SUNDAY saw Minehead Running Club’s first major event of the year as the Seaview 17 attracted well over 100 runners from far and wide.

They braved the rain and wind to complete the point-to-point charity run of over 20 miles from Countisbury Hill to Minehead Cricket Club.

The route included more than 3,000 feet of ascent, including a steep climb to County Gate after four miles and a march up Hurlstone Combe after the half marathon mark, and took in the woodland around the picturesque Culbone Church and a shingle crossing of Porlock Weir beach, with views of the Bristol Channel throughout.

Entrants faced strong gusts of wind on the exposed high parts of the moor and huge puddles on the top of North Hill, and the first runner back, after three second place finishes, was Clare Prosser from Wells City Harriers in 2.48.42, with clubmate Oliver Frost a minute and a half behind and David Knight a further 30 seconds back.

The first Minehead Running Club member was Matthew Bowden, improving his time of last year by over 20 minutes to finish 25th in 3.24.24.

Nic Pettit was close behind, 29th in 3.28.43, with Lee Cowling 104th in 4.43.30.

The club thanked the volunteer marshals for braving the elements and keeping the runners fed and watered, the Blue Ball at Countisbury, Minehead Cricket Club and Minehead Hospital for supplying facilities, and the ladies who provided a free buffet for all entrants.

The run raised more than £800 for the Down’s Syndrome Association in memory of former club member Ann Hutchinson.