THE classic Sticklepath Horseshoe race entered a new era this year, with a new winner and also the strongest-ever performances from local runners. Andrew Vallence from Okehampton put in the winning performance, taking 1 hour and 21 minutes to complete the tortuous but beautiful and scenic tour of the upper Taw Valley. Andrew was chased home by local villager Gavin Punchard, who was cheered into the village field to great applause, notching up the best ever performance for a Sticklepath resident. Andrew and Gavin are both training partners and had clearly benefited from their recent circuits of the course over previous weeks. To complete the strength in the showing of the locals, Sarah Moody was the fastest lady around in a time of one hour and forty minutes. Sarah, who was also the first veteran home, admitted she actually ?enjoyed it?, which says much for her obvious fitness and dedication to training. Other notable local performances were Debs Crome from South Zeal and David Scholefield from North Tawton. Organiser Phil Haygarth was delighted with the excellent offering of support from the locals, who braved long distances and tough weather conditions to marshal the circuit. It is thanks to these people ? Jane Jachnik, Peter Flick, Wendy Manfield, Tony Osborne, Chris Osborne, Tim Butler, Roy Croker, David Bowles, David Stallion, Kym Davies, Jon Padfield, Mike Savage, Marnie Punchard, Nick Norman and Diane Porter ? that this classic event survives and it will continue in 2007. Thanks to the Taw River Inn and the Haygarths for donating the prizes. The event grossed £55 and profits will go back to Sticklepath village.
