MARATHON runner Ray Bennett is Tavistock Athletic Clubs' athlete of the month.

Ray, who competes in the male veteran 70+ category, ran his first marathon 30 years ago and has notched up more than 140 such races to date.

Recently, he competed in the Dartmoor Vale Marathon, winning his age category in a sub four hour time.

Six days later he ran the hilly Beachy Head Marathon at Eastbourne, finishing very comfortably in the top half of the field in under five and a quarter hours, both very notable achievements from this dedicated and inspirational runner.