OKEHAMPTON Running Club duo Tracey and Neil completed the Chocs Away 5km at Exeter Airport Runway on Saturday, November 7.

With the runway closed especially for the event, organised by Cranbrook Running Club, participants had the unusual opportunity to race where aircraft normally take off and land.

Finishing in an excellent unofficial time of 22:17, Tracey and Neil certainly made a speedy departure, completing a memorable run on one of Devon's most distinctive race-courses. Congratulations to both.

Congratulations also go to Claire Grubb and Ben Ransom, who spent their weekend tackling the challenging Bys Vyken Lighthouse Ultra in Cornwall.

The demanding 35 to 36-mile ultra-marathon follows the spectacular but unforgiving South West Coast Path, taking runners from Land's End to Gwithian, with more than 6,000 feet of elevation gain along the route.

Participants pass three iconic Cornish lighthouses, including Longships, Pendeen and Godrevy, while navigating rugged coastal terrain, steep climbs, rocky paths, mud, sand and often unpredictable autumn weather. Widely regarded as one of Cornwall's toughest trail races, the event is a remarkable test of endurance and determination. An outstanding achievement by both Claire and Ben.

Claire said that it was a “Stunning day in Cornwall with perfect running conditions.

“I knocked 30 minutes off my time from last year and finished in seven hours and five minutes and came in as second lady.” Ben’s official time was nine hours and 17 minutes.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, November 3, Sophie Casavielle-Lacaze ran at West Buckland school in the North Devon schools cross country qualifier.

Sophie loves the course and tackled the 4km brilliantly, securing a third-place position in the under 18’s (years 11/12) and qualified to represent North Devon in the Devon Schools in January.

Mum Sarah praised Sophie’s dedication and motivation to the sport and is, as ever, a very proud parent!