THERE was a good turnout of club members, family and friends for the Tavistock Athletic Club annual Christmas Handicap race with more than 30 runners competing.

The run was held on Whitchurch Down on the same four-mile course as in previous years and for many it was their final run for 2009. Conditions were reasonable although a persistent headwind on the return leg gave the race an added challenge.

The first male club runner home was Seth McNamara-Waddington in a time of 30 minutes 13 seconds. This was a good run for Seth with an improvement of more than two minutes on his previous handicap time in 2007.

The first lady runner home was Emily Attfield in her debut appearance in the event and she finished the run in a time of 33mins 41secs.

The fastest runners on the day were Ben Poole in a time of 26mins 44secs with Owen Drage as the fastest club member for the men in a time of 27mins 33secs. Frances McKinnon was the overall fastest lady in a time of 28mins 2secs with Claire Fraser as the fastest lady club member in 28mins 10secs.

Special recognition must be given as always to honorary life member of the club Llew Jones who maintained his unique record of having participated in all of the club's handicap runs since they were first introduced. Peter Bazely was also given special recognition for his support of the event in recent years.

The club looks forward to a comprehensive schedule of training and competition in the New Year, full details of which can be viewed on the club's website at http://www.Tavistockathletics.com">www.Tavistockathletics.com

* TAC members were in seasonal mood when they took part in a fun run (not a race) around Burrator Reservoir on Boxing Day, in the Jingle Bell Jog.

Around 300 plus runners took part - front super-fit types trying hard, but most people just enjoying the event and chatting as they went.

There were lots of fancy dress, plenty of Santas, a king, a Christmas tree and plenty of tinsel around.