TAVISTOCK Athletic Club is again organising the senior and junior town relay races around the Meadows on Thursday July 15 during carnival week, and this year is trying to get more junior teams to enter.
There are categories for U16s, U14s and U12s and teams can enter from schools, or any local clubs or organisations, or just as a group of friends.
Competitors have to be under these ages on race day. The course around the Meadows is 1.1 miles and four people are needed for each team.
Race director Keith Bowles said: ?We are seeking to raise the profile of athletics among young people at a time when they are seen to be spending less and less time taking exercise, which is essential for building a healthy future life.
?I will be contacting most local schools, but I hope to see teams from football clubs, scouts and lots of other local organisations.?
This is one of several initiatives the athletic club is taking this year to interest children from the age of eight upwards in athletics. The club has a thriving junior section which meets on Tuesdays with a large and dedicated coaching team, but always has room for more keen youngsters.
The senior relay race is an integral part of the local athletic calendar and teams come from all over Devon and East Cornwall to take part, but there is room for teams from local sports clubs and organisations with separate categories so that they do not have to compete against teams from running clubs or Hashes.
There are trophies for the first men?s and ladies? teams from local sports clubs and organisations, the only stipulation being that they are based within five miles of Tavistock. A team can be mixed, but will be treated as a men?s team as far as the prizes are concerned.
Proceedings start with a fun run at 6.30pm, so with the swimming gala earlier the same evening, it really will be a sporting extravaganza, topped off with a barbecue on the Meadowlands Pool patio. Proceeds will go to the Lions Carnival charities, Tavistock Youth Café and Tavistock Hospital.
If you would like to enter a team from your school or youth organisation, fancy running a mile yourself and want to raise a team from your club, pub or work, or are an employer who would like to see a team represent you, give Keith Bowles a ring on Tavistock 613607 for more information and an entry form.