The biggest field ever of 166 runners took on the course of more than six miles and 1,000 feet of ascent from Meavy, across Burrator to Sheeps Tor and Gutter Tor and back after a little dip in the ford.
First across the line from Wild Running was Ceri Rees in 40min 52 seconds; second was Ryan Hanley from Cornwall AC in 41:22 and third, coming all the way from Fort William was John Yells in 41:55.
The ladies’ race was also really competitive with locally based Jo Meek-Scott running first in 47:39; second was Maddie Horton 49:38 and third Carla Haines from Plymstock RR.
Will Dax (TAC) was the fastest in the junior age categories, finishing an impressive tenth overall. In spite of being a really busy racing weekend the event attracted runners from across the country.
Along with organising the event Tavistock Athletic Club (TAC) also managed to field a team of eight runners, including Adam Holland who had already managed to pack in the Tavy 5K and some laps at the Hope24 event.
Tamar Trail Runners fielded 12 runners and also won prize for first 4M and 4F finishers.
Several other local clubs also took part in the run. Jim Medhurst led the seven Bere Alston Trekkers home, joined by Debbie and Paul Ashton, Steve Davis, Matthew Wood, Martin and Hilary Head. Tavistock Run Project’s Crispin Chambers came home in 49 minutes, followed ten minutes later by Hayley Clarke — both athletes had run races the night before.
Organisers hope a substantial sum has been raised for Meavy Oak Fair and local charities; the organisers would like to thank South West Lakes Trust, the Maristow Estate, Run Venture, Royal Oak Inn and Dartmoor National Park for supporting the event.
Overall the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, particularly because of the village fair atmosphere.
This year’s race was run in a new joint approach along with TAC, Tamar Trail Runners and Colin Kirk-Potter from Run Venture, supporting race director Richard Best.
Martin Head, chair of Bere Alston Trekkers, expressed his gratitude and thanks on behalf of the local running community to those involved in the collaborative organisation for securing the future of the Burrator Horseshoe race.
In recognition of this Martin ran the Horseshoe in Tamar Trail Runners club colours.
There are a further four fell races in what is becoming a summer series.
If you are interested in future races find out more through Tavistock Athletic Club, the Tamar Trail Runners or Run Venture Hub.