JOHN Ward smashed his own record to win the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon for a second time on Saturday. Cool conditions and light showers spurred the Bideford AC runner to storm round the 32-mile course in an astonishing 3 hours 29 minutes 24 seconds. Ward won the 2012 race by setting what seemed at the time to be a daunting course record of 3.33. 36'. Tamar Trotters runner Michael Robinson was second, in a time of 3.45.55 and Dave Tomlin third in 3:55:41. Westbury Harrier Lucy Richens won the ladies' event, completing the course in 4.16.04. Sarah Morwood of the Mud Crew Trail Runners took second place in 4:18:57 with Bere Alston Trekker Rebecca Mingo coming third, posting 4.37.50. The DD, organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters, starts and finishes in Princetown and is the UK's longest single-lap road race. It is renowned for stunning views, tough hills and notoriously unpredictable weather. Despite the tough test the dropout rate was low with just 11 of the 213 starters failing to finish. Race director Roger Hayes said: 'Ever since we took over the DD we've wanted more runners to share the unique experience that an ultramarathon on Dartmoor offers. I'm thrilled that more runners are now enjoying the DD. John Ward's awesome sub-3.30 performance proves that this wonderful race attracts a genuine quality field. It was the icing on the cake for yet another great Dartmoor Discovery.' Team competitions are always keenly contested at the DD. The Teignbridge Trotters successfully defended their crown in the men's event. Rebecca Mingo led the Bere Alston Trekkers to victory in the ladies' team event, backed by determined performances from Dotty King (5:52:08) and Rachel Wood (5.56.54). Marathon legend Steve Edwards started the race and presented the prizes. Edwards has numerous world records to his name, including a total of 560 sub-3:30 marathons. An event on the scale of the DD requires a significant logistics effort. An estimated 150 people supported the runners as they took on Dartmoor. Specialist teams from the Dartmoor Radio Club, Dartmoor Medical Services and The Massage Clinic worked alongside scores of volunteer marshals, timekeepers and caterers. This year's race was sponsored by Ironbridge Runner, St Austell Brewery, the Road Runners Club, South Dartmoor Community College and the Ilsington Country House Hotel.  n This road race starts in Princetown, and follows a route passing through Dartmeet, Poundsgate, Newbridge, Ashburton, Buckland in the Moor, Widecombe in the Moor, and Postbridge, before making its way back to finish in Princetown. Taking part in this tough event were 11 Bere Alston Trekkers, with five making their Discovery debut.  First male Bat home and achieving a course personal best was Steve Watson who ran a superb race; first lady Bat and third lady overall was Rebecca Mingo.  Sarah Burns, who was running for her second claim club, the Mud Crew, finished second lady overall.  Other personal bests were achieved by Dotty King, Rachel Wood and Murray Turner. Bats did superbly when Dotty King, Rachel Wood and Rebecca Mingo scooped the first ladies' team prize.  n On a windy day with heavy showers, Okehampton Running Club had three of its most experienced endurance runners out. They have each already completed two marathons since April this year including the tough Imerys Marathon just three weeks ago. Roger Voaden ran his best time ever for this race to finish 17th overall in 4hrs 34mins 51secs reversing the results of last year's race when Paul Carter beat Roger's previous PB. Paul finished in 4.52.38 and Rob Kelly in his first attempt at an ultra posted 5.10.45 Congratulations to all three of them.