The Haldon Night Run in Haldon Forest, near Exeter, on Saturday 3rd December was a runABC South featured event and something a little bit different to welcome the start of the meteorological winter and its accompanying icy blasts.

Hosted by Sportiva Events wholly within the 3,500 acres of woodland that comprises Haldon Forest Park with its waymarked running and walking trails, the four races all took place after sundown, with compulsory head or body torches for all competitors.  

First to start were the children's races over one lap (1K) for ages 3-7 years or two laps (2K) for 8-11 year olds. The Haldon Night Kids winners this year were both females. The 1K champion was Harriet Newton (4) in 22:11 and in the 2K the first home was Matilda Hall (11) in 28:27. There were 38 brave youngsters in action, several of whom were accompanied by adults as they warmed up for their events.

The senior races were held over a 5K or 10K route, with 147 taking part. The shorter race was won in a flash by 14-year-old Robin Dafforn (Exeter Harriers, 19:49) from cheese enthusiast Edd Roberts (Team Fromage, 20:02) and M60 master Pete Hayward (Torbay Tri Club, 24:15).

The leading ladies were well placed as Rosie Fazakerley (Team Fromage, 24:25) and Joanna Mockford (Gone Runners Hong Kong, 24:35) were fourth and fifth overall. W40 Kelly Lawson (Greenbow Running Club, 26:59) completed the women's podium.

The 10K saw 78 finishers in 1:47:35, with seven men and one woman finishing inside 50 minutes. The top three men were Sam Hopton (South West Road Runners, 42:49), Myles Tatlock (unattached, 45:20) and Ross Szender (Cranbrook Running Club, 46:33).

Shining brightest for the women was Laura Wilby (unattached, 49:15) who blazed the woodland trail for W40 Jessica Perriss (Riviera Racers, 57:04) and Harriet Hunter (unattached, 58:44).

There were useful mugs as awards for the winners (pictured above) and the results and preview report can be read at runABC South race listing here.

Image courtesy Sportiva Events on Facebook.