TAVISTOCK Athletics Club 'Athlete of the Month' award is being shared by two runners this month who have both put in excellent performances for the club.

Pete Freedman excelled in the Tavy 13 half-marathon and won the race with huge conviction, nearly six minutes in front of the second finisher. His time of 1 hour, 11 minutes, 27 seconds sets a fast course record for this new race, which hopefully will stand for some years to come.

Andrew Alcock's training for the London Marathon showed inner strength and total commitment. After overcoming a stress fracture in his foot, Andrew trained in all weathers, even running to work when he knew time in the evening would be tight. With encouragement from his family, other runners and club coaches, he knocked a huge 36 minutes off his previous time for the distance, to finish in 4.27.49 and achieve a new level of fitness.

Both athletes are an inspiration to club members and are fitting recipients of the award.

TAC runners have competed in several local races over recent weeks. Club coach Peter Bazley was the only club representative at the Saltash Half. He finished in 1.39.15, sixth in his age-group, knocking more than threee minutes off his 2009 time for the race. Pete also entered the Plymouth Coaster 5k race, finishing fourth in his category in 21.19. Jane Carroll also competed, having a fine run to finish in 29.27, second in the F35 age group.

Heather Fell and David Chanter also competed in a 5k race, this time in Exeter as part of the Great West Run. Heather took just 18 minutes 53 seconds to be first female home, while David finished second M55 in 21.17.

Tom Gill, a very promising young TAC runner put in an excellent performance to win the Crediton Crunch 10k in 36mins,58secs, whilst George Speak finished in 11th place in 40.06.

Ray Bennett travelled further afield to run in the Edinburgh Marathon and finished in 4hrs 19mins — another excellent time for Ray, who competes in the M70+ age group.

l Club training nights are Tuesdays and Thursdays, with a Ladies track session on a Saturday morning and a 'men only' eight-week course about to begin on Monday, June 21.

All standards are catered for and all runners are welcome. Please phone 01822 612577 for more information.