A monster rocket set the 78 runners off from the Anchor Inn at Beer up the hill and over the common to Branscombe for seven miles of torchlit running.

Spectators were treated to a long row of dancing lights like some enormous giant alien invasion in the clear night air.

Tiverton Harrier Chris Gill improved on his third place of last year, knocking five mins off his time to win in an impressive 53:51. Perhaps the most impressive performance of the evening was first AVR ... Sam Anning who made up for struggling at the Grizzly to finish second in 55:55.

Garry Perratt crossed the line in third place taking 56:30. Alex Todd finished a very good fifth in 59:36, despite injury. James Jackson was the next AVR, seventh in 1:00:57, with Jamie Lambert just behind, 8th, 1:02:27.

Other results: Chris Keeffe 10th, 1:03:53; Nathan Berry 21st, 1:08:54; Chris Polley 27th, 1:13:28; Simon Ratcliff 28th, 1:13:47; Roger Bramley 33rd, 1:15:34; Robin Carter 36th, 1:17:03.

The Pyrotechnic Professor, Dave Kelf, was responsible for the starting rocket and was pleased to be 51st in 1:21:17, with Andy Sayers 55th, 1:22:27; Gavin Warren 58th, 1:24:57 and Paul Tolchard 62nd, 1:28:00.

Debbie Payne and Marilyn Hughes were cajoled into running by Jon Day and the pair really enjoyed themselves, crossing the line with huge grins on their faces and Debbie even managed to sprint the last 100 metres completing in 2:00:05 with Marilyn 24 seconds adrift. Thanks to Nightrunner sponsors, The Anchor Inn in Beer, who successfully fed and watered many of the finishers following the race, and all the wonderful marshals.

?As part of his prep for the Edinburgh marathon, Graham Newton ran the inaugural Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service Half Marathon.

Mostly off road, the route was 13.3 miles of undulating lanes, fields and woods of Bodmin Moor. Over 200 runners took part and the race was won by Mark Heard of Launceston Running Club in 1:25:52. Graham was pleased to finish 24th in 1:41:23 and was the first over 60 finisher.

?Crewkerne RC put on supported long distance runs aimed at anyone competing in the London Marathon on April 17. Eleanor Wood decided to have a go and was really pleased with her run. She completed 22 miles in 2:57, a great pace which has given her much more confidence for the big day.