RUNNING Forever were taking no prisoners this weekend, with a breakout from Taunton headed for Dartmoor, where they were about to take on the Teignbridge Trotters’ iconic Dartmoor Discovery Ultra.

This incredibly popular race, which starts near the infamous gaol, had two bonus miles this year, making it a 34-mile race... and we know how the RFRC athletes love a few free miles.

On an incredibly hot day, the Taunton gang were up against some very stiff cut-off times on the three checkpoints along the route.

But the team of Community Support Officers lined the route to cheer, cajole and abuse anyone who was in need of that special RFRC encouragement.

First back to jail was Martin Webb (5h 36m), who must have thought this was a trot to the corner shop after his 190-mile jog the other week.

Next in his cell was Andy Burgess in 5:51, with Matt Blee not far behind (6:02).

A trio of runners finished in 6:19, as Andy Higham, Adrian Edwards and Scott Weech obviously decided to tunnel in together.

Damon Butler completed the route in 6:28, with Trevor Stow and Chris Gunn outwitting the course for a 6:38 finish.

The club’s last prisoner to be recaptured was Richard Staunton, who made it back in 6:43.

Rob Murr didn’t make the final checkpoint in time to complete the race, but still achieved 29 miles of running in very tough conditions.

Hannah Kirkman took part in the Sark 5k, which is a bit of a round island race, as the tiny outcrop is only three miles long and a mile wide.

It was hot and hilly, and Kirkman finished in 34 minutes.

Ali Bissat, meanwhile, was taking part in a London to Cardiff relay.

Five runners headed for Crewkerne for their popular 10k event.

Again it was a hot day on an undulating course, so full marks go to Ben Timpson for his 44:40 finish.

Ray Tutton crossed the line in 47:51, with Sally Tuer breaking the hour with 58:35.

Darren Purchase made it home in 1h 3m, with Victoria Woods being RFRC’s final finisher in 1:14.

This week’s Parkrun tourists went to Killerton, Southsea and Street, while 35 members kept things local at Longrun Meadow, where Brian Brown recorded his 100th Parkrun, and Phil Parsons earned himself a new PB.

***

TOMORROW (Saturday), Longrun Meadow Parkrun in Taunton is helping to celebrate the 70th birthday of the NHS with a costumed running event.

All of the volunteers at the 5k event, which begins at 9am, will be local NHS staff, with all of them encouraged to wear their uniform with pride in the park.

The run director for the week will be Nic Monteiro, a senior nurse from Musgrove Park Hospital, who will be joined by healthcare staff from across the area, including Musgrove employee and Running Forever stalwart Linda Forsyth.

As for the runners, they are also invited to dress up on a medical theme.

Longrun Meadow regularly attracts 350 participants for the weekly parkrun, and the organisers are hoping for increased numbers this week.

Not that the event is restricted to Taunton: more than 85,000 are expected to turn out across the UK tomorrow.

It has the backing of Dame Kelly Holmes, Olympic gold medallist and former nursing assistant, who said: “I know from first-hand experience how sociable and welcoming parkruns are, so it’s fantastic to see it join forces with the NHS in its 70th year to encourage even more people to get active.”

Parkruns are open to walkers and runners of all ages and abilities, so if you’d like to don your trainers tomorrow, you can find more information here.

It’s free to take part, but you are encouraged to register beforehand.

***

IAN Salter was the first Hydro Harrier home at Longrun Meadow Parkrun last Saturday, in a time of 19m 54s.

Andy White battled to finish just over the 20-minute mark.

Meanwhile, Rowland Lyons endured a punishing Faroe Islands half marathon on Sunday.

Despite a promising first 10km, the heat and hills took their toll, resulting in a disappointing 2:10 finish.