THE final event of the Fell race series, hosted by Tamar Trail runners and Tavistock Athletic Club, was held on the evening of August 21 from the Fox and Hounds Inn at Bridestowe.

The races had incredible summer weather with no need for additional kit. The event was supported by North Dartmoor Search and Rescue team. There was a good turnout in all three races with Aiden Spinney from Okehampton Running Club winning the 2K race to and from Great Nodden, closely followed by Tarka Allison, City of Plymouth AC, who was the first girl home.

The youth race out and back to Widgery Cross was again won by Ewan Dix of Tavistock AC and to keep it in the family first girl home in the race was Lara Dix, also of Tavistock AC.

The seniors’ race had a field of runners from far and wide – Yorkshire, Nottingham, North Devon and Cornwall. Seventy two runners completed the six kilometre uphill (1,100ft plus) route before two stunning descents from Great Links Tor and Widgery Cross making 10k of scenic off-road running.

Three runners were competing for the lead from the start — previous Neolith winner Floyd Ratcliffe (Mile High RC), Andrew Worster (Todmorden Harriers) and Adam Holland (Tavistock AC) split from the field — Floyd had a good lead but at last descent missed the marker flag and went considerably off course, leaving a fine finish from Adam to win just ahead of Andrew Worster. Jo Meek (Scott Running) was first lady home, her last race before the Ultra de Mount Blanc.

A runner fell and injured themselves and a fabulous response from NDSART meant he was quickly in the care of an ambulance.

Race director Richard Best said: ’It was great to be able to witness this team in action and the runner wanted to pass his huge thanks back to them.’

The rest of the runners all completed the course, with some brilliant comments, including ‘what a great series, fabulous views, great to see such good course marking and marshalling and brilliant support from NDSART’.

Race director Richard Best expressed his thanks to all runners who supported the series, Dartmoor National Park and local landowners.

He added: ‘It was really great to see such a range of competitors; a growing field of younger talent, top-flight athletes and club runners and people giving their first fell race a try. The series has been a huge success and special thanks to Colin Kirk Potter and Run Venture Hub – we will be planning next year’s.’

The next local race will be run by Okehampton Running Club in the Sourton Tors race from Bearslake Inn on Wednesday, September 4, a 3.5-mile evening race.