EARLIER this month Tavistock Athletic Club competed in two 10-kilometre races.

The first, on Saturday evening in Ivybridge, was the fifth race in the club Grand Prix series, and such is the success of this series, devised by Paul Marshall, that 20 club members took part.

TAC's Jim Cole maintained his excellent form, leading the race from the start and winning by nearly a minute over the second runner to finish – former club member Peter Freedman.

Jim recorded a diamond time for his age/time (32minutes, 38seconds), as did Allan Herdman (41.57) who won his MV60+ age category, and Christine Le Flem (53.28), who came third in hers.

Tony Symons who was second club member to finish in 54th place overall in 39.07 recorded a ruby time, as did Trevor Williams (50.04).

David Harris (43.13), competing for the first time as a club member, ran strongly to gain a platinum award, along with Peter Bazley (44.14), Andy Houghton (47.28), Tony Shearer (47.49) and Rhian Johnson (62.30).

Gold awards went to Jason Shipton (44.13) and Paul Marshall (50.00), whilst Paul Waldron (47.01), Graham De Val (48.08), Hazel Walker (52.11), John Windemer (55.24), Helen Alcock (57.48) and Jackie Ralph (62.30) gained silver. Caron De Val (58.03) and Samantha Marshall (58.48) both ran a season's best times to achieve bronze awards.

The following day, five TACs travelled to Bideford for the flat and fast race from the town to Instow and back.

First home was Gary Chater in 45.25, with Lesley Cowie second club member to the finish, in 59.16. Rhian Johnson and Jackie Ralph had both competed the evening before at Ivybridge finished in 63.33 — Rhian coming second in her age category and Jackie fifth in hers.

Ann Woodhouse brought the club contingent home, gaining a platinum award by finishing in 65.01 and third in her category.