THE first Summer Solstice Fell race was run June 21 in the evening from the Dartmoor Inn, Merrivale.

Seventy one runners took part coming from all over the county. There was also a large contingent from Bodmin.

Doreen Fell, the mother of Olympian silver medallist Heather, started the race.

The race required consultation with the Dartmoor National Park, the Duchy of Cornwall, the local Commoners Assoc-iations, the Military and , of course, the Fell Running Association.

Professional emergency services were on hand from South West Response

Andy Houghton, on behalf of the organisers, said: ‘The moor was at its absolute best for the event and all the runners. The run was organised by endurance running athletes for runners without any fundraising.

‘Any surplus will go straight back into supporting future events.

‘The health benefits — both physical and psychological — of running are now well proven and this type of race provides a readily affordable focus for those taking up the sport and widens the horizons of those established runners who are looking for a change.’

It was ideal for those who had developed off road skills at the Tamar Trails parkrun and the club Tamar Trail Runners.