THE absence of reigning champion Kevin Hagley due to injury left the 11th Belstone-Cosdon Hill race wide open. In the end Jim Pyne (Exmouth Harriers) narrowly beat Jonathan Newey (Malvern Joggers) with a winning time of 32.21. Hagley?s 1996 record of 25.53 remained safe. The first lady was Samantha Hammond (Malvern - time of 44.33) and first local was Gavin Punchard from Sticklepath (34.33). Other notable local performances were Andrew Vallance from Okehampton (5th), Mike Steward from Sampford Courtanay with Dave Hatton from Throwleigh taking the V60 prize. The event attracted 15 starters and grossed income of £60, of which £44 is profit that will go back to the village of Belstone. There was an excellent support team this year, thanks to Val Dodsworth and Jackie Barrett who went to the Summit, Malcolm Calder and Lynn Daniel who attended to safety on the hill, and Rona Gundry and Robin Hill who looked after the time-keeping. The next race is the Sticklepath Horseshoe Race on August 19 at 1pm ? runners and marshals for this are much welcomed and details of how to become involved for both at the race web site at http://phil.haygarth.googlepages.com/dartmoorfellraces">http://phil.haygarth.googlepages.com/dartmoorfellraces.
