ORGANISERS of the Ruby Run half-marathon between Hatherleigh and Holsworthy are going the extra mile to ensure next year's race will be the best ever.
This week (October 8) a cheque for £1,700 raised at this year's successful event was presented in Holsworthy to Noel Edmonds, patron of Children's Hospice South West.
Organiser Cllr Dennis Bater said he was hoping 500 runners would be on the start line for next year's run on June 13.
This year, the field of 150 runners was started in Hatherleigh by television and radio celebrity Noel facing the challenging 13.1-mile route before finishing in Holsworthy.
Next year, the route will be reversed with Holsworthy as the start-point and the finishing line close to the George Hotel in Hatherleigh with the presentations taking place in
the square.
Next year's chosen beneficiary is children's charity CLIC. with a small additional donation also likely to be made to day centres for the elderly in Holsworthy and Okehampton.
Cllr Bater said this year's race had attracted runners from as far afield as South Africa and a number of half-marathon veterans who said they would be back next year with more people.
Cllr Bater said organisers were also hoping the fact the race was now advertised in several running magazines and the route was recognised for competitive records would attract a larger field.
'Hatherleigh is a nice setting as the race ends, and the whole route shows off the Ruby Country,' he added.
Anyone who wants to enter next year's half-marathon or help with sponsorship is asked to contact the race secretary Carol Smith on 01837 810476.