Taunton Athletics Club’s Ollie Berry broke the course record to win Sunday’s Hestercombe Humdinger, once again superbly organised by Running Forever.

Berry was first past the post in a record time of 55.41, with club-mate Luke Scott hard on his heels in second place in 56.23. Tom Mellor was sixth place in 58.47, while seventh and first verteran 40 was Rich Caburn in 59.25. Getting faster each time out is Alex Wall in 12th place in 1.02.42.

Chris Piers and Nick Chapman came in within a minute of each other in 1.11.37 and 1.12.38. with Sharron Kington in 1.25.01 Hannah Taunton, 18, having recently risen to the senior ranks had a fantastic run in 1.12.48, easily won the 16-20 female age group category.

Meanwhile, Keith Paul won the 5k Hurtle and Emily Currie made this her debut race back after recently giving birth to baby Leo.

Meanwhile, Chris Piers has been putting in the proverbial country miles with a succession of off road races – Slaughterford 9, 1.15, Tough Ten 1.11, and Hestercombe 1.11.37 (road) with the Dalwood 3 hills challenge and the Grizzly still in his sights.

Mike Dunn also represented the club at the Tough Ten flying round in 1.04 and 42nd place overall, Alex Wall travelled to Barcelona to run the half marathon, recording a PB of 81.59.

In the first season of the Gwent Cross Country League, Taunton AC Senior men are in an almost unbeatable position with Tom Bloodworth travelling as sole senior to The Brecon Beacons and picking up valuable points with a great run in 44th position.

n TRULL Trogger Gerry Hogg came third in Sunday’s Hestercombe Humdinger.

Hogg, who was runner-up last year, finished in 57.03 and was one of four Troggers taking part.

Beating last years time by 2½ minutes, Denis Violet was 62nd (1.12.12), Adam Gold survived a bout of ‘man flu’ to finish 78th Place (1.13.54), while Donna Fear, suffering a niggling injury was 189th (1:26:02).

On Saturday, Trogger Keith Thompson took part in the Quantock Fell race, an extremely hilly off road run from Holford. The stunning route was made even more beautiful by the snow on the top of the Quantocks. Keith finished in 13th place (1.05.37).

On Valentines Day, Adam Gold competed in the Tough Ten (mile) race in Weston-Super-Mare. In this popular and challenging multi terrain race, Adam ran well to finish 152nd (1.11.43).

n DAVE Booth took pride of place for the Hydro Harriers in Sunday’s Hestercombe Humdinger race. A time of 1.06.36 won Booth the V50 category, and achieved 30th place overall in the field of 317. The three other Harriers entered all claimed top half finishing positions – Mark Sawyer (66th, 1.12.47), Nigel Robinson (116th, 1.18.39) and James Timmins (134th, 1.20.00).

FOR A Hestercombe Humdinger picture special, see today's (Thursday) County Gazette.