TAVISTOCK's new state of the art athletic track is to stage an exciting half marathon event next month — the first time such an event has been held in the town.

The Tavy 13, to be held on Sunday, April 18, has been organised by Tavistock Athletic Club (TAC).

Club runners taking part in the race will help raise money for new field event facilities at the 400-metre track, built in the grounds of Tavistock College.

Claire Pitcher, publicity officer for the Tavy 13, said: 'We want to put Tavistock on the map as an athletic club and the Tavy 13 is a great way of doing that.

'We have some bright new stars at junior level that really do benefit from the facilities at the track.

'It is a really fantastic facility which will be of significant benefit to the future of athletics training in West Devon.

'I'm really looking forward to the Tavy 13 and we want to encourage local people to support the runners and cheer them on.

'There will also be plenty of refreshments for runners and supporters to enjoy at the end of the run.'

Claire expressed special thanks to Tavistock estate agents Mansbridge and Balment, who are the sole sponsors for the race.

The track is a joint venture between Kelly College, Tavistock College and TAC.

All three organisations contributed towards its development. Funds were also raised at the 2009 Tavy 7 race, an annual event held by TAC, and a grant for £1,000 from Norwich Union.

A major fundraiser for the track was the Bedford Mile held in April 2007. The event saw local people get involved in a one mile walk, jog or run in the town, which raised £46,000 towards the track.

The track is used for training by Kelly College, Tavistock College, Bere Alston Trekkers and Okehampton running club

Times reporter Claire Hallett, 28, is taking part in the Tavy 13 to raise funds for the Haiti Earthquake appeal.

She said: 'I was really impressed when I saw the track.

'It is not only great for clubs and organisations to use, but also for students who can make the most of its facilities.

'It's a great way to encourage people to get outside and get active.

'I wish the club every success in the run and hope they make as much money as possible to continue the development of this fantastic track.

'It will be a challenge and I know everyone has been training really hard for it, so I wish everyone the best of luck.'

The Tavy 13 event will also include a 'Primary Challenge' to encourage young people to get involved in running from an early age.

Pupils from primary schools across West Devon will do the half marathon in stages and run a mile a week at their school.

This will take place during the 12 weeks leading up to the Tavy 13, with the final mile done on the track on the day of the run.

The pupils will each be given a Tavy 13 T-shirt and a medal for completing their half marathon.

The race will start at 10am from Tavistock College.

Participants will leave the college and run out of town towards Kelly College on the main road and turn left at the Toll House.

They will then pick up the cycle track for around a mile and a half and continue on to Crease Lane and Mill Hill, past Gulworthy and back to Crowndale Road.

The race will finish at Tavistock College, where runners will complete it with one lap of the track.

The cut-off date for entrants is the week before the race begins. Applicants cannot enter on the day.

Tavistock Athletic Club prides itself on being a friendly and welcoming club and new runners are always welcome.

The club meets at Tavistock College at 6.15pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Beginners' groups are led by Trevor Williams. For more information on the club phone Trevor on 01822 615197.

Anyone who wants to sponsor Claire Hallett can do so at http://www.JustGiving.co.uk/Claire-Hallett">www.JustGiving.co.uk/Claire-Hallett or fill out a sponsor form at the Times reception desk.