It was a breezy day that welcomed the 650 competitors for the Iybridge 10k road race, and so not entirely conducive to personal bests, but all were determined to go out and give it their all.

The crowds, fully entering into the spirit of the event, came out in force at the finish line at the rugby club, at Bittaford, and at various other places around the course.

The event started at 6:30pm in Ivybridge station car park, but not before an emotional 30 seconds applause in memory of former club member Barrie Symonds, who sadly passed away on the day of the 2012 10K after a battle with illness.

Barrie's son Mat started the event, and his daughter Leanne ran in his memory.

Continuing on from his superb showing at the Plymouth half-marathon, race favorite and 2011 winner Jim Cole (Tavistock AC) led from the start to win in a time of 32:38.

Second place went to Peter Freedman (Coventry Godiva Harriers) and third was Andrew Chambers (Bristol and West). The ladies' race was won by Lucy Hodgson (Newquay Road Runners) in 37:40, second was Alison McEwing of host club Erme Valley Harriers and third was three-time winner Helen Dyke (Poole Runners).

Entry was marginally down on that of 2012, but there was still an impressive 652 finishers. All finishers received a quality technical T-shirt. There was also a vast prize category. All this for just £10.

Race organiser Ian Crossley would like to thank the army of volunteers who gave up their day to make this event a success, but also to those who have been working behind the scenes for the past five months on the race organisation.

Thanks also go to event sponsors and supporters – Spinnaker, McCauley's Health Clubs, Airey and Coles Consulting Engineers, Devenport Royal Dockyard Employee Trust, Frank Elford Sports, Devon Tees, Andrew Toms Scaffolding, St John Ambulance, Devon and Cornwall Police, Ivybridge Rugby Club, Amey and Plymouth City Bus.

The organisers look forward to seeing everyone next year.