A happy minibus of AVR runners headed off towards Castle Drogo for the annual 10-mile run, writs Dave Mutter.

The club managed to enter 21 runners for this demanding and highly scenic off-road run.

The race was won by Grizzly winner Ceri Rees in 1:01:02. First AVR runner home in ninth place was Matt Clist getting back to full fitness in 1:07:37. The first female finisher in this race of 477 runners was our own Amy Greenhalge who had a blast of a run winning first female and first Vet35, 25th in 1:12:42. Rupert Pady in 55th and despite the conditions was pleased to achieve a time faster than last year of 1:18:35. James Gular regretted his cider drinking the night before as it came back to haunt him! But he was still next home, 62nd in 1:19:31. Clare Hansford and Eleanor Wood switched positions five times during the race with Clare being the final victor (or should that be victress?) by eight seconds in 101st place, 1:24:07 with Eleanor 103rd, 1:24:15. Both ladies won their age categories Vet 45 and Vet 55 respectively. Rookie Steve Haines made an impressive start for the club coming home 179th, 1:31:22 closely followed by Tim Sibley 180th, 1:31:28.

Dave Thomas stormed home tired, but happy with his race 201st, 1:33:30 and next was Margaret Pearce who ran a superb race 214th, 1:34:58 beating Alan Morbey, tired from stalling the minibus four times, 220th in 1:35:45.

Anna McLoughlin was next home 228th in 1:36:49, followed by Tessa Stone 265th in 1:41:37 and Chris Hill 297th in 1:44:21.

Paul Tolchard even after having a fall had a solid race feeling pleased that he only stalled the minibus once came home 306th in 1:45:19.

John Larkham just back from injury, was pleased to be back running he was 329th, 1:48:04 and he was followed by Canny Hart who found her first race at Drogo toug,h but enjoyable, and she was 336th, 1:48:28.

Next was Yvette Hill smiling all the way to the finish 341st, 1:48:46 with Anders Larsson next 346th, 1:49:33 and Gillian Peach 353rd, 1:50:30. Finishing the AVR group was Robert Kerr who finished well and looked forward to a well-earned cup of tea and a cake 434th, 2:05:42.

One other member was Garry Perratt who did a 20-mile cycle instead of running. Our thanks go to South West Road Runners for putting on such a fantastic race and to Alan and Paul for driving the minibus. A great time was had by one and all.