TWENTY one runners from Tavistock Athletic Club were among 1,008 competitors taking part in the Bideford Half Marathon.
The first half of the course winds its way out of the North Devon town, gently gaining height all the time, and conditions were warm in the sunshine.
The final six miles or so, from the water station at the Puffing Billy pub, saw the runners return on the Tarka Trail to the outskirts of Bideford, and here a cool head wind from the sea was 'enough to keep Tarka in hibernation', as one runner put it.
Due to an organisational hiccup near the start, competitors ran approximately a third of a mile too far this year. In spite of this, TAC's Jim Cole once again excelled, finishing in third place and over a minute quicker than his 2008 time — quite an achievement!
Tony Symons was second club member home, finishing 19th overall and gaining third place in the male 45-49 age group, closely followed by Neil Barkell and Andrew Valance. The first club lady home was Jo Meek, putting in an excellent run to win her age category.
Gill Court and Trevor Williams were third in their respective age categories — Trevor gaining a Diamond UK Athletics award. Ann Woodhouse ran a personal best, as did Jemma Sharman, running as part of her on-going London Marathon training.
Special mention should be made of Helen Alcock, who was running her first half marathon for the club.
Club member times: Jim Cole 1hr 12mins 42secs, Tony Symons 1.20.33, Neil Barkell 1.20.38, Andrew Valance 1.21.26, Chris Champion 1.23.11, Jo Meek 1.23.33, Gavin Punchard 1.26.08, Rupert Warren 1.26.34, Peter Bazely 1.40.59, Keith Bowles 1.44.17, Nicole Heryet 1.44.24, Robert Kirby 1.45.27, Jeff Lea 1.47.09, Jemma Sharman 1.47.29, Trevor Williams 1.47.30, Gill Court 1.47.47, Leslie Cowie 2.07.12, Andrew Alcock 2.13.04, Helen Alcock 2.13.05, Kirsty Trotter 2.14.39, Ann Woodhouse 2.23.25.
• Those interested in joining TAC please check the website for more details: http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com or call 01822 612577.