MEMBERS of Tavistock Athletic Club have taken part in two off-road races.
There was bright sunshine as 130 runners gathered on Dartmoor for the six-mile Haytor Heller. This challenging moorland scramble involves plenty of hills and includes the summits of Haytor and Hound Tor.
Four Tavistock runners took part and all finished well up in their age catagories. The first male to finish, running one second faster than last year to come third in his age-group and tenth position overall, was Chris Eastaugh.
Close behind Chris, and also running a faster time than a year ago, was Gavin Punchard. The first Tavistock lady home was Helen Smith, who was also third in her age category.
Times were as follows: Chris Eastaugh 46mins 30secs, Gavin Punchard 47.59, Helen Smith 55.38, Alan Herdman 59mins.
Nine TAC runners took part in Totnes 10k race last Sunday. The race description is of a scenic route alongside the beautiful River Dart on footpaths and bridleways but one runner described it as a severe cross-country that will test you to your limits.
The race started flat but then the path climbed up the side of the river valley only to plunge back down a steep slope to the river. The ups are so steep they need steps and the downs are riddled with tree-roots.
Robin Musgrave was first TAC member to the finish, maintaining an average pace of 7.39 minutes per mile, closely followed by Peter Bazeley.
First lady for the club was Samantha Fraser, pacing 7.51mpm.
Nicole Heryet gained over a minute on last year's time to come fifth in her age group.
TAC times: Robin Musgrave 47mins 33secs, Peter Bazeley 48.35, Samantha Fraser 48.53, Nigel Ward 50.41, Nicole Heryet 51.42, Samantha Eggins 51.55, David Chanter 52.04, Tim Brooks 58.10, Hazel Walker 63.54.
Sheila Houghton from Tavistock Athletic Club said: 'You don't have to race to join us. Details of the club are on our website Tavistockathletics.com.'