CLOUDY but fine weather provided good conditions for the 13th annual Ruby Run half marathon last Sunday, which this year was run from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy.

The run attracted around 250 entrants, including walkers and members of seven teams from all over Devon and Cornwall, who were warmly applauded by a sizeable crowd at the finish line in Holsworthy's square.

First home was a group of women walkers — Kathy Bromell, Karen Heard, Catherine Moore and Nikki Martin — who had started out one hour ahead of the runners. They were soon followed by the first male runner, Kevin Squibb of Tiverton Harriers in a time of 1:20:18.

The trophies were presented by Cllr Andy Gilbert, the mayor of Hatherleigh, the Portreeve, Phil Cole and Holsworthy mayor's cadet, Ella Hughes.

Dartington Crystal trophies were awarded to each of the first three men and women and medals to the first in each age class — men aged over 40, over 50 and over 60, and women over 35, over 45 and over 55.

Shields were awarded to the first man and first woman from Ruby Country, there was a trophy for the team event and all runners who completed the course received a Ruby Run t-shirt.

Speaking at the end of the race, Holsworthy District Councillor Ian Parker expressed thanks to the sponsors and all those, above all the race organiser, John Allen, the mayor of Holsworthy, who had worked hard to make the event such an enjoyable success.

For the full report, and a round-up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.