Annual AVR Race the Tram event sees high turnout in Seaton

Held on Tuesday evening, the turnout was overwhelming with many choosing to compete against the tram in groups of three or nine.

Others preferred a more leisurely option, taking a scenic journey through the Seaton Wetlands before enjoying a run back from Colyton.

The tram and the teams all set off together from Colyton station.

However, the tram was quick off the mark, making it back to Seaton in 13.31, the time for the teams to beat.

The men's team, The Trambusters, managed to return in 14.40.

Meanwhile, the women's team, The Thunderbirds, completed the route in 18.24.

12 other teams featuring three members each joined the race, with each runner covering approximately 1.1 miles.

The tram wasn't the only winner that evening.

The drivers crowned The Traminators with the best team name, rewarding them with a free drink at the bar.

After the race, around 40 athletes who participated in the social run along with the rest of the runners relaxed with a drink and barbecue at Seaton Cricket Club.

The participants appreciated the overwhelming support they received from Seaton Tramway who provided not only the trams and drivers but also the weather that added to the wonderful evening.

AVR donated to Devon Air Ambulance on behalf of Seaton Tramway.

In other news, Matt Clist and Karen Eyre from AVR were victorious at the Dalwood Fayre 10k on Sunday, finishing in 40.45 and 53.36 respectively.

The Dalwood Fayre 10k, where runners enjoyed stunning views from the Blackdown Hills (Image: Carol Austin)

Despite Saturday's rain creating a hilly, muddy, and challenging course, runners likely found consolation in the stunning views from the Blackdown Hills.

Joel Seward was the second to finish in 42:58 and Eleanor followed close by, crossing the finish line in 55:03.

In total, eleven AVRs joined the 60 finishers for this race, organised by Ruby Red Running.

On Wednesday, it was a warm evening for the Exeter 10k River Run, hosted by City Runs.

This engaging event, appreciated for its picturesque view across the city, attracted several club runners.

The speedy, flat race with the provision of pacers took runners along the River Exe and Exeter Canal.

Saturday saw 248 finishers at Seaton with Ritchie Durrant claiming the first finish in 16:50 and Debbie Whiston securing first place in the women's category with a time of 20:37.

She also achieved the remarkable feat of third on age grade with 77 per cent.

Huge congratulations to Sam Miller, who achieved her 100th volunteer milestone on Saturday.

Lastly, AVR members were making strides further afield.

In Stockholm, Diane Newton marked her 75th birthday by running her 75th parkrun at Haga parkrun.

Diane Newton marked her 75th birthday in Stockholm (Image: Carol Austin)

Trail-blazers Cliff Marriott and Pam Goddard braved severe Scottish weather to complete Lews Castle parkrun; plus, Paul Johns participated in Sandy Water parkrun in Llanelli while Georgie Ryan ran Eastville parkrun.

Elsewhere, Ian Smith took on Nonsuch parkrun and John Whitaker ran the Bolton parkrun.