More than a hundred runners took part in the East Devon Round on Saturday, May 4.

It marked the fifth year of the East Devon trail running festival, which includes four distinct events.

The whole course comprises a 68.5-mile run and challenging climb totalling 3,175 meters.

A gruelling route that takes the runners through all the considerable hills East Devon has to offer, passing through areas like Dalwood, Lyme Regis, Sidbury, Honiton, and Luppitt.

It concluded at Offwell Village Hall, where it had originally started.

The East Devon half round terminates at Blackbury Camp known for its bluebell-laden Iron Age fort.

It covers a distance of 37 miles and a climb of nearly 2,000 meters.

The quarter round of the East Devon Round comprises a 14-mile route from Blackbury Camp to Offwell.

There is also another race, only for those who have finished the East Devon Round half.

Exmouth Journal:

The event's popularity sees athletes from local running clubs, such as Honiton, Axminster, and Sidmouth, participate along with a firm Cornish contingency.

The event also welcomes runners from across the UK and even some international participants.

This year's race saw competitors from Canada and the Netherlands.

Among noteworthy performances, Justin Montague, a Seaton local, won the Full Round, finishing in a remarkable time of 12.33pm.

Local legend and Axe Valley Runner, Rob Collier, closely pursued him in second.

Melissa Montague retained her championship title by winning the Full Round in 15.58pm.

Holly Homes, the previous titleholder, finished second in 16.07pm, and Anna Drake from Honiton Running Club came third, finishing at 17.40pm.

The last participants completed the course around 2.30am in 21 hours and 14 minutes.

Exmouth Journal:

Carla Tunnicliffe stood out in the East Devon half round, winning the event outright.

Not far behind were Honiton locals Kevin Clarke and Nick Couch, finishing third and fourth respectively.

The Other Half of the East Devon half round witnessed exceptional performances from Mark Dallyn, who finished third, and Clare Melbourne, both from Honiton Running Club.

Fiona Laramy, an Offwell local, won the ladies quarter, and Anthony Hatchard emerged as the overall winner.

The youngest competitors, aged 17, Lily Purchase and Lizzie Lanning, finished the EDR quarter on a high note, alongside a large group of Honiton runners, Rachel Hennessey, Helen Williams, Vicky Henwood, Donna Stone, and Tina Duckitt.

The East Devon Round event not only provides an athletic platform but also contributes towards charitable causes.

It raises money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association, the Rich Wigram NZ Farming Scholarship, and Offwell PTFA, who host a Big Breakfast the following Sunday morning.

The event could not have run smoothly without the support of numerous volunteers and helpers, and the permission of over 50 farmers and landowners.

Many local businesses, including Ganesha Wholefoods, Otter Brewery, Ottery Valley Ice Cream, Heron Farm, Devonvale Flapjacks, and Combe Garden Centre, also provided much-needed support.