THERE were ‘super’ scenes at the finish line of this year’s Ruby Run as Superman got down on one knee and proposed.

The 14th annual Ruby Run, held on Sunday, June 12, started in Holsworthy and finished in Hatherleigh and saw runners, teams and walkers alike compete for first place.

Of the 149 entrants, two were unable to complete the course and a further 22 did not start, resulting in, a still impressive, 125-finishers of the half marathon.

The weather was warm with a mix of dry and rainy spells, with some heavy showers, especially at the beginning during the pre-race briefing but was said to be ideal for running. It was lovely and cooling for the runners and much better than the full sun and 25 degrees seen in previous years, although the spectators may not have agreed.

The Mayor of Holsworthy, Cllr Jon Hutchings, started the Ruby Run and prizes were presented by Cllr Pat Smith the deputy mayor of Holsworthy and Cllr Graham Alford of Hatherleigh Town Council.

Of note were the Hatherleigh Youth AFC Superheroes who dressed up as super heroes; Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Hulk, Captain America and Iron Man.

At the end of the race Superman, Alan Johnson, got down on one knee and proposed to Kirsty Heaven on the finish line.

Also of note was the male winner, Andrew Vallance, who achieved a life time ambition to win the event having been involved on the Ruby Run committee since it started as well as founding and being involved with Okehampton Running Club, who were also represented by 19 runners this year.

The other, individual winners were, in order of finish time: Overall Male Winner — Andrew Vallance; Overall Male Runner up — Martin Colwill; Overall Male Third — Jamie Blackman; Over 40 Male Winner — Glyn Collen; Over 50 Male Winner — Mark Hutcheson; Local Male Winner — Geoffrey Hill; Overall Female Winner — Hannah Astley; Overall Female Runner up — Helen Colwill; Over 60 Male Winner — Tim Jones; Overall Female Third — Vicky Roper; Over 45 Female Winner — Steph Olliffe; Over 35 Female Winner — Hannah Dodwell; Oldest Male — Alan Littlejohns; Local Female Winner — Anne Binns; Oldest Female — Alex Hutcheson; Over 55 Female Winner — no entrants this year.

There were also twelve teams of six who entered, a record number of team entries for this year and competition was fierce. The ‘Lamisell Lads’ were the winning team.

The other eleven teams were; ‘Okehampton Ladies Hockey Club’, ‘Worst Pace Scenario’, ‘Torrington boxing club ladies’, ‘Penbode Vets’, ‘Lamisell Beams Oldies’, ‘Holsworthy Army Cadet Force’, ‘Hatherleigh Youth AFC Superheroes’, ‘Shebbear Shufflers’, ‘BT Netball Runners’, ‘It’s ORC about the cheese’ and ‘Gone Runny!’

Those who entered had a great day, with comments on the Ruby Run Facebook page echoing this.

One person said: “Thank you for putting on such a great race and to all of the volunteers who gave up their time and helped to run it.”

Another added: “Hi, just wanted to say a massive thank you for yesterday! Myself and a friend walked if for the first time and it was a brilliant experience — hoping to run it next year! All of the marshals and those at the water stations were brilliant.”

John Allen, lead race organiser and lead of the Ruby Run committee, said: “The organisers would like to thank all of the many volunteers without whom the run could not take place, especially the army cadets who helped marshal and look after all the baggage for the participants. Also the police and town councils for their help and support.

“We also would like to thank motorists for their kind consideration of the runners during the race and the town of Hatherleigh and the locals for their patience with the road closure around the finish area.”

As yet not all the prizes have been collect by the winners but if the individuals contact the race organisers at [email protected] they will ensure they get their hard earned reward.