TAVISTOCK Athletic Club held its annual Handicap Race over Whitchurch Down on the Bank Holiday Monday in ideal conditions, mild and without any wind. A total of 43 members and their friends finished the four miles with some excellent times recorded over what is not an easy course. The winner, almost literally miles ahead of everyone else was also the youngest runner, Seth McNamara-Waddington, recording a time of 33 minutes 52 seconds. After deducting his handicap time of one minute, his actual time was 32 minutes 52, not bad for a nine-year-old, and a time which beat many of those of the senior members! His handicap might just have to be increased next year. Second, following the success of her brother last year, was Emma Champion, also 9, in an excellent time of 39.23, with her mother Karole a close third. This was the 21st running of the race, and founder member Llew Jones had run every one, so, although injured, he decided to take part by walking the course. He was allowed to start a little before everyone else, but still came 5th. Not all of the best runners in the club took part, but those who did produced some outstanding times, with Jim Cole in the van with 21 mins 47 seconds, Adam Holland 23.08, Chris Champion 23.23 and Tom Lawson a very good 23.45. Once all the runners were in, the action switched to the Halfway House where everyone enjoyed sausages and chips, and the prizes were given out. Special prizes were awarded to: Biggest Smile on Finishing: Dotty Allan; Best Fancy Dress: Rachel Short; Smoothest Running Style: Sam Eaton; Youngest Finisher: Seth McNamara-Waddington; Oldest Finisher: Ann Woodhouse; Spot Prizes: Rachel Short and Joscelyn McInnes. The race concluded one of the most successful years for the club which is vying to become the best junior club in the county. New members of whatever standard are always welcome, so if you are a seasoned runner, a jogger, or would like some advice for the London Marathon, come down to Tavistock College Sports Hall on a Tuesday or Thursday at 6.15. There is a place for you in one of the running groups. The club has a thriving Junior Section for 8s and over and is also always looking out for qualified coaches. For further information, please telephone Allan Herdman on 610895 or visit tavistockathletics.com