NEARLY 600 runners took part in last weeks' Hoe 10, organised by Armada Athletics Forum. The ten-mile road race starts at Brickfield's Sports Centre in Plymouth, and finishes with a lap of the track.
There was a good turn out of Tavistock Athletic Club members for the first race of the club's newly-revived Grand Prix series, organised by club treasurer, Keith Bowles.
Running close behind the lead motor-bike, and eventual winner, was Kairn Stone of Newham and Essex Beagles in a time of 51minutes, 16seconds.
First TAC home, in 1hr 48secs and in 10th place overall was Tony Symons, running with apparently effortless style to win his M50 age-roup and gain a UK Athletics diamond award.
Close behind was Jo Meek, running yet another fast race to finish second senior female in 1.02.21.
Rebecca Mingo was running her first race for the club and it proved to be a successful one, as she finished ninth in her age-group in a time of 1.10.59, giving her a UKA silver award – a great achievement on this undulating course.
Liz Vernon was also making her TAC debut, competing as part of her training for an Ironman triathlon. She ran steady nine-minute miles to finish in 1.31.52. Once again, Trevor Williams ran strongly, gaining a diamond time of 1.22.58 and finishing second in his M65 age category. Sadly, Jeff Lea was forced to drop out of the race at six miles with a torn calf-muscle.
Other TAC awards and times were as follows: Ann Woodhouse 1.56.29 (UKA bronze award), Judith Ames 1.47.48, Jane Carroll 1.43.24, Hazel Walker 1.28.52, John Windermer (bronze) 1.28.49, Rob Kirby (bronze) 1.23.41, Tony Shearer (silver) 1.21.50, Andy Houghton (gold) 1.20.21, John Marshall (bronze) 1.20.04, Nicole Heryet (bronze) 1.19.56, David Twine (silver) 1.12.35, Pete Bazley (gold and fifth in age) 1.10.46, Adam Holland (silver) 1.06.30.