THE re-launched and relocated Tavy 7 road race, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club, attracted more than 400 entrants from all parts of the country last weekend.

Back after a year's absence, the race was sited at a new venue, on the edge of Plasterdown, a windy spot, as it would later transpire, but one which gave runners and spectators magnificent views across Dartmoor.

This year's race was run in memory of former TAC member Martin Gibbs and competitors were invited to make a donation to St Luke's Hospice. At noon, Martin's daughter Holly fired the starting gun sending runners off across the Down, up to Pew Tor and Sampford Spiney before battling a vicious head-wind to the finish.

TAC's Jim Cole, currently in tremendous form, ran a storming race to win the event, followed a couple of minutes later by marathon man Adam Holland who finished second.

Next TAC home was Alastair Morris, in seventh place overall. Rebecca Mingo and Kate Roue finished second and third in the senior female category, in 67th and 124th place respectively.

Full times: Jim Cole 37 minutes 16 seconds, Adam Holland 39.19, Alastair Morris 44.05, Rebecca Mingo 52.12, Kate Roue 56.33, Vicki Lloyd 57.56, Paul Bumford 59.29, Hannah Colston 61.29, Donna Stacey 62.39.

Five minutes after the start of the main race, 60 Fun Runners set off on their 1.5mile route, which snaked around Plasterdown on grass tracks. First home was 14 year-old TAC runner, Sam Lane De Courtin, in 8mins 8secs, with 12 year-old Johannis Clifford-Flower not far behind in 9.13. Jasmine Gray (11), also a member of TAC, was third to the finish and first female, in 9.31 with Harry Herdman, also a club runner, only seconds behind in 9.39. Hot on his heels, a mere 10 seconds behind and second female, was 10 year-old Holly May Martin. George Bumford (10) was fourth boy, and 9 year-old Ben Longley was fifth.

For the girls, 8 year-old Tilly McDowell was third in 11.04, with Hannah Morris and Beth Watmore, both 13, finishing together in 11.18, joint fourth females.

The Tavy 7 committee would like to thank main sponsors Mansbridge and Balment, and Fun Run sponsors Taylor Wimpey for their valued support. It also thanked the Lions team whose help on the day was invaluable as was the team from St Luke's. The committee also were grateful to the St John's Ambulance and Brooks for their support, and to lead cycle, Andrew Read.

Sheila Houghton, a spokeswoman for the club, added: 'Thanks to all club members who gave up their day to help, and especially to race director and club chair, Allan Herdman, and to club treasurer, Keith Bowles who both worked tirelessly in the weeks prior to the event to ensure the its success.

'Finally thanks to all the runners who competed. Profits from the race will help the club meet it's commitment to part-fund the athletics track at Tavistock College and enabled a generous donations to St Luke's amounted to over £1,200.'