THE annual Crediton Crunch 10-kilometre race has raised more than £3,000 for charity this year.

As many as 158 runners took part in the event on Sunday, September 7. Money from their entry fees has been split equally between Hospiscare and children’s charity Go Beyond, which have each received £1512.10.

“This money is the difference between excellent care and being able to go to people's homes, having nurses in all different areas, such as East and Mid Devon,” said Hospiscare Area Fundraiser Ben Lovering at event sponsor Ernest Jackson’s Crediton office on Friday, October 3.

“The funding Hospiscare gets from the NHS is only 23 per cent, the community raises the rest. Without the community, Hospiscare just wouldn't be able to run.”

The winner of the Crediton Crunch this year was Luke Stannus, who finished the 10 kilometres in 38 minutes and 57 seconds.

The first female across the finish line was Hazel Shears, with a time of 49 minutes and three seconds.

Many participants wore fancy dress in memory of Crediton Running Network member Hannah Bennett.

Crediton Running Network Chair Rowena Slyfield said: "One of our members Hannah unfortunately lost her life earlier this year.

"Go Beyond was a charity that was really special to her, she did a lot of fundraising for them and we decided we would carry on that for her.

"It's a charity that supports children who have got difficulties in their lives. It might be they've lost a parent, or are having some issues at home and it just gives them a break."

From left, Rhyannon Allen-Tucker of Go Beyond, Martyn Slyfield and Rowena Slyfield of Crediton Running Network
From left, Rhyannon Allen-Tucker of Go Beyond, Martyn Slyfield and Rowena Slyfield of Crediton Running Network (Crediton Running Network)

A spokesperson for Go Beyond added: “Every pound goes directly into creating life-changing moments - from a child learning to surf and going to the beach for the first time, to building confidence on the climbing wall, to the joy of sharing a healthy meal together.”

All of the 10k participants were given a medal and goody bag from event sponsor Ernest Jackson, whose staff helped out on the day, and a free bottle of beer courtesy of Hanlons Brewery. The 1st Crediton Scouts provided refreshments for the competitors at the end of the run.