AN unprecedented number of 438 runners completed the Tavy 7 last Sunday, making the event one of the biggest participatory sports events in the area — this total does not include the 120 runners who completed the fun run.

The fine weather encouraged a further 180 runners to pack their trainers and enter the race on the day to add to those who had entered beforehand. The race organisers were particularly encouraged by the large number of women who competed in the race this year.

Bideford AAC fielded a strong men's team this year, led home by Kevin Heywood in the first place in a time of 38.21, Peter Hockin in second and Ricky Butler in fourth. Steve Groombridge finished 20th and was the first Tavistock AC man to finish (43.48), followed by Nigel Rendle in 185th place (54.29) and Tim Powell in 198th (55.05). Martin Gibbs represented the sponsors Mansbridge and Balment in the race and finished in a creditable time of 53.19.

Dinah Cheverton from Tamar Trotters won the women's race in a time of 44.54. Tavistock AC were represented by Annette Roberts who finished as 51st woman in a time of 61.14 and Babette Jackson as 99th woman (66.55).

THERE was also a record turnout in the fun run with more than 120, mainly youngsters, taking part.

The off-road course was the same as in previous years across Whitchurch Down with a long downhill return from the Pimple. There was a good turnout from Tavistock Athletic Club and the first runner home was Adam Tofield from the Tavistock club finishing in a good time of 8mins 41secs. Fellow club member Adam Holland also ran well to finish in third place in a time of 9mins 8secs.

Emma Passmore, also of Tavistock Athletic Club, led the girls home finishing in overall seventh place in another good time of 10mins 4secs.

In the younger age groups Nathan Wonnacott ran well to finish in ninth place in a time of 10mins 9secs closely followed by Jake Rendle in a time of 10mins 17secs, both runners also from the Tavistock club.