THIS month saw seven members of Tavistock Athletic Club travel far and wide to take part in half marathons and one of the toughest off road races in the world.

Leading lady Jo Meek, after her extraordinary effort in the Marathon De Sables last year, tackled the six day 225K Costa Rica Coastal Challenge, which involved an average of 40K off road runs on each of the first five days in 30C plus temperatures.

She had to negotiate jungle, mountains, river beds as well as slightly easier beaches and cultivated areas. Despite competing against some of the best ultra runners in the world, some of whom receive sponsorship to help pay for their training, she won the ladies' event handsomely with a winning margin of nearly an hour. Jo and husband Jon are leaving the area and will be sorely missed by the club.

Trevor Williams once again excelled in the Granollers Half Marathon in Catalonia, Spain and in a field of 9,000 came in the top half in a time of 1 hour 54 minutes 35 seconds to win the Masters 70 title.

Five TACs made the annual trip to Torremolinos to take part in another large half marathon, and all did well, with Tony Symons coming second in the Masters 55 category. He was 67th in a time of 1.24.05. Next was Charlie Lloyd in 1.29.24 followed by Chris Eastaugh in 1.34.06, Steve Groombridge in 1.38.25 (all in the top 20 of their age groups) and Gary Chater in 1.43.06.

It is not necessary however, to be able to run ultra marathons or even halves to join the Athletic Club, and beginners and joggers are always welcome. There are five running groups and the first 3 visits are free.

For further details, see the club website at http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk">www.tavistockathletics.co.uk or contact Keith Bowles on 01822 613607.