Ethan Day and Kate Vine took part in the Devon schools cross country championships in Plymouth, writes Dave Mutter.

Vine ran superbly, finishing fifth and progressing to the South West Championships in Bristol in two weeks’ time. Sadly, Day was taken out with five others on the third bend as one boy slipped and crashed into them. However, he got up, composed himself and went from last place to finish 28th, a great effort.

The First Chance 10K took place on a very icy Sunday. AVR’s Mark Hilder was pleased to beat his last year’s time by over half a minute, coming in 138th with a time of 43:48.

The course is flat and fast, run on tarmac cycle ways and gravel footpaths along the Exeter Canal and the River Exe.

There were fears that the race would have to be cancelled due to ice and snow but on the morning the course was declared clear and 467 runners wrapped up well for the experience. First home was Tom Merson from Bristol and West AC in 31:32secs. First lady was Lucy Commander from SWRR who finished 25th in 36:51.