IT was a real up and down run (or ride) at the Rollercoaster Race, which was not a fairground ride but instead a rather tough if short, trail running race. 

The ‘five hills in five miles’ race is set on the upper slopes of the beautiful Tamar Valley, at Tamar Trails, just west of Tavistock.

Organised by Run Venture and the resident Tamar Trail Runners, the second staging of this popular ‘ride’ took place on Sunday with 115 hardy souls braving the inevitable ups and unforgiving downs. 

There were obviously winners, but no losers in what is a race organised by runners, for runners.

Organiser Colin Kirk-Potter con-gratulated all those who made it around the course, to be rewarded with a handshake and a “well done” on completion.

He told the Times: ‘Not everyone can win, but everyone can achieve and all did in their own personal way. Is it harder to run this course in just over half an hour? Or to be out on their feet for more than twice that length of time, knowing that many are already back warm and dry with a belly full of cake and tea?’

‘Whatever the achievement, whether it was a pb, or just the satisfaction that one had the ability to run for fun with friends and/or dog gives this event a special vibe and togetherness.’ 

Runners from the many clubs local and far, with canine friend or family member, turned up in good numbers and supported their own and others on the course and at the finish. 

Colin added: ’Running is not just about racing but being part of a social body of people who enjoy the feeling of being part of a community. 

Results of the race can be found on the Run Venture’s Facebook page.