DURING the past week, members of Tavistock Athletics Club have been racing in mid-Devon, Plymouth and nearer home, in Meavy.

Now in its tenth year, the Ruby Run half marathon route takes competitors from Holsworthy to Hatherleigh. Three TACs took part, and Jo Meek was first lady to the finish, in a superb time of 1hour, 23 minutes, 56 seconds. Steve Groombridge, who has been out of action for nine months with a serious injury, made a welcome return and finished second in his M50 age category in 1.31.45. Third club member home was Amy Kiteley, running strongly to record a new seasons best time of 1.47.25.

Twelve club members took part in the time trial 5k event in the grounds of Saltram House — the race was part of the club's Grand Prix series. It was the junior runners who excelled, with Emily Attfield (U15), Alice Rogers(U20) and Jasmine Gray (U13) all putting in superb performances. Junior coach Becca Deane also had a fine run. Andy Houghton gained a diamond award for his time/age, Sheila Houghton gold, Ann Woodhouse silver, while Graham De Val, Lesley Cowie and John Windermer all gained bronze.

Times: Emily Attfield 19mintues 33 seconds, Alice Rogers 20.39, Becca Deane 21.17, Jasmine Gray 22.19, Graham De Val 23.19, Andy Houghton 23.49, Sheila Houghton 26.50, Lesley Cowie 28.22, Caron De Val 28.23, John Windermer 29.01, Paul Manifield 29.59, Ann Woodhouse 32.22.

The following Saturday afternoon was wet and very windy for the seven-mile Burrator Horseshoe. This is a tough moorland run, taking competitors from the start on Meavy Green to Burrator Dam, up the face of Sheepstor down through a bog and on up to the summit of Gutter Tor, heading back to the finish by way of Ringmoor Down. Rupert Warren was the first of 15 club members home, eighth overall, with U17 James Best four places behind and James Crisp just over a minute after. U15 girl, Harriet Ames also put in a good performance.

TAC times: Rupert Warren 47.55, James Best 48.38, James Crisp 49.53, Richard Best 53.20, Matthew Teague 53.32, Paul Waldron 56.54, Pete Bazley 57.02, Megan Harfoot 57.20, Rebecca Mingo 58.18, Eunice Moule 59.49, Rob Moule 61.05, Harriet Ames 61.57, Claire and Adrian Pitcher 70.54, Helen Alcock 72.53.