TWO Fell races have attracted runners from across the South West and as far afield as Inverness and Sussex. Both the ‘Neolith’ race held on July 24 from Merrivale and the Tavy Trio of Tors race from Pewtor on August 7 have seen new course records set.

The events have been jointly hosted by Tavistock Athletic Club and Tamar Trail Runners with the support of Run Venture Running Hub and race director Richard Best. The races are held according to Fell Runners association rules with races for age groups from nine years upwards.

The Neolith fell race, held over five miles including an ascent of Great Mis Tor and a river crossing, was fiercely contested by the front three runners. Floyd Ratcliffe from Mile High Runners set a new course record of 31 minutes 20 seconds narrowly ahead of local runners Olly Smart (Tavistock Running Project) and Rob Waddy (Cambridge Harriers). First female place went to Tavistock AC runner Tilly McDowell who also set a new course record of 43.03. The senior race had more than 90 runners and made for a great spectacle.

The junior two kilometre race was won by Freddie Day (TAC) and Ewan Dix (TAC) won the Youth 4k Race. It was a great turn out by local clubs especially by the Tamar Trail Runners, Okehampton Running Club.

The Tavy trio of Tors race , was a six mile course including Pewtor, Staple tors and Cox tor and was held in near perfect conditions. The senior race was again competitive with local runner Rob Waddy showing fine form to win with a new course record of 37.20. Tilly Mcdowell (TAC) was first U23F, Jane Allison (Tamar Trail Runners ) first female veteran 40 and Allan Herdman (TAC) also winning veteran60.

The two kilometre juniors’ race was won by Aiden Spinney (Okehampton Running Club) after a fine descent in a new course record time of 13.01. U11 girls was one by Tamsin Jarman (TAC) and the youths four kilometre race won by ORC Matthew Richards in 21.34.

Race director Richard Best said: ‘The awesome surroundings, brilliant spirit and camaraderie shown by all runners make this sort of event a pleasure to organise. ‘Thanks go to local landowners especially Fell Partnerships, Katie Warnes, Dartmoor National Park, plus Run Venture Running Hub and volunteers who help marshal the course.’

The last event of the series is being held on Wednesday evening August 21 from the Fox and Hounds at Bridestowe. It is called the ‘Great links tor Flyer’ as the course has two descent runs - details on Facebook or via Run Venture or Tavistock AC websites.