TAVISTOCK Athletic Club is proud to announce that the Tavy 7, the biggest local road race, will take place on Sunday, October 27.

One of a few road races held within the Dartmoor National Park, this seven mile race has been part of the road racing scene in West Devon for more than 20 years. It will start and finish in its new location on Plasterdown.

The race is once again sponsored by Tavistock estate agents Gibbs Kirby

Most of the route passes through open moorland although there are two miles of fenced road passing between high Devon banks. There are great views of the local moor and tors and rolling hills. While there is a steady climb from Warren's Cross up to Sampford Spiney, there is only one hill after mile four and, for the most part, the course is runner friendly and regarded as fairly fast.

All are welcome to take part, however fast they may be, and it is hoped that the race will attract at least 450 this year. There is an extensive prize list, going up to 70+ for men and 65+ for ladies, and team prizes for the first three men's and ladies' teams. All finishers will receive a Brooks technical T shirt.

To encourage local runners to take part, the Athletic Club is offering entrants free membership for five weeks before the race - from September 22 - to train with the club. Entrants will be asked to fill in a membership form so we have details of any medical conditions, but people will not be asked to join the club until after the race.

There will also be a 1.5 mile off road Fun Run over the end of Plasterdown on a flat area for everyone not taking part in the main race. There will be medals for the finishers, and the run will again incorporate the Tavy 7 Cup competition. All local schools with Year 6 pupils can take part, represented by two boys and two girls.

The website http://www.tavy7.com">www.tavy7.com gives all the details plus an entry form.

The club is grateful to Gibbs Kirby and Abbey Garden Machinery for their support.

All queries to Allan Herdman on 01822 610895 or [email protected]">[email protected]