ONLY three teams had pre-registered for last Saturday’s Tar Barrel Challenge but things hotted up nicely once the first run had taken place.

The route saw competitors race up Bridge Street, around an obstacle course in The Square and back down Bridge Street.

Winner of the children’s class was HCC in a respectable time of 2 minutes 07 seconds. The men’s category saw five teams run, with the fastest being Okehampton Rugby Club in 1 minute 22 seconds. Hatherleigh’s Burning was just two seconds behind. Superfit team Crouching Woman Hidden Cucumber raced twice, improving its time to reach third place. In between times, two ladies’ teams took part — Super Mummas and Angry Birds — the medals going to the former in a time of 2 minutes 19 seconds. Super Mummas also scored points for its fancy dress.

Several mixed-fours also raced, honours going to Dumb and Dumber in 2 minutes 1 second. Three Generations recorded 2 minutes 24 seconds but perhaps the most impressive run of the day came from The Kiwis, with 74-year-old Grandad from New Zealand pulling his weight in 2 minutes 41 seconds.

Three men from Crouching Woman Hidden Cucumber, each wanted to pull the barrel solo. They refused an offer to shorten the course and ‘went for it’ in a newly-named Iron Man category.

Danny led the way in an unbeaten time of 2 minutes 6 seconds. Colleagues Ben and Luke also registered respectable times. Other Iron Man entrants were PA-meister Benny, Fish, and Dale, whose determination to complete the course solo belied his slight frame. He returned a time of 4 minutes 41 seconds. Perhaps the most extraordinary performance came from brothers Marcus and Ricci Cobb. It was Marcus who had entered but decided a pint was more preferable half way round so Ricci jumped in to help. He scornfully picked up the barrel and carried it home. They were ineligible for a prize but the entertainment value was high.

Two-person ladies’ teams also raced. Half of Super Mummas returned a time of 2 minutes 36 seconds while the Dazzerling Duo came home in 2 minutes 55 seconds. Best of all were the London Girls who only decided at the last minute to have a go. They recorded a time of 2 minutes 13 seconds to come second to Iron Man Danny!

Throughout the day there were various stalls for all to peruse and bands, groups and DJs kept people entertained in The Square.

l The 2016 Hatherleigh Carnival takes place on Saturday, November 12 and the flaming tar barrel runs will be at 5am and 9pm.