This weekend saw the opportunity for runners to take part in the inaugural Exeter ‘first chance’ 10km held along the picturesque quayside.

There was an excellent turnout despite the bitterly cold weather and Tavistock Athletic Club had a strong contingent of athletes.

First to cross the finish line for the club was Sam Lake who came fifth overall female and first female veteran 40 in a season’s best time of 39 minutes 18 seconds; Andy Houghton was next and claimed second male vet 70 plus in 47.44; Sarah Holland followed closely behind finishing strongly as sixth female in the vet 40 category in 48.34. Next up Tony Shearer was third male vet 65 in 49.36; Laura Rogers finished next in 50.26, closely  pursued by her mother, Kate Rogers completing her race in 52.45 and gaining fourth as female vet 60.

Next was Andy Hughes, continuing his excellent progress as a new runner, smashing his personal best and gaining sixth in the male veteran 60 in 52.58; Paula Smerdon also showed she is continuing to build on her successful year to finish in 54.52.

Other times — Jon Windermere 56.18, Kim Beattie 56.45, Trevor Grigg 57.32, Anna Kelly 58.49, Alex Rehaag 58.53, Louisa Daley in 1 hour 01.26, Dene Medland 1.04.49, Emma Craig 1.07.54, Abi Sarony 1.08.57, Sarah Pasall 1.09.10.

This was a superb turnout and effort by all, for one of the first events of the year.