Tavy 13...sampling the south-western edge of Dartmoor

Tavy 13 was a new race for me, climbing out of Tavistock onto the edge of Dartmoor. A cloudy and windy day with dampness in the air greeted us on the start line on the track outside Tavistock College. After a brief section of track, we were soon out onto the open road and climbing away from Tavistock into the surrounding countryside. The first 4.5 miles involve some ups and downs, until the first major long hill starts 4.5 miles in. Following this, there is a return to a gentle downhill section and the chance to pick up some speed before another long and steep climb up to the highest point on the course at 250m above sea level after 8 miles. At this point, runners are out on the edge of Dartmoor, surrounded by granite tors, sheep and ponies. From here it's all flat or downhill, but a strong westerly headwind made progress difficult and extremely tiring across the open moorland. Following a steep descent back into suburbia, a fast final section leads through a park and by a river, before a long lap around the College. The race finished with just over a lap of honour on the track in front of a cheering crowd. A really pleasant race!