Team Dupain take on Axmouth!

Of the 113 runners who completed the Axmouth Challenge on Sunday 19th January, 3 of them were Exmouth Harriers and all 3 were from that well known Exmouthian running family: the Dupains! However, a glance at the results would not reveal this as matrimonial alliances now mean that they are running under different names!

Hannah Bown (née Dupain) was the first of the family and the first Harrier home in 20th place overall in a time of 1:11:38. It was an extremely competitive ladies' field on the day, with 3 off-road specialists from the host club, Axe Valley, taking the top 3 births, so Hannah ran well to fend off a familiar vet 35 category sparing partner from Teignbridge Trotters and secure the 4th female spot.

Ben White was the next runner in, covering the 9.75 mile, hilly course in a nimble 1:18:22 for 39th place. Ben hasn't raced for a while so this run should give him confidence that he can still produce the goods when required!

Ben's wife, Emma White (also née Dupain) was hot on her husband's heels, crossing the line in 50th place overall, 11th female, in a time of 1:21:26. All the more amazingly, this came after running the Killerton parkrun and playing in a 2 hours hockey match the day before, showing that PE teachers sure have stamina!

All three were rewarded by a splendid array of tea and cakes at the Axmouth village hall; a tradition that has become synonymous with all Axe Valley runner events.

Also, this race was the second event in the InStep Devon Championship. With Axe Valley Runners unable to score points in their own club's race, this means that Hannah scored the maximum points here and so will be up in the top 3 ladies in the championship overall, with Emma just tucked in behind her; with 2 races down and 8 to go, runners must complete a minimum of 5 races. Further details here: http://www.instepdevon.org.uk/instep-championship.html

Well done to all three Harriers!