THE Crediton Crunch 10k multi-terrain run, which used the streets and hills around Crediton, was a huge success on one of the hottest days of the year.

The run was a joint venture between Ernest Jackson and the Women's Running Network (WRN) and formed part of the Crediton Festival.

Many supporters turned out to cheer on the runners, many of whom were from Crediton and the surrounding area.

There were runners of all abilities and for many it was their first event. Despite the heat 246 runners finished the course and was awarded a goody bag full of Jackson's and Cadbury's goodies as well as commemorative mug.

The first male to finish was Gareth Hurst with a time of 37 minutes 53 seconds and the first female was Serane Burd in 44 minutes 11 seconds.

There were 14 runners from Jackson's, who also supplied marshals to help out along the route.

Jackson's Managing Director, David Walter, who was also a competitor explained:" The race has created a great well-being opportunity for staff and the local community and some significant fund raising for our 2009 charity, Children's Hospice SW.

"I would like to thank the Women's Running Network for helping us to organise the event and to Crediton Rugby Club for the use of their facilities."

Vanessa Smith, operations manager and assistant race director added: "We have been inundated with positive feedback from everyone involved and have every reason to believe we can make this an annual event for Crediton."

There were also many runners and marshals from the WRN and spokeswoman Hannah Martin explained: "The atmosphere was fantastic, everyone was very supportive and we have had some excellent feedback.

"We would to thank anyone who helped in an way, particularly the marshals, the helpers at the water stations and the team who helped sign the route.

"We would also like to thank Crediton Rugby Club for their hospitality and kindness in allowing us to use their facilities.

Hannah added: "We are thrilled at the success of the first Crediton Crunch and hope that this can become a regular event."

For more information on the Women's Running Network check out the website http://www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk">www.womensrunningnetwork.co.uk

Nora Parminter

Results

1 0:37:53 HURST, Gareth 2 0:38:27 PARKIN, Shaun 3 0:38:54 SHAPLAND, John 4 0:39:14 STOBBS, Adam 5 0:40:05 RICE, Mark 6 0:40:53 RIDGLEY, Julian 7 0:41:24 DREW, James 8 0:42:20 BRACE, Martin 9 0:42:23 ROSSER, Steve 10 0:42:43 WILLIAMS, Howard 11 0:42:53 CLAPP, Daniel 12 0:43:06 KAVANAGH, John 13 0:44:00 STEVENS, Paul 14 0:44:06 DREW, Mark 15 0:44:11 BURD, Serane 16 0:44:20 BIDMEAD, Howard 17 0:44:32 KIRBY, Andrew 18 0:44:45 HAYDON, Andrew 19 0:45:05 BONFIELD, Kevin 20 0:45:12 STOYLE, Rob 21 0:45:25 HOCKIN, Matthew 22 0:45:26 ASHELFORD, Gary 23 0:45:46 BARNES, Louise 24 0:45:54 WHITE, Nathan 25 0:46:08 MATHER, Andrew 26 0:46:22 HOWARD, Daniel 27 0:46:50 ANDREWS, Walter 28 0:47:05 SELLEY, Steve 29 0:47:11 WOTTON, Mark 30 0:47:25 GOODING, Rebecca 31 0:47:27 BUTT, Sarah 32 0:47:42 CASAVIEILLE-LACAZE, Alain 33 0:48:14 HOUSLEY, Nikki 34 0:48:21 VAHIBOGLU, Ayse 35 0:48:30 TURNER, Graham 36 0:48:56 PLOWMAN, Jackie 37 0:49:00 WATT, Alastair 38 0:49:09 EVANS, Andy 39 0:49:15 MOSSMAN, Charles 40 0:49:19 DALY, Mark 41 0:49:24 GALE, Tony 42 0:49:39 EVANS, David 43 0:49:49 ALDWORTH, Elaine 44 0:49:59 MARKS, Phil 45 0:50:32 ASHWORTH, Nicki 46 0:50:34 HUNT, Steve 47 0:50:36 OFFER, Justin 48 0:50:58 BUNDAY, Simon 49 0:51:03 SLOCOMBE, Dave 50 0:51:08 HOLE, Rod