MORE than 150 runners and nine primary schools took part in the 34th Deli Farm Run, near Delabole.

The very popular run has gone from strength to strength and superb times logged for the two-mile run year on year. In order to keep it interesting, the routes were updated and new records ready to be broken.

The Deli run is a friendly event open to all runners, from those with ambitions to compete for a place in the top three, to those happy to make it around the course without losing a shoe. Competitors came from all over North Cornwall and were cheered on throughout the course as friends and family turned out to support the run.

This year, runners wore wrist bands indicating the different length courses they were to run. The blue route was the usual two-mile route for Years 4 and under; the more difficult yellow route (Years 5 and 6) had an additional flat mile passing the remarkable wind turbines and superb views across the valley. The most challenging four-mile red route was for Years 7 upward and consisted of woodland, uphill stretches, roots, rocks and grassy fields. With growing numbers of secondary school and adult competitors each year, it is hoped that the new route will attract even more senior competitors next year.

Competitors lined up for a staggered start at 10am and joined in a warm-up to music before heading off on their various routes. The first person to cross the finish line was Joe Parr (Tintagel Primary School), who ran the three-mile route and returned strong after only 20 minutes. The first to complete the red route was Chris Lowe from Sir James Smith’s Secondary school who has set the new course record in a fantastic time of 26 minutes. First adult back was Martin Jago.

Delabole school has helped organise this event successfully for several decades, and this year was made even more special as it was the first time in many, many years that the school has won the team trophy! The barn roared with excited school children and parents alike as Lindsey Ubly announced the winners. St Tudy school came in second place and Camelford Primary School finished in third place. For individual running results please contact Delabole CP School.

Lindsey Ubly, PE co-ordinator at Delabole and Tintagel Primary School, organised the event with Rob Round and Chris Murray from the Camelford Rotary Club, with permission and support from the Edwards family and help from Rotarians and Delabole CP School staff.

A special thank you to Tesco Launceston who kindly donated water and fruit to all runners and the Friends of Delabole who provided delicious cakes and biscuits.