LAST Sunday saw nine Tavistock athletes take on the challenge of the Bere Pen 10k.

Tavistock runner Neil Barkell destroyed the field with blistering pace, leaving his only challenger Ben Neale by the half way mark. Neil came home more than two minutes clear, with a finishing time of 36 minutes 25 seconds.

Next home for Tavistock was Martin Exley-Deane in seventh place overall, comfortably winning the veteran 55 category. Former club chairman Allan Herdman was the next Tavistock athlete to cross the line in a creditable 15th place and first in his category, the vet 60 age group.

The 'in-form' Richard Best had another strong run following on from Plymouth Half Marathon, to finish 20th overall.

Bringing home Tavistock ladies was Rebecca Exley-Deane in 50.41 and 45th position. Just five places behind and second lady Tavy athlete back was Nicole Heryet. Kate Rogers was the next athlete in, with a similar time to last year, 56.47 and 79th place.

Paul Marshall, returning from injury, ground out 88th place on the unforgiving course. Just outside the hour, veteran 60 year old John Windemer finished in an excellent 104th place. Club chair Mhairi McCall had a great run to finish 115th in the first of two back-to-back 10k runs and over a full 20 minutes ahead of the tail enders.