East Budleigh. It uses a short section of road before taking in the sandy, stony and muddy paths across the pebbled heaths of Bicton & Woodbury common, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The race is probably the largest running event in the Exmouth area with a very challenging course for the full Blister, covering approximately 10.25 undulating miles and a less challenging Blister Lite of approximately 4.2 miles.
A total of 489 runners finished the race event in almost ideal conditions and 92 runners finished the Blister Lite, with the winner Adam Buckley crossing the line in 32.21. The first Woman to finish was Lucy Milliner of Exeter Harriers who was 4th overall in 37.02.
There were 397 runners, who finished the full Bicton Blister with Exmouth Harriers Rob Ellis crossing the line in first position in an incredible time of 61.20, thirty seconds head of 2nd placer Ben Renshaw of Bridport Harriers.
Jo Meek of Winchester & District AC was the first woman to finish in 24th place overall in 72.09.
Exmouth Harriers results: 1st Rob Ellis 61.20; 6th Oliver White 66.53; 59th David Snook 81.13; 119th Holly Clements 89.22; 151st Des White 92.54; 160th Anthony Lees 93.49; 268th Alison White 107.47.
Club members, plus friends and family, volunteered to help with all the marshalling and other race-related activities, expertly managed by Race Director Bob Keast and Chief Marshall Nathan Sheahy. The Army Cadets also assisted with the marshalling of the event at various points on the Common.
John Goss-Custard provided musical encouragement for the runners at the four-mile point close to Woodbury Castle with a number of lovely tunes on his bagpipes.
Nigel Dupain, Chairman of Exmouth Harriers, said: “A big thank you to everyone who ran in the Blister races and thanks to everyone from the club who helped, as well as those that set up the course on Saturday. A wonderful effort by everybody and a fantastic event.”
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