THREE members of Tavistock Athletic Club braved the elements to run the Haldon Heartbeat recently, with all race profits going to HeartSWell, the charity which supports heart patients and their families.

The course is a hilly 8.5 miles, set on tracks and grassy trails in Haldon Forest, which on race day were wet and slippery underfoot.

The first club member to finish was David Twine, in 1 hour 4 minutes 7 seconds, racing strongly to win his M55 age group. Matthew Teague, competing for the first time with the club, was next home in 1.07.13 and Nicole Heryet, TAC's only female entrant, finished second in her category in a fast 1.15.05.

n The following day, conditions at Milton Keynes were very poor for the first running of the city's marathon. Club member Pete Bazley and Tavistock's marathoner Adam Holland travelled to compete in what should have been a fast race on traffic-free roads and cycle tracks.

Weather conditions were exceptionally bad with driving rain and strong wind and became a test of endurance for the 3,000 competitors. Adam excelled to finish in ninth place, in 2.53.22, while Pete completed in 3.53.20.