IT was cold and windy, but the sun shone brightly on 18 members of Tavistock Athletic Club who were among a field of 600 taking part in the first big road race of the season, the Plymouth Hoe 10 (miles). The race starts and finishes at Brickfields, and after a circuit of Devonport, goes through Millbay and West Hoe before climbing up past the Dome and the Citadel before a steep drop down into the Barbican. The route then follows Notte Street and Union Street to Stonehouse Bridge for a second lap of the Hoe before making its way back up to Brickfields. It is not an easy course and pacing was vital. As so often, Jim Cole was first member home in seventh place in 54 minutes 44 seconds, and he was also a member of the victorious Devon men's team which beat Cornwall in the Peninsula Challenge. He then dashed off to ride in a point to point meeting. Rupert Warren was next home in a good 58m47s in 21st place,but the club was unable to repeat its success of last year in winning the club team prize as all its other top runners were unavailable. However, making his second appearance for the club in the veterans' 40 age group, Nigel Ward was timed at an excellent 65m22s in 78th, with Chris Garner 69m in 127th. Also finishing were Pete Bazley in 208th in 74m04s, Rob Kirby 222nd in 75m08s, Nicole Heryet 235th in 75m23s and Paul Marshall 237th in 75m55s. The rest of the results are as follows: Tony Shearer 258th in 76m55s, Keith Bowles 317th in 81m39s, Phil Worth 351st in 84m01s, Pete Searle 362nd in 84m51s, Trevor Williams 370th in 85m18s, Mary Bridget Flynn-Samuels 426th in 90m37s, Steve John 480th in 95m59s, Lesley Cowie 494th in 97m43s, Andrew Adcock (debut for the club) 503rd in 98m47s and Ann Woodhouse in 532nd in 105m54s. The next event for most road runners in the club is the Bideford half marathon on Sunday. The club meets for training every Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm in the classroom under the sports hall at Tavistock College, and runners of all abilities are welcome, subject to being able to jog for 30 minutes. There are five running groups, and the club has an active junior section (eight years plus) with 100 members. Please see the website http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com or contact Allan Herdman on 610895 for further information.
