HAS this summer's Olympics and Paralympics left you feeling inspired to do something but you wonder if you have the confidence or ability to exercise?

Local club runners Paul and Samantha Marshall competed with their family in the Robin Hood half marathon in Nottingham. Paul recalls it was in 2006 when his son, Stephen, and his wife, Lindsay, both keen rowers for their Nottingham clubs, first challenged him to enter their local half marathon for a bit of fun.

Paul, then 52, considered running a few metres was a distance too far. Not able to deny his son this challenge, he joined Tavistock Athletic Club to improve his level of fitness where he met and married Samantha, who also runs for Bere Alston Trekkers.

After a shock defeat to his dad in their first race, a rematch took place the following year and this annual father versus son contest has endured ever since. This year, Stephen even brought in two close running friends to spice up the competition. Although all three took early leads, Paul was able to maintain his pace and overturn their fragile leads to notch up another win. The record of victories is now 5-1 in his favour but there is plenty of time for this to change.

Paul recommends everyone to take the plunge and join a local running club or to do something active with his or her family. I

'It is a great way to keep families together no matter what distance might keep them apart and it's good fun too!

n Visit the websites http://www.tavistockathletics.com">www.tavistockathletics.com or berealstontrekkers

.btck.co.uk