MEMBERS of Tavistock Athletic Club competed in four races in a single day at the end of last month.

Rebecca Mingo competed in the Loch Ness marathon on a course which took runners from the loch's shore into the centre of Inverness. Rebecca had been bitterly disappointed when injury had prevented her from taking part in the London marathon earlier in the year, and had trained exceptionally hard for this race. Her efforts were hugely well rewarded with an eighth position in her age group, finishing in 3 hours 19 minutes - 22 seconds, a tremendous achievement!

The Bristol half marathon attracted more than 14,000 competitors this year, including10 TACs. First club member to finish was Peter Bazley, in a season's best time and gaining a gold award for his age/time. Graham De Val ran a personal best time by more than two minutes and gaining a silver award. Claire Pitcher also achieved a silver award. Helen Alcock ran a huge 11-minute PB, gaining a bronze award. Matthew Teague, second TAC to the finish, also achieved bronze, as did Adrian Pitcher and Caron De Val. Andy and Sheila Houghton both earned diamond awards.

Times were as follows: Andrew Alcock 1.57.11, Helen Alcock 2.02.15, Pete Bazley 1.34.17, Caron and Graham De Val 2.05.02 and 1.42.49 respectively, Andy and Sheila Houghton 1.47.41 and 2.00.17 respectively, Adrian and Claire Pitcher 2.01.57, Matthew Teague 1.38.40.

Paul Waldron and John Windermer both ran the Autumn Trail at Newnham Park, in Plymouth. The 8-mile multi-terrain course is set across grassy meadows, on footpaths and forest tracks and features four river crossings, leaving competitors wet and muddy. Paul Waldron, finished in 72nd place overall in 1.06.23, while John Windemer knocked 10 minutes off his 2011 time, to finish in 1.22.33.