IT was a fantastic day on Whitchurch Down last Sunday as Tavistock Athletic Club hosted its annual road race, the Tavy 7. There were a record 600 runners completing the main race and a staggering 270 finished the 1.5 mile fun run race. Director Mike Youlden was delighted with the outcome of weeks of planning. He said: 'One or two small hitches but, all in all, it seems to have gone well.' These sentiments were shared by runners involved in the race. They were encouraged to rate the race and provide instant feedback through the pages of the Runners World website and many of them took the opportunity to heap praise on race organisers. Some of the website entries said: 'Definitely one to do again.' 'Scenic, fast-ish and excellent value for money, especially bearing in mind the Brooks technical T shirts. 'Superb. I have never heard a bad word about it.' Estate agents Mansbridge and Balment, the main sponsor again this year, fielded their own team of runners. Managing director Martin Gibbs led his team home and was ecstatic. 'I was just going to jog around with the team but I decided to just go for it and that's my best time ever,' said Martin, who flew across the finish line in just over 51 minutes. The race also produced the first 'Head 2 Head Challenge' with Colin Eves, principal from Tavistock College, and Mark Steed, headmaster from Kelly College, racing together for the first time in their build up to the 2007 London Marathon. They crossed the line together in a time of 54m 14s, far outstripping their aim for the day. Their London Marathon challenge is designed to raise sponsorship money for the track which is to be built in the grounds of Tavistock College. After the race, Colin said: 'I probably set off a bit too fast, but yes, I absolutely enjoyed it and I was very pleased Tom Gilmore, our student president, ran with us — it's good to see leadership from students.' At the sharp end of the Tavy 7 Wayne Stephens from Bideford AAC was first home in a time of 39m 03s. First lady home was Anne Luke from Tamar Trotters in 44m 44s. The race also welcomed home two former Tavistock Athletic Club runners. Rob Orton came home in fourth position overall in a time of 40m 23s and Frances McKinnon finished in 65th position overall, but fourth lady, in a great time of 48m 07s. The fun run saw a record field for the third year in a row, with 270 people of all ages doing the 1.5 miles around Whitchurch Down. Even this race is not for the faint hearted as they have to endure the long climb up to the Pimple before they can enjoy the fast downhill to the finish line. Mat McNamara-Waddington, a Tavistock Athletic Club member, was first home with Laura Aspen, another club runner, coming home as first girl. At the presentation ceremony Allan Herdman, the club chairman, paid tribute to all of the club members, and their families and friends, who had come out to support the race, whether as marshals, car park attendants, goody-bag distributors, catering assistants or baggage handlers. He also thanked sponsors Mansbridge & Balment, Abbey Garden Machinery, The Rosemont B&B and Brooks Running for their generous support for yet another successful Tavy 7. Full results can be found on the event website http://www.tavy7.com">www.tavy7.com For more about Tavistock Athletic Club go to http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com