THE Tavy Seven road race is always a special event for those involved in road running but this year it promises to be even more popular with the running community.

The race, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club, takes place on Sunday, November 8, starting at noon.

It starts and finishes on Whitchurch Down taking the scenic seven mile route out to Sampford Spiney and back. The race numbers have been increased from 700 from last year to 800 — this is partly to satisfy demand as for several years now the race has 'sold out' within four weeks of places going on sale and last year more than 100 disappointed runners had to be turned away.

Allan Herdman, TAC chairman and race director, said: There is a more important reason why the field has been increased. Tavistock Athletic Club, the organisers of the event, are a major partner and investor in the recently opened athletics facility on the site of Tavistock College. They committed to raising £100,000 towards the costs of this significant development and have already brought in over half of that amount.

'They are now planning a number of other money raising schemes amongst which is making a significant return from the Tavy Seven road race.

'Apart from increasing the field to 800 runners they have also made a modest increase to the entry fee and have recruited a number of large and small sponsors whose generosity will enable the club to cover the expense of staging the event.

He added: 'We are confident that the local community, as well as runners from clubs in the region, will come out and support this year's race in force. By entering they are making their own small but significant contribution to the investment in the wonderful facility which now stands at Tavistock College.'

A number of local firms are sponsoring the event - Mansbridge and Balment are the main sponsor. Among the sponsors are Abbey Garden Machinery and Active Co and RM Builders and Contractors.'

There is also a Fun Run which takes place over a 1.5 mile course for those younger athletes or those who cannot quite manage the seven mile distance.

All race details are on http://www.tavy7.com">www.tavy7.com where you can find an application form for the main race and you can also enter on-line for a small additional charge.

Places are, as expected, selling fast with more than 400 gone already.