THE Royal Oak Inn at Meavy hosted the second 'Dartmoor Firkin Challenge' on May 5, sponsored by the Dartmoor Brewery, Langdon Transport and Tavy Signs.

Teams of two had to carry empty Dartmoor Brewery nine gallon firkin barrels over a four mile course to Sheeps Tor and back. The teams of two took on the challenge around a course that took in Burrator reservoir and open moorland. Each firkin weighed approximately 10kg and had to be carried between the runners at all times. 

The event started and finished on the village green outside The Royal Oak Inn at Meavy.

There was a checkpoint at the top of Sheeps Tor. Here each competitor was required to drink half a pint of Dartmoor ale before embarking on the return leg.

The event was organised as part of The Active Dartmoor Week and CAMRA Community Pubs Month. 

Stephen Earp, landlord of the Royal Oak Inn, said: 'It was a really good day and a fantastic turnout.

'It's the second time we've run the event and it was great fun for spectators and entrants alike, we'll definitely make it an annual event.'

All competitors finished the course, made up of all different levels of running experience and ages. One team even had a combined age of 116 years.

Two pub locals Nigel Jenkins and Neil Holmes won the race in 38 minutes and 15 seconds.

Altogether £100 was raised from the event which will go towards the Meavy Village Hall.

Stephen said: 'We try to put on events to keep our community together and it's good fun for the village.

'It's also really important for people to get fit, so we encourage as much participation in physical activities as possible. 

For more information about forthcoming events at The Royal Oak go to http://www.royaloakinn.org.uk">www.royaloakinn.org.uk