FORTY-nine runners from Tavistock Athletic Club ran at Newquay on Sunday, in the second cross country fixture of the season. It incorporated the Cornish Championships thus ensuring the standard was exceptionally high.

October’s rain had softened the course but this did not deter anyone; in race after race TAC runners tried their very best and ran fast.

Highlights included county medals for Martin Exley-Deane (V50) and Tilly McDowell (U17). Tilly’s success guaranteeing her selection once again for the Cornish team in the national championships.

In recent years TAC ladies’ team have had terrific success and Sunday’s race was no exception. Jo Meek, Jodi Fisk, Heather Fell and Tilly finished near the front to provide another low team score, finishing third on the day. They were superbly backed up by Sam Lake, three more under 17s and a host of other talented ladies.

The younger children continue to display excellent ability and determination. Amongst countless great performances were debuts from Tamsin, Mirri, Maxim, Noah and Adam.

As always, the final race of the afternoon was the senior men. Inspired by their clubmates who had done so well in the earlier races, the men rose to the occasion and battled for every place.

The Devon Championships are next on December 1 and TAC will be hoping to emulate last year’s successful haul of medals.

TAC results – Under 11 girls: Claudia Jones 8, Ellena Hess 12, Orla White, Tamsin Reid 18, Nell Maguire 19, Mirianthi Crossey 29, Erin Cockle 35. U11 boys: Oscar Jones 21, Maxim Smith 29. U13 girls: Lara Dix 17, Piper Haffenden 19, Freya Page 20, Sophie Varcoe 24, Elsie Maguire 28, Penny Jones 29. U13 boys: Noah Reid 25, Adam Wolfenden 31, James Crossey 32, Thomas Harris 34. U15 girls: Amelia Riggott 7, Charlotte Walker 10, Kristyna Cade 11, Izzy Page 20. U15 boys: Abe Reid 5, Ewan Dix 8. U17 boys: Will Russell 17. Senior/vet ladies and U17 girls: Jo Meek 10, Jodi Fisk 15, Heather Fell 23, Tilly McDowell 36, Sam Lake 44, Elyse Kedzior-MacDonough 51, Hannah Worth 59, Charlotte Tilney 72, Issy Johnson 84, Sarah Holland 87, Bryony Hancock 121, Victoria Tilney 124.

Senior men: Ed Horn 47, Martin Exley-Deane 59, James Armstrong 67, Richard Drage 87, Alistair Peers 103, Richard Best 120, Pat MacDonough 124, Bertie Hancock131, David Harris 136, Steve Thackham 140, Bob Chapman 155.