AT the second attempt following the postponement of the race on March 18 due to the snow storms, the Tavy 13 race went ahead on Sunday as did the re-organised Primary Schools’ Challenge.

The 13-mile course, which starts and finishes at the track at Tavistock College, was won by Ben Neale from the Tavistock Run Project (TRP) who led the field home by almost five minutes.

Ben was out in front with just the lead cyclist for company as they battled against the gusting winds. In second place was a former winner and England representative, the veteran Stuart Hall.

In the ladies’ race it was another TRP runner, Rachel Malthouse, who took the honours in 1:34:39, an excellent time for the undulating course. In second place was Fleur Peoples in 1:37.

In the team placings Tavistock Athletic Club won the first prize (Tracey Oxborough, Helen Orme, Soozie Trice) and TRP won the men’s team (Ben Neale, Henry Ware, Crispin Chambers, Steve Watson). Full results can be found at www.tavy13.co.uk

While the half marathon was in progress, more than 400 children took part in the Primary Schools’ Challenge .

Tavistock Athletic Club chair, Alistair Kinsey said: ‘I’m delighted with the day — it had a real community feel. Together there was the running community, volunteers (in particular Tavistock Lions), the children and all the parents and supporters. I’d particularly like to thank Hansford Bell and Mansbridge Balment, without whose sponsorship the event wouldn’t be possible.

‘What a great day everyone has had despite the weather not being at its best.We are looking forward to hosting the Tavy Relays, on behalf of the Lions charities in July and the Tavy 7 in October’.

• For more coverage, including two pages of pictures from the Primary Schools’ Challenge, pick up your copy of this week’s Times.