IT was the Belstone Village Fair this weekend with Okehampton Running Club organising the running race which has been going for many years.

The race started in the village green as part of the fair celebrations approximately 3.2 miles with a climb of around 300 metres over rough open terrain to the top of Cosden Hill and back.

35 keen runners set off in 29 degree heat at the Cosdon Hill race. Spectators were treated to a fierce battle for first place with an elite group all running close to the course record of 29 minutes 06 seconds.

2017 winner and ORC Rob Hicks flew down the hill leading a group of three down the path into the valley with 2015 winner Tim Lenton hot on his heels as they were lost from the view from Belstone common. When they re-appeared on the path up to the green Tim had taken the lead and both men turned themselves inside out battling to be the first to the line, with Tim triumphing in 29.22 and Rob coming through just five seconds later. Paul Crease was the next ORC back, winning the male veteran 40 and taking fifth overall in a time of 33:36.

In the female division Jo Page continued her impressive form by winning in 49.09. Ruth Bushell took the FV50 in 1 hour 2 mins 28 secs and Janet White ran strong to the finish taking the FV60 category in 1.04.24.

ORC position and times: 2, Rob Hicks 29 minutes 27 seconds; 12 Roger Voaden 40.31; 18, Jason Ewing 48.49; 19, Joanne Page 49.09; 20, Christopher Not 49.24; 22, Jean Paul Quertier 51.20; 23, Phil Read 51.35; 30, Ruth Bushell 1hr 02min 23secs; 34, Janet White 1.04.21; Kathryn Volkelt-Igoe 1.05.53.