ORGANISED by Tavistock Athletic Club, a record 376 entered this year's Tavy Seven held once more on Plaisterdown and using the lanes around Sampford Spiney. Conditions were perfect for running the seven miles being mild and overcast with a light breeze.

First man home was TAC member Neil Barkell in a time of 39 minutes 17 seconds, well ahead of Simon Yeo (Tamar Trotters, 41.29) and Jonny Colaco (Newquay Road Runners 42.12).

First lady was Trish Deykin from Milton Coombe, who last year was UK Sprint Triathlon champion, in a time of 46.39, Second was Jeanette Johnson (Launceston Road Runners, 47.47), with Lucy Cambridge third (Wolverhampton and Bilston, 48.36).

In the age groups, there was local success for Andy Vernon (Okehampton RC) second and Steve Watson (Bere Alston Trekkers) third in the M45, Andy Houghton (TAC) first and Ralph Elmes (Bere Alston Trekkers) third in the M65. Tracey Oxborough (BATS) was second in the F50, Janet White (Okehampton RC) second in the F60 and Christine Le Flem ((BATS) second in the F65. For East Cornwall Harriers, Chris Ullman was third M40, Mark Davidson first and Joe Kearns third M50 and Revis Crowle first F50.

The male team prize went to Tamar Trotters, second East Cornwall Harriers and third Plymouth Harriers. The ladies' was won by Launceston Road Runners, second Plymouth Musketeers and third Bere Alston Trekkers with a team of Tracey Oxborough, Sally Dunn and Christine Le Flem.

Other Tavistock AC members running were Andy Powell (51.39), John Batten (58.40), Melanie Green (62.29), Graham Du Val (62.57), Caron Du Val (67.39), Sue Rowe (67.41), Claire Mellor (74.03), and Helen Bond (78.47).

While the main race was taking place two fun runs over .75 of a mile and 1.5 miles were held, with the first three being Chloe Howells, Oliver Howells and Edward Smart. The longer distance incorporated a competition for local primary schools for the Tavy 7 Cup. Two boys and two girls made up eight teams from Whitchurch, St Peter's and Lewtrenchard, with Whitchurch first (Dan Luckham, Alice Bickley, Evan Ord and Elena Prior). Second were Josh Craddock, Jonty Hughes, Charlotte Summersby and Rebecca Taylor from Lewtrenchard and third Will Rowe, Archie Gray, Beth Foster and Lilia Bench, the second team from Whitchurch.

Tavistock Athletic Club is grateful to Gibbs Kirby, estate agents, for sponsoring of the race, to the local landowners, and to Tavistock Lions, the Scouts, Abbey Garden Machinery, the DNPA and the Co-op for their support. It was good to see a large number of local runners take part, said the organiser, with great support from Bere Alston Trekkers.

The club's next race is the Tavy 13 (Half Marathon) on March 22 but there is a monthly 5K run open to everyone on a Saturday morning starting and finishing on the track at Tavistock College. Visit http://www.tavistockathletics.co.uk">www.tavistockathletics.co.uk for further details or contact Keith Bowles on 01822 613607.

For over 18s the club meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.15pm in the PE classroom in the Sports Centre at Tavistock College and Saturday mornings. The club has 15 coaches and five running groups to suit all abilities and full use is made of the floodlit track at the College. Beginners are always welcome. There is also a thriving and expanding junior section.