THE Tavy 7 mile road race, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club, saw 353 runners take to the course over Plasterdown and around Sampford Spiney in ideal running conditions apart from a light breeze.

Returning to his home town, Rob Orton won the race in 39 minutes 55 seconds, with Ben Neale of Bere Alston Trekkers second in 40.39, and James Best of Tavistock AC, still a junior, third in 42.04. There was a large turnout of local runners and the club is grateful to them.

The first lady home, in a superb seventh place overall, was Ami Yetton of Plymouth Harriers in 44.12 — breaking the course record by over a minute. Evergreen Anne Luke of Tamar Trotters was close behind in 44.46, and third lady was Ruth Jones of Erme Valley Harriers in 47.06. The men's team prize went to Tamar Trotters and the ladies to Plymouth Harriers.

The Fun Run attracted 145 competitors for the 1.5 mile course, and first home was Tavistock AC junior Harry Herdman. Second was Johannis Clifford-Flower and third Oliver Smart.

For the first time the race incorporated a team competition for the Tavy 7 Cup for schools with Year 6 pupils with two boys and two girls representing each school. This was won by Kelly College Preparatory school, with team members Natasha Farrington, Toby Bower, Lottie Trevethan and Matthew Twyman; second Whitchurch Primary (Ewan Warren, Jamie Ninnis, Katie Gray and Lauren Harvey; third, Tavistock Community Primary (Andrew Chamberlain, Callum Plokker, Rachel Mabey and Ellie Guy). All these youngsters did well to finish in the top half of the field.

Full results of both the main race and Fun Run are on the race website http://www.tavy7.com">www.tavy7.com

TAC chairman Keith Bowles said on behalf of the club: 'Tavistock AC is very grateful to Gibbs Kirby estate agents for sponsoring the main race, and Active Co. the Fun Run. Valuable support was also received from Abbey Garden Machinery, Ambrosia and Brooks. Also the Tavistock Lions and 1st Tavistock Scout Group.

'We also thank landowners Anthony Syrant and Mrs. Pugh for permission to use their land, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Whitchurch Commoners and Plasterdown Grouped Parish Council, and all other local organisations who contributed to the success of the day.'

Profits from the race will go into the club's Track Fund and to continue the development of the club. The club welcomes runners of all ages from 8 to 80.

For details go to http://www.tavistockathletics.com or contact">www.tavistockathletics.com or contact Sheila Houghton on 01822 612577.  (For more pictures on the Tavy 7 see page 16).