THE annual Drogo 10 off road race held by South West Road Runners. Okehampton Running club runners were out in force enjoying the rather cold but dry November morning, taking in the beautiful scenery of the Teign Valley.

Conditions under foot were tricky at times with running water to negotiate, wet rocks, slippery leaves and lots of mud!

The race starts and finishes at Castle Drogo, Drewsteignton, challenging runners to some narrow and often steep tracks down to the river Teign. From here runners follow the river before taking in some steep ascents to join with forest tracks which eventually descend to Fingle Bridge.

Then they had to tackle the notorious Hunter's Path before heading back to the castle driveway and the finish. This year saw a record number of entrants and the safe completion of a tough but interesting course by 574 runners.

The first runner home was James McMullan from Thames Hare and Hounds in a record time of 58 minutes 29 seconds.

OKEHAMPTON Running Club members positions were as follows: 13, Andrew Vallance, 1hr 08mins 18secs; 20, Gavin Puchard, 1.10.39; 33, Philip Allin, 1.12.55; 40, Nicholas Pearson, 1.14.10; 48, Paul Crease, 1.15.22; 87, David Mugilston, 1.19.39; 186, David Rickwood, 1.28.17; 200 Kirstin Phippard, 1.29.37; 236, Joanna Daniel, 1.33.36; 285, Greg Miller, 1.37.0, ; 311, Marilyn Cooper; 1.38.44; 436, Alan Liffingham, 1.49.53; 465 Karen Vallance, 1.52,28; 466, Philippa Allom, 1.52.28 and ; 482, Deborah Cunningham, 1.54.45.