Tavistock Athletic Club held its annual Christmas handicap run on the bank holiday. The 4.1 mile run on Whitchurch Down was well attended with a field of 33 runners including club members, family and friends.

The field included a number of runners from the Bere Alston based BATS club with Heather Smith crossing the line in first place in a time of 38mins 26secs with young Lucy Steven surprising everyone with a strong run in second place and recording the same time.

The first club runner and the next finisher was Ann Woodhouse in a time of 42.55 winning the ladies handicap trophy. Ann was followed home by junior club member Yasmin Steven in a good time of 38.8 followed by fellow BAT Mike Smith finishing as the first male runner in a time of 33.21. John Windemer was the first club male runner home returning to full fitness and winning the men's trophy in a time of 37.4.

The results were noticeable with a number of junior club members putting in strong performances with Emily Attfield recording the fastest ladies time for several years finishing in an excellent time of 26.57. This was a remarkable run for such a young athlete reflecting her consistent improving ability. Ellie Drage, another junior club member also put in a stunning run recording an excellent time of 29.28 in her first ever run at this distance. Fellow junior member Alice Rogers completed the run in 29.54.

The club's junior boys also had to contend with challenging handicaps and no allowance being made for their ages. Harrison Baker, James Best and Sam Lane de Courtin were the last group of runners to leave the start. Harrison finished in a superb time of 25.24 — recording the fastest time in the race with James Best recording a time of 27.45secs and Sam Lane de Courtin finishing in a time of 27.26.