MEMBERS of Tavistock Athletic Club competed in two 10k races at Ivybridge and Bideford.

The Ivybridge race is held on a Saturday evening on a relatively flat course, especially in the second half, but the very steep ascent from Bittaford to Moorhaven. This year, eight club members were among the 680 finishers. Jo Meek excelled, being first TAC home and also first lady to the finish, in 18th place overall and achieving a diamond time for her age/pace.

Pete Bazley was next, gaining a gold award and coming fourth in his MV55 age category. Tony Shearer, won silver in the same group, whilst Graham and Caron De Val both recorded personal bests for the distance. Graham earned a bronze while Caron cut over five minutes off her previous 10k time, as did Sarah Aspen. Club coach Becca Deane dedicated her run to help Paul Manifield complete his first race of the year.

Times: Jo Meek 36minutes, 39seconds, Pete Bazley 43.12, Tony Shearer 48.01, Graham and Caron De Val 48.55 and 57.57 respectively, Paul Manifield and Becca Deane 58.41, Sarah Aspen 60.47.

The following morning, five more club runners competed at Bideford on the mostly flat course along road and the Tarka Trail. David Twine was first TAC to finish, in 75th place overall and fifth in his age group, in a time of 43.45. Next home, Amy Kiteley ran strongly to record a personal best and finish fourth in her senior lady group in 45.38.

Paul Marshall won a silver award in 45.41. Lesley Cowie knocked over four minutes off her previous 10k time, to finish in 57.58, and Ann Woodhouse won her age category in a bronze award time of 65.21.