THE Drogo 10 mile race covered a mere 9.6 miles this year, due to building works at the Castle Drogo visitor centre in Drewsteignton.
Seven Tavistock Athletic Club members were among the record entry of 416 runners.
The course is set mostly on tracks in and around the Drogo estate. It begins at the castle, dropping gently down to the river and winding through woods before the first long steep climb of half a mile. The track undulates for a few miles before dropping down to the river once more for a long flattish section.
The weather was ideal for the run but there was plenty of mud and wet leaves to skid for competitors. But the worst was yet to come with a very steep climb up Hunter's Path hill – a narrow, uneven path with plenty of tree-roots to negotiate. Just at the point where many are seriously considering giving up the path unexpectedly flattens with views out over the Teign Valley. Then it's just over a field and up a few steep steps to the finish, back at the castle.
Many runners have to walk up some of the hills, but not so Chris Eastaugh who ran an excellent race to finish fifth in his age category and in 30th position overall.
First club runner to the finish coming 25th overall and 17th in his age group was Andrew Vallance. Gavin Punchard finished in 34th position and lost seven minutes on his last year's time.
Full results were as follows: Andrew Vallance 1hour 10 minutes 14 seconds; Chris Eastaugh, 1 10 59; Gavin Punchard, 1 11 49; Nick Friendship, 1 25 07; David Twine, 1 28 38; Kirk England, 1 29 38; Nicole Heryet 1 36 20.
People don't have to enter races to join Tavistock Athletic Club, they just need to be able to run slowly for about half an hour.
The club meet in the Octagon at Tavistock College at 6.15pm on a Tuesday and Thursday evening. For more information see http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com or phone Sheila Houghton on 01822 612577.