WELLINGTON boots would have been more appropriate than running shoes at the latest two races contested by Running Forever Running Club members.

At Chard on New Year’s Day, eight runners finished the Chard Flyer 10K despite knee-deep water in places.

Bev Collins led the club home in 36th place in 51m 4s, winning her age group at the same time.

She was followed by Paul Clowes (49th, 54m 5s), Rebecca Coles (55th, 56m 16s), Rob Murr (63rd, 58m 30s), Emil Goretzki (66th, 58m 30s), Jen Boulton (86th, 64m 15s), Liz Williams (94th, 67m 59s) and Claire Allison (96th, 71m 17s). There were 102 finishers.

Nearly 500 runners ventured to the Exeter Basins for the annual First Chance 10K.

The race was delayed by an hour to allow for the possibility of high tides flooding the Basin but eventually it went ahead with a strong headwind in the early part of the race.

Paul Thomas finished 246th in 50m 37s with Rob Murr 270th in 52m 17s. There were 465 finishers.