THE SUN shines on the righteous so they say, and this was true of all the runners taking part in this year's Ernest Jackson Crediton Crunch 10k(ish), which took place on Sunday, May 18. A record breaking number of runners lined up at the start on Commercial Road, Lords Meadow Industrial Estate, Crediton. The event was organised by the Crediton Running Network with the aim of raising funds for the Devon based children's charity Balloons. Balloons provides support for children, young people and their families before an expected death or following the death of someone significant in their lives. The charity was recently featured on BBC Children in Need. Drummond Johnstone, one of the Balloons trustees, said, "We were thrilled last year to be the chosen charity for the Crediton Crunch and with match funding from Basepoint in Exeter, a staggering £6,000 was raised by the event. "To be chosen again this year was incredible, especially as we are experiencing a huge increase in the demand for our services." "The Crediton Running Network and Ernest Jackson have been hugely supportive of Balloons and we are very grateful." You can check out their website at http://www.balloonscharity.co.uk">www.balloonscharity.co.uk Emilia Langston, Ernest Jackson, said: "The route takes on a couple of hills which were hard work in the hot weather but people came back again to try and beat their personal bests and enjoy the terrific atmosphere. "Once again the race proved to be a great success and we're thrilled to have been able to raise such a fantastic sum for a thoroughly deserving charity." The total amount raised following sponsorship donations is still to be determined but will include a contribution from Ernest Jackson as part of the company's Cashmatch initiative. A full list of the results can be downloaded from the CRN website at: http://www.crediton">www.crediton runningnetwork.co.uk . On behalf of Crediton Running Network, Karen Limon said: "I would like to congratulate all 250 runners who managed to finish this wonderful scenic race through the fields and lanes of beautiful Mid Devon on what was an extremely hot day. To everyone who was involved in the organising, marshalling, and just doing what needed to be done - thank you". Sean Constable