NEW Year is the ideal time to start a new fitness regime ? and there?s the ideal challenge to look forward to in West Devon this June.
The second Ruby Run Half-Marathon is due to take place on June 13 ? and preparations are already underway for the event, which is run between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy.
The run is organised by a committee of town councillors from Hatherleigh and Holsworthy. It takes its name from the Ruby Country rural regeneration initiative, which focuses on the 45 parishes around the two towns and is a partnership between Devon Wildlife Trust, local authorities, the Market and Coastal Towns Initiative and Leader Plus.
Following last year?s successful first event, this year the run will go the opposite way ? from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh.
Rosie Austin, Ruby Country co-ordinator, said: ?Last year?s run was a great success and it was fantastic to involve the community in such a way.
?We hope this year?s run will be even more successful and will go on to become a major county event. The aim is to help promote the Ruby Country area, forging a strong local identity, and, of course, raise lots of money for charity.?
Last year, £1,700 was raised for the main beneficiary of the race, the Children?s Hospice South West. This year, proceeds will be donated to CLIC and two local day care centres.
Rachel Marsh, of Buckland Filleigh, took part in last year?s race. She said: ?I had only been running for a couple of weeks when I first heard about the Ruby Run. I raised over £1,000 for the Children of Iraq and for the St Mary?s Bell fund in Buckland Filleigh.?
The run also provides an opportunity for people to get involved with the local community.
Rachel said: ?I got chatting with a couple of others at the back and discovered lots of other people had the same level of experience as me. It was very friendly.?
For details on this year?s Ruby Run, call Carole Smith, race secretary, on 01837 811266 or e-mail:
The Ruby Run is still actively looking for sponsors. Any companies or individuals who would like to back the event should call Carole Smith.