A FIELD of around 50 runners set out from Simmons Park at noon on Sunday (June 1) for the Oak Croak Run.
Among those taking part were 14 runners from the Okehampton area, as well as runners from as far afield as Herts, Somerset and Surrey.
The Oak Croak route was just over ten miles, nearly all of which is off-road.
The total height gain throughout the course is about 1,700 feet.
The weather was hot in the East Ockment valley, however, a welcome breeze met the runners on the ridge to Oke Tor. Once past Oke Tor, the next checkpoint Yes Tor was clearly visible. Runners were pleased to find most of the boggy sections of the Tor were fairly dry.
After a much needed water stop, the competitors descended Yes Tor at speed and headed past the army camp and a fast downhill finish back to Simmons Park.
All runners completed the course with no reported injuries and everyone thoroughly enjoying the challenge.
All finishers received a medal, with the individual winners receiving prizes.
The winners were:
1st place: Garry Parratt from Axminster in a time of 1 hr 16 mins and 12 secs.
1st female: Sara Green from Okehampton, 1 hour 25 mins and 22 seconds.
1st male veteran: G Partridge, Okehampton, 1 hr 42 mins 57 secs.
1st female veteran: Pauline Warner, Winkleigh, 1 hr 51 mins and 29 secs.
Run organiser Paul Bartlett said due to the success of this year?s race, the Oak Croak will be continuing as an annual event.
Mr Bartlett said he had a great deal of support from the Okehampton section of the Dartmoor Rescue Group.
The group provided the essential safety back-up of marshals around the course, checkpoint teams, communications and first aid cover.
Special thanks also went to Colin Beer and Okehampton Football Club for their tremendous support on the day and the use of their facilities.