BURRATOR Horseshoe is described as 'a scenic, challenging seven-mile moorland run' which starts and finishes at Meavy village green.
The route takes runners via Burrator Reservoir to the top of Sheepstor, then through the bog and another climb up to Guttor Tor summit, across Ringmoor Down and to the finish by way of the Meavy River ford.
This year, conditions were particularly trying after several days of rain, and the bog was well watered. However, the race has a friendly atmosphere with beer on the village green to look forward to whilst runners slurped through the mud.
Tavistock Athletic Club was well represented on the start-line and several runners were to excel.
First home for the club, in third position overall, and winning his M45 age-group, was Chris Eastaugh. Jo Meek was first female to the finish and set a new female course record for the race. In seventh place was Harrison Baker, first junior home with Charlie Lloyd finishing in the same time, second M45.
When most runners were seeing slower times than in 2010, James Best, second junior to the finish, knocked more than six minutes off his previous years' time. Andy Houghton won the M65 category and Davis Twine came second his M55. The bog almost got the better of Becky Mingo and Helen Alcock as both were nearly to their necks in mud, but, undeterred, both achieved creditable times.
TAC times: Chris Eastaugh 44 minutes, 59 seconds, Jo Meek 45.45, Harrison Baker and Charlie Lloyd 46.01, James Best 46.37, Sam Lloyd third junior) 47.21, Sharon Daw (third female) 51.35, Mike Baker 53.14, Miles Eastaugh 53.39, Katy Roue 55.16, Becky Mingo 56.12, David Twine 56.21, Andy Houghton 58.00, Richard Best 58.04, Carrie Lawson 62.00, Sam Eggins 63.01, Nicole Heryet 63.24, Andrew Alcock 64.57, Helen Alcock 73.45, Sheila Houghton 76.26.