Express & Echo's report of the 'Bimble'

HATCHARD FIRST AND SECOND!

Exmouth Harrier Anthony Hatchard was the first competitor to finish the Broadclyst Bimble - but he didn't win.

Hatchard crossed the line in 1hr 30min 34sec, but sportingly everyone agreed that first place should be awarded to Erme Valley Harrier Neil Holmes who, as the race leader, was unfortunately directed to run the original course, which was later altered by a National Trust warden as a safety measure before the other runners came through.

The race name implies a friendly jaunt through the East Devon countryside, but in fact the organisers go out of their way to create a challenging multi-terrain event over the half-marathon distance.

Around 10 miles of the course were through undulating woods and fields in National Trust property which, despite the absence of recent rain, were muddy underfoot. Fortunately, the weather this year was dry.

More than 200 runners took part, including 10 Exmouth Harriers, who all performed well.

After Hatchard, who continued his recent good form for second place, came Dave Stone fourth (1:31:38), just ahead of Hugh Marsden (1:32:03), who ran a brilliant race to win the first male veteran prize.

Camilla Sharpe continued her excellent progress to finish second lady, just behind the winning woman (1:52:22, 50th overall). Other performances by Harriers: 25th Shaun Lock (1:46:00); 27th Phil Hatchard (1:46:38); 35th Steve Merry (1:48:50, who was 2nd veteran over 50; 84th Bob Keast (2:03:09); 110th Nicky Kelly (2:09:55) and 142nd Dawn Teed (2:20:59)

(Andrew Johnson)