Welcome to the asylum: The Midsummer Dream 2008

It seemed anything like a midsummer's day as we assembled outside the Hook and Parrot on Seaton seafront. Even the assembled superheroes were covering up before the start.

We had the race briefing from Dave Dungbeetle, before the wackiest start ever, as the clockwise runners faced the anti-clockwise runners (or clock-unwise in the language of the Axe Valley Running Asylum) and a scrum ensued as we tried to run through the other group of runners.

Off I set in a clock-unwise direction towards the first stop at the Harbour Inn Axmouth, to be greeted by the aforementioned Dave Dungbeetle.

and I was privileged to wear the famous hat.

We now were able to view some of the fancy dress on offer, such as Pompey's Tyrolean twins

and assorted flappers, cowboys and indians.

Our team had a hula flavour, desperately trying to make the most of the awful weather (although it had now stopped raining!)

On to Colyton and the next drink.

Now whatever you think is going on in this photo, I can assure you it isn't. It's just your average river crossing.

The very misty humid conditions gave a jungle flavour to some of the wooded parts.

On to Southleigh and the cream tea served up by the dough maidens.

It went down well!

A quick pose and on up a killer of a hill.

By now we were meeting the clockwise runners. A pack of dogs passed us as we pounded on up the hill.

Fortunately there was a reward at the top with a barrel of beer tucked away in a farm yard.

Eventually we arrived at the Fountainhead in Street, just outside Branscombe. More beer! (I had my first taste of perry - very nice)

The climb out of Street:

And on down to the seafront and a view of what we had coming up:

I was disappointed to find that the MV Napoli had been pretty much dismantled by now.

At least another killer climb gave a lovely view back to Branscombe beach.

Penultimate pub, but oh the irony: In Beer I had orange juice!

18 miles of running and back at Seaton and a seaside reward!

A fantastic run - huge fun, but it can take its toll on the legs in more ways than one. My shins are to be featured in a remake of the exorcist!