STORM Brian couldn’t deter more than 500 runners and a hundred fun runners turning up for the annual Tavy7 road race at Plasterdown on Sunday.

This was one of the largest turnouts in recent years with runners from local clubs, a large percentage (40%) of non club runners and a good smattering of distance travellers.

Organisers had to delay the start slightly to allow latecomers to park but once the race got underway, it was all smiles. Although the conditions were windy, the rain held off for the duration of the race and runners came back with big grins on their faces having completed the seven mile route.

The course takes in Plasterdown, the southern aspects of Pew Tor, Sampford Spinney, Huckworthy Cross before returning back to Warrens Cross and then Plasterdown.

Race organisers describe the course as ‘undulating’, runners might describe it a little differently. At the front end of the race, runners from Tavistock Run Project took first, second and third, led home by Jordan Andrews from last year’s winner Jim Cole and followed by Ben Neale less than a minute behind the winner.

In the ladies’ race Michelle Cowley from South Devon AC had a 35 second victory from TRP’s Rachel Malthouse and Sam Lake came in third.

Race director Martin Exley-Deane from Tavistock AC said: ‘We’re delighted with the large contingent of runners coming to the race and all having a great time.

‘The local farmer Antony Syrant has been extremely helpful as have Dartmoor National Park and the local community. Without their support and the support of local sponsors Mansbridge Balment and Hansford Bell this wonderful event can’t take place.’

Full results can be found at www.tavy7.co.uk.

Pictures by Richie Bolgiani. See more in this week’s Times.