MEMBERS of Tavistock Athletic Club travelled to three events in the south-west lately.

Three runners travelled to Taunton, to compete in both the marathon and half marathon.

Allan Herdman and Pete Bazley were among nearly a thousand running the 'half'. Allan, club member of the year, ran a fast race, finishing in 78th position in 1 hour 30 minutes, 38 seconds, not only winning his MV60 category, but also setting a new club record. Pete finished in 1.38.54, earning a platinum award for his age/time.

Andy Houghton was the only TAC to run the marathon. Andy had trained through the winter and his efforts were rewarded when he finished in four hours exactly, knocking over 12 minutes off his previous best time for the distance and gaining automatic entry into next year's London Marathon with a 'Good for Age' place.

On the same chilly and blustery morning at Liskeard, East Cornwall Harriers hosted the Five Tors Moorland Run, the county's only true fell race. Paul Waldron, Graham and Caron De Val took on the 11-mile multi-terrain route amongst a record field of 250 runners. Paul ran well to finish in 1hr 20mins 42secs, with Graham just a few minutes behind in 1.27.09. Caron once again showed her grit and determination as she completed this tough event in 1.51.02.

Jason Shipton was the only TAC in the Exe To Axe Fell Race, a tough test of stamina and endurance taking runners from the start in Sidmouth to the finish, some 21-miles later, in Seaton.

Jason battled strongly against the biting south-easterly winds with nearly 200 others, finishing in 50th place in 3hrs 48mins 31secs.

A new walking/jogging group, The Tavy Joggers, will be starting a 10-week course on April 30. Meeting on Tuesday evenings, 7.45pm at Tavistock College Sports Centre, anyone who wishes to start jogging and gain fitness in a non-competitive group is very welcome.

Call 01822 612577 for more information.