MORE than 200 runners competed in the Tavy 13 Half Marathon this Sunday, on a chilly but dry morning.

The race was organised by Tavistock Athletic Club and took runners through the town, out through Mill Hill, and along Chipshop ridge before dropping back to Tavistock College. Despite the cold there were plenty of supporters along the route to cheer the runners on and a grandstand finish at the athletics track. All the profit from this race will be going to support the track, which we hope will be used to train the Tavistock Olympians of the future.

David Tomlin from Teignbridge Trotters was the winner for the second consecutive year, in a fast 1hour, 17mins. Ben Neale of Bere Alston Trekkers finished second, with Alex Payton-Jones of Plymouth Harriers third, whilst first woman home was Tavistock Athletic Club's Jo Meek in 1.24.05. Club member Pete Bazley was competing in his 100th half marathon - a great achievement - and finished third in his age group, in 1.42.31.

Jeff Lea, the race director said: 'Putting on a race like this is a huge logistical task and requires many helpers. The club would like to thank them all and in particular, the sponsors, Gibbs.Kirby Estate Agents, The Lions Club of Tavistock, Allan Herdman for his witty commentary, R M Moule Builders, Lewdown Scaffolding, St John's Ambulance, Tyre Marks, Tavistock Town Council, Devon County Coucil, The Air Training Corps, the staff at Tavistock College Sports Centre, Eunice Moule and her team who supplied the food, Phil King who led the race on his motorbike, Keith Penny from The Lions club, Dartmoor Radio Club, race adjudicator Richard Warne, Steve Grummitt for his PA at the start, Brookes for their clothing stall and all the many people who managed the registration and baggage or stood for three hours in the cold at water stations and as cheerful Marshals. The future athletes of Tavistock can be grateful to you all.'

n THE fourth annual Tavy 13 Schools Challenge final run took place at Tavistock Track on Sunday.

Despite being cold, the sun was shining at 10.15am when 170 runners ran their 13th mile to complete their half marathon.

Organisers thanked marathon man Adam Holland for leading the runners, Diane Grylls-Thomas and Fizz Ward for registering them and to the marshalls of Tavistock Athletic Club who made sure they ran in the right direction.

For those runners who want to keep up their mile a week, the Run in the Park continues throughout the year. Just turn up and run at 5pm every Wednesday at the Bandstand in the Meadows, Tavistock. There is no cost involved. Adam Holland and Mhairi McCall look forward to greeting members old and new for the regular event.