CONDITIONS were less than ideal for the Tavy Seven race 2009, with a chilly wind gusting throughout, though this did not deter the 757 runners, and this year's race was judged one of the most successful ever.
The seven mile route took runners from Middlemoor up to Sampford Spiney, returning via Plaisterdown. The winner, Pete Freedman of Tavistock Athletic Club, ran the course in 36minutes 44 seconds — a new race record and knocking 15 seconds off the previous record set in 2004. Second was Chris Rimmer of Plymouth Harriers in 36.58 with Jim Cole for TAC coming third. First lady, also from Plymouth Harriers, was Ami Yetton in 43.33, with Anne Luke of Tamar Trotters coming second in 43.51. 132 young runners participated in the fun run. The winner was Samuel Lane de Courtin, aged 12, from Chilsworthy.
The Ross Shield is the oldest running trophy in Devon, and this year the Tavy Seven was nominated as host race, with the first six club runners results to count. Tavistock AC won the event convincingly, with strong performances by Pete and Jim, Tom Gill in sixth place, Neil Barkell in 12th, Chris Champion, 15th and Brennan Towshend, 20th.
TAC times were Pete Freedman 36.44, Jim Cole 38.16, Tom Gill 40.20, Neil Barkell 42.13, Chris Champion 42.33, Brennan Townshend 43.22, Matt Harding 44.40, Nick Champion 46.08, Owen Drage 47.23, Rebecca Windermer 50.44, Reuben Grice 50.54, David Orriss 53.04, Matt McNamara Waddington 53.44, Laura Aspen 58.17, Mary-Bridget Flynn-Samuels 66.57, Matthew Pinney 69.51.
All profits from this year's race are going towards the club's commitment to contributing £100,000 towards the new running track at Tavistock College. Race sponsors were Mansbridge and Balment, RM builders and contractors, Active Co, Abbey Garden Machinery and Brooks Running. TAC is very grateful for their support.