OVER 300 people took part in the Ruby Run from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy on Sunday, and for the seventh year in a row, the sun shone for the annual half marathon writes Robyn Pengilly.
Among the 300 entrants, including runners, walkers and relay team members, was Lieutenant Commander Colin Nicklas who also started the race at Hatherleigh.
Lt Cdr Nicklas, a training officer at Britannia Royal Naval College, completed the 13.1 mile route carrying a back pack. A great supporter of the Children's Hospice South West, Lt Cdr Nicklas has completed several marathons and is training for the Marathon Des Sables, a six day/151 mile (243km) endurance race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco in April 2010.
Several people headed off from Hatherleigh on Sunday morning to walk the course, including Jackie Moores, Angela Martin, Nicola Hammond and Gillian Merchant who had also walked to Hatherleigh from Pyworthy.
Mike Shovelton, manager of Mole Valley Farmers, Holsworthy also walked the 13.1 miles and raised around £1,340 for the National Stroke Association. Three other members of staff from Mole Valley walked the course and between the four of them they have raised around £2,000 for charity.
Mike said he enjoyed the event: "It was very good. It was the first time I'd done it and I shall probably do it again next year."
The main race started at 10.30am which was followed by the team relay event at 10.45am which was won by members of Bude Rats (Runners and Triathletes).
Back in Holsworthy, around 40 children took part in the fun run, which was started by Mayor Cllr Elizabeth Squire. Everyone that took part in the fun run received a medal.
As the runners and walkers made their way back to Holsworthy in the sunshine, which thankfully was accompanied by a breeze, Freebird Design were snapping away. They also photographed the participants crossing the finish line and the pictures can be seen on their website http://www.freebird-events.com">www.freebird-events.com.
Both David Vaughan's Jazz Band and Holsworthy Town Band welcomed the runners back to Holsworthy where there was a great atmosphere. Organiser, John Allen said there was probably the "best crowd ever" in the Square to cheer the runners across the line.
The winners were presented with their prizes by the Mayor of Holsworthy Cllr Elizabeth Squire, the Mayor of Hatherleigh Cllr Malcolm Jacobs and Holsworthy Portreeve Mike Johns. Barry Megson provided the commentary. The first three male and female runners received Dartington Crystal trophies. Everyone who took part received a Ruby Run t-shirt.
John Allen said: "It was a really good day. It went very smoothly."
He thanked all the sponsors, including the 'Post' and everyone who helped with the event, including the volunteers from the youth centre: "Everyone really chipped in. It was a good effort from everyone." The main sponsor this year was Waitrose.
Children's Hospice South West was chosen as the main charity to benefit from the event. Proceeds will also go to the Holsworthy Youth Project, run in association with the local police, who entered teams in the relay event, and to the Hatherleigh Island Playground Project.
If anyone has any sponsorship or donations please hand it into John Allen at Southbourne Catering,
17-18 Fore Street, Holsworthy.
Results:
Men — 1, Peter Hockin (1:18:45); 2, Wayne Stephens (1:20:50); 3, Paul Duff (1:21:13).
Ladies — 1, Louise Barnes (1:40:09); 2, Kirstin Phippards (1:42:40); 3, Wendy Scott (1:43:02).
First local male — Will Heal (1:30:50). First local female — Teresa Stracy-Cheel (1:51:55).
First lady aged over 35 — Joanne Daniel. First lady over 45 — Pienaar van Rensburg. First lady over 55 — Judith Law.
First male aged over 40 — Martin Colwill. First male over 50 — Steve Hay. First male over 60 — Terry Field.