THIS MONTH saw Tavistock Athletic Club runners taking part in 10K races at both ends of the county.

In glorious evening sunshine, 698 runners from local clubs competed in the notoriously hilly Ivybridge 10K and on the following day, 16 TAC members headed north in early morning rain and a strong breeze for the flat and fast Bideford 10K.

First TAC home in 28th position overall, in a time of 37minutes, 57 seconds was Chris Eastaugh. Pete Bazley was next, improving on his 2009 time for the race, in 42.30, as did Tony Shearer, finishing in 47.22. Seconds later, Rob Kirby finished in 47.26 followed by first TAC lady, Laura Aspen, in 49.27. Sarah Brown was next senior female home in 53.01 with Caroline Alexander running her first race for the club in a very creditable time of 54.42. Hannah Colston gained over a minute on her last year's time, to finish in 55 minutes, Sarah Aspen finished in 59.48 and Cathy Ford, making a return to racing, finished in 1 hour 55 seconds.

After a haphazard start at the ever popular Bideford race, the runners soon warmed up along a route which heads along the Torridge from Bideford to Instow. Returning along the scenic Tarka Trail, the entrants battled a cool headwind before being enthusiastically serenaded by a band of local drummers.

TAC's Jo Meek came first in the ladies' race. For the men, Chris Champion came in tenth overall and was the first club member past the post, followed very shortly afterwards by George Speak. Both claimed a silver prize for their respective age groups. Steve Groombirdge was the next TAC member to return, and the first BAT home was Derek Hicks.

Club veteran Pete Bazeley arrived slightly late for the race and missed the start. Making up for lost time, he amazed everyone by overtaking most of the Tavy runners, shouting welcome words of encouragement to club members along the way. He finished in a very respectable 48 minutes. The race saw personal bests from Andrew Alcock and Leslie Cowey and a welcome return from injury for Dotty Allan and Sally Benson.

TAC times were as follows: Chris Champion 35 minutes 47 seconds, Jo Meek 36.32, George Speak 36.48, Steve Groombridge 37.02, Mike Erith 42.53, David Chanter 45.18, John Bills 46.29, Paul Marshall 47.51, Pete Bazeley 48.09, Tamsin Taylor 49.12, Andrew Alcock 49.18, Tim Heal 49.54, Neil Love 55.27, Lesley Cowie 55.28, Dotty Allan 56.58, Helen Alcock 57.20.