WATCH: Seaton buzzing for return of the Grizzly race!

Almost 2,000 runners and their supporters descended on Seaton over the weekend for the return of the Grizzly race.

Having been called off in 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Grizzly returned for its 34th year, organised by Axe Valley Runners.

The 20-mile race is one of the biggest and toughest in Europe, taking in steep hill climbs, muddy bogs and a stretch along Seaton's pebble beach.

Events got underway on Saturday with the Grizfest races for children, including the Junior Grizzly.

The main event was held on Sunday morning, with five-time Olympian and local Devon athlete, Jo Pavey, officially starting the Grizzly and nine-mile cub race at the same time on Seaton Esplanade.

David Green from Rugby & Northampton AC came first in the 20-mile Grizzly, completing the challenging course in two hours, 18 minutes and 30 seconds.

He was followed by Jamie Stephenson (02:20:05) from Mile High Running Club and Hugh Chatfield (02:21:30).

First home from the host club Axe Valley Runners was Matthew Clist (02:30:03) and first placed female runner was Molly Browne (02:42:40) from Birmingham Running Athletics Triathlon, who was 19th overall.

Tom Perry from Exeter Harriers won the nine-mile cub run in one hour and 49 seconds – eight minutes ahead of second placed Edward Andrews (01:08:36).

Richard Hardy (01:09:33) from Axe Valley Runners was third and the first female runner home was Catie O'Donoghue (01:11:19) from Bristol & West AC, who placed fifth overall.

A spokesperson from Axe Valley Runners said: "With no race due to the pandemic last year, the worry of the impending effect of COVID-19 in 2020, high winds in 2019 and the 'Beast from the East' in 2018, it was high time for some perfect weather conditions, and this is precisely what the weather gods granted on Sunday.   

"Five-time Olympian and European champion, Jo Pavey got the races underway after a moment's applause to 'paws for thought' and remember all those who had lost their lives since the last Grizzly was held in 2020 and, in particular five-times winner of the Grizzly between 1996 and 2003, South West Road Runner, Mike Feighan who passed away following an accident last year. 

"The Grizzly began to the deafening sound of hundreds of runners on the pebble beach before they returned along the Esplanade past the cheering crowds. 

"The runners went off up Castle Hill to the sounds of the drummers and into the picturesque village of Beer. Then it was up Beer Head and out towards Branscombe where the race divided with the Cub runners returning after negotiating the river at Branscombe Mouth. 

"The hardy full Grizzlers then headed up into the woods behind the village to tackle the most challenging parts of the course before the long pebble beach of Branscombe was the welcome sign of the return journey to Seaton. 

"All the way along the course, the runners were cheered on by hundreds of spectators and kept safe by the wonderful marshals from local community groups. 

"Over the years, the Grizzly has raised thousands of pounds for local, national and international charities and good causes with donations of more than £457,000.

"Huge thanks go to our sponsors East Devon Sports Therapy Centre who again provided post-race massage raising more than £250 for charity and Lyme Bay Winery who generously donated a miniature rum to all finishers.   

"Special Grizzly beer to help the runners for the last kick to home was offered on Beer Head by David Sadler. 

"Finally, a huge thank you to the landowners who allow hundreds of runners to traipse across their land, once a year, and to all the support groups whose services behind the scenes are vital to any event of this size going ahead."

Full results can be found on the website www.axevalleyrunners.org.uk