THE organiser of the Oke Croak race has decided this year will be his last after a poor turnout at the weekend.

Peter Shalders, who started up the race 13 years ago, is calling it a day because he said the time and effort that went into it was no longer worth it.

'We only had 42 runners when previously we have nearly had 150,' he said. 'I do not know why it was so bad but I think it is probably apathy. We had hardly any local runners.'

Mr Shalders said he changed the original date because it clashed with the Plymouth Half Marathon but he had informed everybody of the new date.

'We were raising money for the new Okehampton Hospital but that did not appear to be an extra incentive for taking part,' he added. 'Of course there is no reason why someone else can't take it on next year and organise it but I have had enough.'

Mr Shalders will also be arranging the 'Where's Tarka' cross country run on August 17 at Iddesleigh in aid of the Devon Air Ambulance.