A TEAM of 17 athletes from Tavistock Athletic Club made the journey across the moor for the Erme Valley Harriers ‘Ivybridge 10K’ on Saturday.

The 6.2 mile race started in the town, and took runners along a scenic route to the village of Bittaford, and then back along country lanes to the finish at Ivybridge Rugby Club. Despite early warnings of strong winds, conditions were near perfect for the evening’s racing. 

First over the line for Tavistock was Bradley Stevens, finishing in an excellent time of 39 minutes and 39 seconds.  Close behind were two athletes picking up first place awards in their respective age categories — Martin Exley-Deane (male veteran 55) with a time of 40.15 and Allan Herdman (MV60) in 40.41.

The race was a sell-out with 800 athletes signing up, and for two Tavistock athletes to win first in their age categories was a great achievement for them and the club.

The other athletes followed them in with a host of personal best times, and good runs.

Other TAC times:?  David Harris 41.17, Jason Shipton 45.35, Hannah Colston 46.13, Paul Marshall 49.52, Tony Shearer 49.54, Sarah Hillson 52.57, Richard Nettleship 56.19, Ian Jones 56.42, Emma Webber 56.44, Dan James 56.45, Mhairi McCall 61.51, Dene Medland 62.57, Trevor Grigg 65.41, Emma Craig 67.41.

The race is one of the runners’ favourites in the calendar, and was organised, marshalled and supported superbly by Erme Valley and the community.  

TAC are now looking forward to their next 10K race in Bideford next weekend, with even more athletes representing the club.