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A larger than usual group of Harriers made the annual pilgrimage to Devon to take part in the magical experience that is the Midsummer Dream Footpath Run.

Organised by Axe Valley Runners this event is an 18 or 22 mile journey around the undulating Devon countryside, taking in 5 pubs, a full cream tea and the search for the uncarved block.

Bob and Maureen Barnet had been the advance guard for the Harriers at the Axe Farm campsite and had set up a Harriers enclosure modelled on the Glastonbury Festival and the farmers field was soon filled with groups of tents representing running clubs from far and near.

We made our way down into Axemouth for the run which starts outside the Hook and Parrot on the sea front, some of the more ambitious harriers took advantage of the venue to "warm up" with a pint or two before the start, and all too soon over 250 runners and walkers headed off towards the first pub of the day. After the crush at the Harbour Inn the runners started to thin out and settle down into a comfortable pace, and so we continued, over the hills, through the woods, across fields and streams, taking in a pint or more at each pub, and a wonderfully refreshing cream tea which recharged the batteries and helped us make it back to the Hook and Parrot for yet more well earned beer.

Andy Hennegan had had the foresight to book a table at the local pub for a meal and post run analysis. A very enjoyable evening was followed by some gentle weaving back to our tents for a well needed rest.

The following morning saw the Coutts-Hennegans swing ino action with Barbara, Julie and Andy orchestrating the provision of a magnificent cooked breakfast for the ever hungry harriers. Many thanks to them for their efforts.

Finally there were one or two incidents which have been bought to my attention and need reporting:

Mark Caldecourt and Andy Clements were seen drinking pints of orange juice at the Fountain Head pub, this may have been influenced by their inability to read a map resulting in some extra mileage for them both, but is not acceptable behaviour from a Harrier.

 Soren and Terry Cutlers ambitious attempt to break the course record by drinking fifteen pints of beer on the way round, a gallant effort.

Gary Whites son David doing his first beer run in walking boots. - commendable.

John McClellands weaving walk back to the campsite from the Hook and Parrot had most people writing him off for the evening meal, but he resurfaced and started again- commendable.

Bob Coombes sporting a " Help the Aged "wrist band bought for him by his son Martin, - commendable.

And finally " Sergeant Major " Ian Edwards was reported to take  no prisoners on the forced march from Branscombe back to the Hook and Parrot, any signs of mutiny being dealt with swiftly and ruthlessly. Well done Ian, we cannot have dissent. - commendable.