A CHALLENGE was this week issued to sports clubs, pubs and other organisations in the Tavistock area to put up a team for the popular town relay run, which takes place during carnival week.

The 1.1-mile race for teams of four is organised by Tavistock Athletic Club and has become a regular part of the running calendar for local athletes, but the club would like to see increased participation by local groups.

And to encourage a healthy crop of entries, there are four trophies in two new categories to race for ? fastest local sports club and fastest local organisation. The first two trophies are for male and female teams from any sports club within five miles of the town centre, excluding running clubs and hashes, the second two are for male and female teams from any organisation within a five mile radius of Tavistock.

Keith Bowles, race organiser, said: ?There have always been some local teams taking part, such as ones from the hockey club or Tavistock College, but this year we want to see some real local participation, with lots of people coming to cheer their team on.

?There are so many sports clubs in the town ? but which have the best runners? It would be good to see the rugby, football and hockey teams for example, battling it out for the male trophy.?

Keith said it would also be good to see two teams from the same club battling it out for honours ? and further money for carnival charities could also be raised by sponsoring teams.

?The challenge is being issued now so there is time to get some training in. While some teams may take the challenge very seriously, it is meant to be a bit of fun to raise money for a good cause,? said Keith, who also suggested some teams may like to take the challenge further by running in fancy dress.

He said if enough teams tackle the course in costume, further prizes will be awarded for the best fancy dress entry.

And with the Lions club organising a swimming gala, cycle races and a barbeque at Meadowlands pool patio, the evening promises to combine athletic expertise with social fun.

The town relay race takes place on July 17 ? for more information and an entry form, call Keith Bowles on 01822 613607.