LAUNCESTON Road Runners’ annual Treggy 7 road race took place on Sunday.
Unlike last year, where torrential rain forced the marshals to put on their waterproofs, this year was calm, dry and almost a little too warm.
Four-hundred and fifty-one runners congregated in the town square, to be sent off at 10am on the seven-mile route which took them down St Thomas Road to Newport and left along the river to Underlane. After around 2.5 miles along Underlane and a quick water stop, it was time for ‘The Hill’, straight up into Tregadillett, over half a mile of climbing. From there, the route back becomes much less strenuous, along to Trebursye and back towards town. One final little hill up to the multi-story from Western Road then it was a downhill finish along Dockacre Road and into the beautiful castle grounds where the crowds and the bagpipes were waiting to cheer them across the line.
In first place was Jim Coles running for Tavistock Run Project in 38 minutes and 52 seconds, ahead of Tony Wright of Cornwall AC (40.29) and David Beckenkrager of Plymouth Harriers (40.55). Ed Horn was the first runner back for Launceston in a brilliant time of 43.47 which earnt him the trophy for 3rd male under 35. The ladies race was won by Emma Stepto of Cornwall AC in a time of 43.29, followed by her team-mate Heidi Tregenza (43.30) and Emma Paull (43.59) of Hayle Runners.
As always, the ladies of Launceston Road Runners did not disappoint with the 3rd place ladies team of Emma Baker (48.08), Jenny Mills (55.15), Louisa Shaw (56.18), Yasmine Statton (56.50), Jaine Hynes (58.23) and Becky Wise (1.02.18). Launceston also won the 1st place ladies veterans team which consisted of Jenny Mills, Jaine Hynes, Julie Barriball (1.02.32) and Janet Lathom (1.05.29).
Other Launceston prize winners were Louisa Shaw (3rd F35-39 in 56.18), Janet Lathom (3rd F60-64 in 1.05.29), Jenny Mills (1st F65-69 in 55.15 and by a massive margin of nine minutes) and Brian Wiles (1st M70-74 in 54.33).
Camelford Up and Running and Bude RATS were both represented with four runners apiece, Phil Aldis (52.10) and Sean Jack (54.23) from Bude RATS picking up 2nd and 3rd prize in the M55-59 age-group. Full results can be found at www.launcestonroadrunners.co.uk/treggy-7
After crossing the line, the runners were treated to a medal featuring Launceston Castle and plenty of food.
A club spokesperson said: “A big thank you to the race sponsors for helping us put on such a brilliant event and filling our goodie bags.
“Every year, the race is organised by a committee of incredibly hard-working Launceston Road Runners. Planning starts almost as soon as the last event has passed and on the day itself means a very early start, particularly for the course markers.
”The club relies on a huge number of marshals and support crew for the race, so a big thank you to everyone who helps make the race such a success and of course, thank you to the runners themselves!”