A new cross country event for West Devon was held on March 13.

Organised by Okehampton Primary School teacher Cathy Carey, this was a challenging course which involved muddy fields and steep hills at Sleekers Farm, Sourton - particularly on the finishing straight and produced some very fast runs from the first few runners.

Andy Vallance of Okehampton Running Club acted as the ‘hare’, even though he had just competed in a half marathon the day before. He had his tired legs tested by Emma Luckham from Whitchurch, who led the field from beginning to end in the first race and then again by William White, also from Whitchurch in the second. William also led from beginning to end.

In the girls’ race, Holly Cole of Lewtrenchard and Liberty Kappes of Lifton came in second and third. Grady Alford of Okehampton Primary and Tom Perkins of Bridestowe were second and third in the boys’ race.

The team scores: Small schools boys – 1 Milton Abbot, 2 Mary Tavy and Brentor, 3 Lewtrenchard. Small schools’ girls – 1 Lewtrenchard, 2 Lifton, 3 Bridestowe. Large schools boys – 1, Okehampton A, 2 Whitchurch, 3 South Tawton A. Large schools girls – 1 Whitchurch, 2 Okehampton A, 3 South Tawton A. Overall team winners were – 1 Whitchurch, 2 Okehampton A, 3 Lewtrenchard.

Thanks were expressed to all the helpers. Stuart Lord and Mhairi McCall of OCRA, Allan Herdman (who produced the results) of Tavistock Athletic Club, Andy Vallance and his two young college assistant hares, and all the marshals who gave up their time to help with the smooth running of the races.

A special thanks went to the Alford family of Sleekers Farm, Sourton for hosting this successful cross country event.