SATURDAY saw the fifth running of the annual Minehead Running Club relay.

This year’s route had a first leg from Danesfield School in Williton to Old Holcombe Water Farm, high above Monksilver, then across muddy fields for leg two to Willett Cross.

Leg three dropped to Crowcombe through woodland, and leg four was a climb up the Quantocks to Halsway Post with a second climb to Bicknoller Post then downhill back to Danesfield.

The day was marked by heavy downpours, with a waist-high ford on leg three having to be crossed using club member Charlie Pascall’s tractor!

Despite the weather, a great time was had by all, including guest runner Danny Doyle of Taunton AC who managed to get himself thoroughly lost on leg two.

Thirteen teams took part, with club secretary Polly Johnson’s team of Tom White, Polly herself, Helena Willford and Jack White emerging victorious after a battle with four teachers from the middle school.

Top runners on each leg were Sam Hatfield on leg one, Dan Howe of the runners-up on leg two, the Rivett brothers Gwilym and Tom (who ran both of the final two legs) on leg three, and Russell Cowling on leg four.

And the award for runner of the day went to Charlie Stonier for her effort on leg three, which she finished completely spent.

The relay raised £141 for the club’s chosen charity for 2016, the Seahorse Centre in Minehead, and prizes were awarded at a buffet dinner at the Wyndham Arms afterwards.

The club expressed thanks to Danesfield School, the staff at the Wyndham Arms, Mr Duell for generously allowing runners to park in his farm yard at the end of the first leg, and any other landowners whose land the footpaths crossed throughout the day.