THE Delicious Drake’s Trail food festival, which raises money for the charity CHICKS, was once again a run-away success.

Over 250 enthusiastic and willing participants donned their most elaborate and creative sporting heroes inspired fancy dress costumes to help raise over £3,000 for the charity on Sunday, October 2.

Starting at Tavistock Community Sports Centre, Delicious Drake’s Trail runners were fuelled by some pre-race treats courtesy of Riverford Home Delivery, Midfields Granola, Trewithen Dairy and Plymouth Tea.

The atmosphere was one of anticipation, excitement and, of course, some mild trepidation as the runners prepared for their 11.5 mile run around the stunning West Devon countryside.

At 9.30am the first group of 50 runners set off on their adventure, taking them to 11 food and drink pit-stops before crossing the finishing line at The Moorland Garden Hotel, where all participants were welcomed with goodie bags from Delicious Trails’ sponsors and an honorary cookie medal.

The prize for best fancy dress went to Mike Lucas and his nautical shipmates. The prize for the runners whose deeds best embodied the spirit of the trail was given to the Sidmouth Running Club team who entertained runners with their equestrian performances at every stop.

Several participants had completed the trail before, or had been involved in one of the other delicious trails hosted around the South West.

Helen Grimso, an A&E doctor at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, dressed in an eye-catching Michael Phelps outfit, was taking part for the second year running. She said: ‘I loved the event so much last year that I just had to do it again. It’s a wonderful and creative way to raise money for charity, to sample amazing local produce and to see so much of the countryside that we either take for granted or don’t get chance to see often enough.’

Jamie Coakley, regional fundraiser for CHICKS, says: ‘Thank you so much to everyone who took part in this wonderful event — we were really lucky with the weather and there was some brilliant fancy dress.

‘By taking part, runners helped to raise vital funds for CHICKS. We receive no government funding so rely on events like these to help provide our respite breaks for disadvantaged children in the UK.’

Pictures by James Bird. See the October 6 edition of the Times for even more pictures.