THE Sticklepath Horseshoe race attracted a healthy entry of 20 runners this year, with top entries traveling from as far as Glossop, Dudley and Bristol. Last year?s victor Andrew Vallence, from Okehampton, tussled all the way around the 10 mile moorland circuit of the upper Taw Valley, to be beaten marginally by the Tavistock runner Nigel Jenkins, who completed the course in 1 hour 17 minutes 22 seconds. Sticklepath?s Gavin Punchard came in a solid third. The fastest lady for a second year was local Sarah Moody from South Zeal, who put in a solid tour of 1.41.50, followed by Debs Crome in 2.05.11. The weather this year was quite unpleasant, with driving rain and a strong westerly blowing into the runners on the outward leg towards Steeperton Tor. With cloud coming in and out around the more remote parts of the moor, some runners suffered navigational errors between Steeperton and Cosdon, with those making the least errors paying off with better times. This remains a classic moorland ?fell? race and is won by a combination of athletic fitness and navigational skills. Organizer Phil Haygarth was delighted with the excellent offering of support from the locals, who braved long distances and tough weather conditions to marshal the circuit. He said: ?It is thanks to these people ? Mike Seward, Kay Loram, Wendy Manfield, Richard Johnson, Mike Savage, Chris Nott, Dave Bowles, Fred Spare and Jon Padfield ? that this classic event survives and it will continue in 2008. ?Thanks to the Taw River Inn and the Haygarths for donating the prizes. The event grossed £100 and profits will go back to Sticklepath village.? For details for next year?s events visit the website: http://phil.haygarth.googlepages.com/dartmoorfellraces">http://phil.haygarth.googlepages.com/dartmoorfellraces 1 Nigel Jenkins Tavistock AC V40 1.17.22 2 Andrew Vallence Okehampton S 1.17.33 3 Gavin Punchard Tavistock AC S 1.23.06 4 Julien Miwshull Glossopdale V45 1.25.30 5 John Doidge PlymouthV45 1.31.34 6 Bryan Friend OkehamptonV40 1.31.39 7 Roger Voaden OkehamptonV40 1.31.39 8 Colin Kirkman Dartmoor Runners S 1.32.36 9 Rees Jenkins Dartmoor Runners S 1.34.47 10 Don Rigby MalboroughS 1.39.01 11 Simon Oliver North Devon RRV40 1.40.18 12 Sarah Moody South Zeal LV40 1.41.50 13 Tim Mackey Dark Peak FRV50 1.42.39 14 Tom Woodman Axe Valley S 1.55.30 15 Stewart Bondi Dartmoor Runners V50 2.02.17 16 Debs Crome Fairy KissedSL 2.05.11 17 Colin Downey DudleyV45 2.08.02 18 Colin Marrs BristolV60 2.30.34 19 Linda Shaughnessy BristolSL 2.47.10 20 Deborah Cunningham LV40 dnf
