RECORDS for the new Crediton Crunch 10-kilometre race course tumbled for both men and women on Sunday, September 13.

Participants did a lap of the school field before heading out on the mostly offroad route
Participants did a lap of the school field before heading out on the mostly offroad route (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

As many as 148 runners took part in the 90 per cent-offroad run organised by Crediton Running Network.

Fancy dress was encouraged again this year in memory of Hannah Bennett
Fancy dress was encouraged again this year in memory of Hannah Bennett (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The race began and finished at Queen Elizabeth’s School’s Barnfield campus for the second year. It was previously held at Lords Meadow Leisure Centre (now known as Active Crediton).

1st Crediton Scouts provided refreshments
1st Crediton Scouts provided refreshments (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The winner was Michael Lambourne, setting a new record for the course of 36 minutes and 46 seconds. Last year’s winner was Luke Stannus, who finished the 10 kilometres in 38 minutes and 57 seconds.

The first female to cross the finish line this year was Jo Meek of Winchester and District Athletics Club, with a time of 43 minutes and 12 seconds, almost six minutes faster than last year’s fastest woman Hazel Shears, who clocked 49 minutes and three seconds.

The organising committee
Members of the organising committee (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Many participants wore fancy dress for the second year running in memory of Crediton Running Network member Hannah Bennett.

Trophies were presented to the first male and female home. There were also trophies for the fastest runners by age category and the best fancy dress.

Volunteers from sponsor Ernest Jackson
Volunteers from sponsor Ernest Jackson (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

All those who took part received a medal and a goody bag from event sponsor Ernest Jackson of Crediton, and a free bottle of beer courtesy of Hanlons Brewery.

The 1st Crediton Scouts provided refreshments for the competitors at the end of the run.

Winner Michael Lambourne crossing the finish line
Winner Michael Lambourne crossing the finish line (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

Hospiscare and Go Beyond were the race charities again this year.

The first three male runners home were: 1st Michael Lambourne, 36:46; 2nd Jim Cole, 39:15; 3rd Scott Jamieson, 40:35.

Female winner Jo Meek was pleased to reach the finish first
Female winner Jo Meek was pleased to reach the finish first (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)

The first three women to cross the line were: 1st Jo Meek, 43:12; 2nd Elizabeth Dyson 45:10; 3rd Joanne Page, 47:36.

You can see the full results by visiting: webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=447356.

Fastest female Jo Meek and fastest male Michael Lambourne with their trophies and prizes
Fastest female Jo Meek and fastest male Michael Lambourne with their trophies and prizes (Will Goddard, Crediton Courier)