TAVISTOCK Athletic Club member Jason Shipton has a gruelling 24 hours when he took part in the demanding adidas Thunder Run in Derbyshire.

The 24 hour off-road relay race was against the clock with Jason running as part of a eight man team '8 go 24.'

Jason said: 'Whether you run solo or in a team it'll test your tactics, endurance, speed and team work. It's an exhilarating, rewarding and tiring race with a great atmosphere. TR24 is physically challenging and mentally tough but an experience not to be missed.'

One team member must be on the course at all times during the 24hrs. Runners must complete one full 10km lap before changing over with a team mate but may run two to three or more laps at a time before changeover. The team with the most laps completed when the clock stops after 24hrs will win.

The '8 to 24' team were made up of Tamar Trotters Dan Budd (captain), Neal Russell, Amy Wilkinson, Chris Prall and Andy Charles, along with Jason from Tavistock AC and Tom Merson and Dave Tomlin from the South West Road Runners

'8 go 24' made up of runners from Tamar Trotters, Tavistock AC and South West Road Runners competed as an eight person team and finished second in their category and second overall with a total of 32 laps in a time of 24hrs 45mins.

It was a testing 24 hours made even harder by the course which suffered heavily with the relentless downpour.  It was the team spirit that won through and saw both teams achieve a podium finish. 

Dan Budd said: 'I am extremely proud of we have achieved this weekend and was delighted with the spirit and perseverance that the team showed in the worst that nature could throw at us.  We have all deserved at least a day's rest!' 

Another West Country team 'Muddy and the Puddle Dodgers' were led by Michael 'Muddy' Robinson. They won their category and finished third overall with a total of 31 laps, run in 23 hours 56 mins.

The runners thanked their 'support team' of sports therapist Matt Budd Jason's wife Louise, Zoe Drake, Jen Harris, Charlie and Lee Shipton.