THE Duchy 20-mile race and marathon in Cornwalll are both popular runs with some very scenic stretches along the coast road between Porthreath and Gwithian.

The 20-miler is a useful training run for the London Marathon, next month. It is however, an undulating route and quite a test for those running a 20 mile race for the first time.

The Penventon Hotel hosts the race and manages to make every runner feel welcome and allows use of the their excellent facilities.

This year, one Bere Alston Trekker and five members of Tavistock Athletic Club took part in the 20-mile race, and, unusually, all finished within under half an hour of each other.

First home was Roger Hewitt, coming fourth in his M55 age-group in a time of 2hours, 45minutes, 31seconds. Nicole Heryet, competing as part of her London training, was not far behind at 2.53.58. Andy Houghton, also running London, came third in the M60 group in 3.01.12 with Hugh Myott just over a minute behind, in 3.02.46. Andrew Alcock, another London competitor, ran strongly to complete the course in 3.09.48, with lone BAT Simon Griffiths finishing in 3.10.45.

Pete Bazley was the only TAC to enter the marathon, the second longest-established in Britain, which he ran strongly in 3.35.28, coming second in his M55 age-category. Another excellent performance from Pete.