A swelteringly hot Saturday on 28 June 2025 saw the return of the much-anticipated annual Old Exonian cross-country race. This is a point-to-point race between the clifftops of Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton measuring just under 4 miles. And with a total elevation gain of 220m, this is not a race for the faint-hearted. In this race, the Old Exonians compete against the Old Heleans, comprising of former pupils of Hele’s School in Exeter before the school was re-named St Peter’s School.
The race saw two debutants for the Old Exonians – the now Hampshire-based former classmates Simon Bryant and Robert Dempster (both 1985-1992), both of whom were at the school during what has long considered to be a “golden period” for its cross-country running talent.
The race itself saw a trio of James Saddler (1994-2005), Simon and Robert head to the front and run in a peloton formation, with the lead runner frequently alternating. The Old Healean John McCawley and Rees Jenkins (1988-1993) were close behind. Much to their relief, the front three safely navigated their way through the caravan park without taking a wrong turning. Coming out of the park, Simon – apparently known as the “Cross-country King” to his Hampshire-based clubmates – sensed an opportunity to attack. James and Robert desperately attempted to respond, but the pace was almost as hot as the 30-degree temperatures these athletes were running in. It was at this point that Robert was perhaps feeling the effects of an impressive 18-minute parkrun at Exmouth earlier that day and having run the cross-country route in reverse as his warm-up, as he was not able to match Simon’s blistering pace. James and Simon were then neck-and-neck, before James pulled out a small lead coming into Jubilee Field and crossed the line just ahead. Simon and Robert were a close second and third. The full results are below.
As the Old Exonians’ placings bettered those of the Old Heleans’, the Old Exonians were the victors for the third year in a row.
For those interested in helping the OEs defend their crown, next year’s race will take place on Saturday 27 June 2026, meeting at Maer car park in Exmouth at 3pm.
1st: James Saddler OE (’94-’05) 29.14
2nd: Simon Bryant OE (’85-’92) 30.09
3rd: Rob Dempster OE (’85-’92) 30.24
4th: J. M. OH (’74-’77) 33.11
5th: Rees Jenkins OE (’88-’93) 34.57
6th: S. H. (Guest) 46.32
7th: S. M. OH (’72-’77) 56.27
