BIDEFORD's AC's John Ward smashed the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon course record on Saturday (9 June), storming round the 32-mile circuit in a blistering 3hrs 33mins 36secs and knocking more than two-and-a-half minutes off the previous record.

Starting and finishing in Princetown in the heart of Dartmoor, the DD is the UK's longest single-lap road race and attracts top ultra distance runners, as well as determined enthusiasts spanning all ages and a wide range of abilities. In addition to his overall winner's trophy, John picked up a clutch of MV40 category, course record and newcomer awards. He finished ahead of DD veteran and 2010 winner Dave Stone, of the Exmouth Harriers in 3.43.59 in second with Crawley AC runner Paul Navesey in third at 3.46.34.

The DD is organised by Newton Abbot-based running club the Teignbridge Trotters and the 2012 race has proved more popular than ever before, with a record 175 finishers conquering the gruelling course.

Teignbridge Trotters chairman Roger Hayes, who is also the DD's race director, said: 'The weekend was another massive success. The stand-out moment had to be John Ward's superb new course record. His achievement proves that this event offers top runners a chance to perform at their very best in one of the country's toughest running environments. At the same time, this year's record number of finishers demonstrates that ultramarathons and the DD in particular are growing in popularity for the wider community of runners who are looking for that special challenge. But none of this would be possible without the huge army of helpers that make the event what it is. I take my hat off to them. Roll on next year!'

The ladies' event was won by Isobel Wykes of Truro Running Club in 4.07.32; Ellie Sutcliffe, running for the Teignbridge Trotters, second in 4.27.02 and unattached runner Rachel Tuck finished third in 4.31.46.

John Ward took the MV40 award in addition to his overall winner's trophy. Garry Smart, of the Teignbridge Trotters, won the MV45 category with a time of 4.18,49. Exmouth Harrier David Wright bagged the top MV50 slot, in 4.46.41. Mark Andrews, of the East Cornwall Harriers, won the MV55 battle, in 4.56.54. The MV60 honours went to Jon Bateman of the Road Runners Club in 4.42.48. Kirsty Reade, of the Didcot Runners, ran 4.51.14 to take the FV35 award. Weston AC runner Teresa King clocked 5.00.25 to win FV40; Ingrid Harris, of Almost Athletes, the FV45 category, with 4.56.40. Littledown Harrier Heather Khoshnevis the FV50 in 5.14.30; Sue Taylor of the Mounts Bay Harriers the FV55 in 5.29.10.

The men's team award went to the Teignbridge Trotters A team, second The Tamar Trotters and third spot went to the Teignbridge Trotters B team. The ladies' team event was also won by the Teignbridge Trotters A team with the Littledown Harriers second and Teignbridge Trotters B team third.