THERE was a new event in the sports calendar that took place at Merrivale, Dartmoor, on August 1 with an evening of fell races organised by Tavistock Athletics Club and Tamar Trail Runners.

The Neolithic Fell run saw three age group events attracting runners from across the South West. Richard Best, race director, said: ‘There was great support on the night from so many clubs and individual runners which was tremendous. It was great to see such impressive junior runners — some real talent for the future’.

Organisers thanked the support of Duchy estates, Fell Partnerships, Dartmoor National Park and Fell Running Association for making the event possible.

The junior course for under 9 years-old and U11s was a two kilometre route with a 120 metre of ascent to Middle Staple Tor and back. The youths race was a four kilometre route with 150m of ascent following the ridge to Roos Tor. First U9s boy Finlay Maynard Tamar Trails; first U9s girl Zara Kinsey TAC; first U11s boy Quincy Richard, Okehampton Running Club, 12 minutes 50 seconds (course record); first U11s girl Lara Dix TAC; first U13s Euan Dix TAC; first U15s Joe Dix TAC – 16.16 (course record).

The senior race start was a short walk from the Dartmoor Inn and the route of five miles and 330m of ascent took runners from Merrivale, past the historic stone rows for a long ascent to Great Mis Tor before dropping to a river crossing and a short rise before the final ridge run to Roos Tor and fast descent to finish.

In spite of missing a turn the senior winner was Adam Holland TAC, time of 38.10 which will be a new course record; second, James Jackson, Dartmoor Runners; 3, Patrick Devine-Wright, Axe Valley Runners. First woman Rachael Malthouse time 44.57; second, Rebecca Morgan, Truro Running Club; third, Anna King Erme Valley Harriers.

This was TAC’s first ever fell race, but also the first fell race in the area to offer FRA age group events for juniors. The next event will be in same format but different routes at the ‘Tavy Trio of Tors’ on the evening of Wednesday, August 15, based at the foot of Pew Tor — entries on the day.

Richard added: ‘We look forward to seeing even more budding and accomplished fell runners on the moor.’