GERALD CHASE of Rocking­ham, Perth, Western Australia, writes:

I was born in Dartmouth and lived there for 30 years. I helped start the regatta road race back in 1977 and I now live in Perth, Western Australia.

When I lived in Dartmouth, there was no athletics club. I ran for Paignton Athletic Club, now Torbay Athletic Club, taking part in many road and cross country races and a few marathons.

The regatta road race still follows the same course I picked out 40 years ago, up Weeke Hill, out through Stoke Fleming and back towards Little Dartmouth for the long run back down to the finish.

On regatta Saturday at the 2pm start, 9pm Perth time, I will be thinking of the road race which is still a part of me.

Thank you Dartmouth Amateur Athletic Club for keeping this race going and the regatta committee for their hard work over the years.

I was going to try to come but, with a few family problems, I?have to stay here.

My sister, Mrs Whitemore, still lives in Duke Street.