MARTIN Freeman, a columnist on the Evening Herald, donned his running shoes on Friday and won the Albaston mini marathon.

Martin, who lives at Metherell, completed the 6.5 miles course in 46.7 minutes, more than seven minutes behind the record, held by James Israel, and set in 1995 with 38.54 minutes.

Just over two minutes behind came Paul Thomas, while in fourth place and first in the under-18 boys came John Walker, of St Ann?s Chapel.

First lady to complete the course was Mary Sargent, closely followed by Ann Lake.

The relay, which covers a distance of almost ten miles, and includes all areas of Calstock parish, was won this year by Just 20, from Tavistock, in 58.31.

There was a slight increase in entries this year with 29 teams competing together with 20 in the mini-marathon. But pleasing to note was that there were two teams of under 18. On a warm and sunny evening, the event also attracted a large number of spectators.

The trophies were presented by Fred and Mary Davies, whose late son, Geraint, held the record a few years ago.

More than £5,900 has been raised by the event since it started in 1987, and this year?s proceeds will be going to the Stoke Climsland Ladies Football Club.

Results were: mini marathon: open ? 1 and the Geraint Davies memorial plate, Martin Freeman; 2, Paul Thomas; 3, Chris Halliday. Ladies ? 1 and the Queen?s Head cup, Mary Sargent; 2, Ann Lake, 3, Nicola Dore. Under 18 girls, 1 and the Albaston carnival shield, Zaleika Bratchley. Under 18 boys, 1 and shield, John Walker; 2, Andrew Lees; 3, Robin Lees. 0-35, ladies vets, 1 and Typeright cup, Mary Sargent; 2, Ann Lake; 3, Sharon Bratchley. 0-40 open vets, 1 and SW Auto specialists cup Martin Freeman; 2, Paul Thomas; 3, Chris Halliday.

Relay: open, 1 and John Baldwin shield, Just 20; 2, Old 20/20; 3, Stannary Hash 3. Ladies: 1 and Albaston Pottery runner, East Cornwall Hares; 2, Well Over Twenty; 3, East Cornwall Rabbits. Hash teams ? 1, Stannary Hash 3; 2, Tamar Valley Hash House Harriers; 3, Sad Old Gits. Under 18 mixed, 1 and Diagnostic Testing shield, Troublesome Tearaways. 0-35 ladies vets, 1 and Andy?s Autokeys trophy, Well Over Twenty; 0-40 open vets ? 1 and trophy, Old 20/20. Mixed open ? 1 and Tamar Inn Plate, Callington Runners and Plodders. Pub team ? 1 and Pottery Plaque, Inn on the Shore, from Downderry. Fancy Dress ? 1 and Golden runner sculpture, Tamar Valley Hash House Harriers Dragsters.