IN beautiful weather a strong contingent of members from Tavistock Athletic Club tackled the DML 5K race last Saturday evening. Numbers were down on last year because of numerous other events happening over the weekend, including the Plymouth Race For Life which several members ran. The race takes place in Saltram Park using paths, tracks and roads with an altered course which starts with a twisting path through woodland, but this does away with the initial loop back up to the start, so, overall it is a downhill run, and, despite the climb to the finish by the House, it is a now a fast course with Personal Best potential. This is exactly how it turned out for Adam Holland who finished an excellent 2nd behind Peter Waumsley of Tamar Trotters who has been unbeatable amongst local runners this year. Adam?s time of 16.27 was a PB and just 2 seconds outside the club record and again flags up his great form at present and great potential. Andrew Vernon was next in a very creditable 11th position in 18.03. Next was surprise packet Nick Champion who was tackling his first senior race at the age of 13. He finished in 13th in 18.44. This was a superb run and also shows that Nick is someone to watch. Club stalwart Robin Musgrave was 23rd in 19.29 (2nd Vet 55), followed by Tony Shearer in 40th in 20.46 (3rd Vet 50) and Laura Aspen in 52nd in 21.26, a good time for a Junior, and 7th Lady overall. Other finishers were : 58th Roger Hewitt 21.43; 67th Keith Bowles 23.10 (1st Vet 60); 73rd Trevor Williams 23.55 (2nd Vet 60); 90th Patricia Hewitt 25.25 (1st Vet 50); 119th Sarah Aspen 27.48; 126th Karole Champion 28.15; 147th Ann Woodhouse 32.59; 158th Tim Bundy 35.09. Several club age group records were beaten. The club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.20 in the classroom underneath Tavistock College Sports Hall, and has running groups for all abilities. Competing in races is only an option, and many members just come for a weekly jog to keep fit in a very friendly atmosphere. There is a beginners? group for those just getting into jogging. There is also a large section for Juniors. For more information, contact Allan Herdman on 01822 610895 or visit tavistockathletics.com.
