AUGUST is not the busiest month in the racing calender, for obvious reasons, but races do continue both on and off road, and members of Tavistock Athletic Club have been among the entrants, albeit in reduced numbers.

The Battle of Sedgemoor ten kilometre race, organised by Langport Runners, is a relatively new race, first run in 2005. It has grown in popularity over the years, and attracted 444 runners this year.

The race description is of a fast, undulating course with lovely scenery, plenty of space and a lack of traffic – so well worth the journey for the three TAC runners who entered. Jim Cole, Tony Symons (club athlete of the month), and Steve Groombridge are all fast, fit athletes, and all achieved exceptional times. Jim finished in second place, in 32 minutes, 10 seconds, less than a minute behind the winner, Tom Merson of Bristol and West AC.

Tony was 21st in 35.35 and Steve finished fourth in his age category in 37.18 and in 30th position overall.

Jim had also taken part in the multi-terrain Indian Queens Half Marathon earlier in the month, and finished third, in 1 hour, 12 minutes, 57 seconds.

Nick Friendship enjoys running off-road and so entered the Cornwood Challenge, a ten kilometre run around Cornwood and Lutton, partly on roads but also on tracks and through fields. He completed the course in 48.07.

But perhaps the Trelissick 10k has arguably the most beautiful scenery. This is an off-road race set on the Trelissick Estate with stunning views of the River Fal and Carrick Roads. Hannah Colston was among the 300 entrants and ran a very good race in 59.53.

Now that September is here, the racing calendar becomes much busier, and club members will be traveling far and wide to compete.