TEAMS from both the Junior and Senior sections of Taunton Athletics Club battled through the mud and bitter wind at the National Cross Country event at Parliament Hill in London.

They showed the club’s strength and depth, with fine results from young and old.

The Looe 10 Miler is advertised as ‘hilly and hellish’, and 13 brave souls from TAC took up that challenge.

Alice Murray-Gourlay was top of the pile as second-placed lady in 1:09:34.

Full results: Keith Paul (3rd MV50) 1:12:59; Will Nicolle 1:14:22; Craig Whitemore 1:15:15; Kate Drew (3rd senior lady) 1:18:48; Ellie Steer 1:21:10; Robin Green 1:37:14; Nadine Prouse 1:37:38; Lesley Westgate (3rd FV60) 1:38:06; Richard Westgate 1:44:03; Ursula Green 1:44:11; Suzi Griffiths 1:47:40; Sharron Kington 1:50:49.

IN another parkrun won by his son, Sam, last Saturday, Hydro Harrier Andy White completed Minehead in 20:51.

A half-fit Rowland Lyons still improved to finish Valentine’s (Ilford) in 23:38.

Four Hydro Harriers turned out on a cold Thursday night on Weston seafront, for the sixth event of the 2017/18 series.

Ian Salter crossed the line in 32:20, with Chris Jones 21 seconds back, Mark Foss posting 34:39 and James Wright 41:44.

Hydro Harrier Charlotte Norman took on the challenging Two Bays Tough Ten over a multi-terrain hilly route at Weston-super-Mare on Sunday, involving beach, woodland trail and road running.

She crossed the line in 1h 43m 46s, placing her in 416th place from a field of 543 finishers.

A CONTINGENT of seven Running Forever members donned their armour and set off for Hinton St George for the Slay the Dragon trail race.

First home was Ron Foord in 57:47 with the Sally Tuer (1:01), Kim Cross (1:02), Rob Murr, Jo Toogood and Sam Cross (all 1:04) and Lara Bolduc (1:06) not far behind. 

Ali Bissat took on the Pewsey Vale Terminator and completed the 10 miles in 1:38. 

Lucy Spring and Ray Tutton were in Weston for the Two Bays Tough Ten and had times of 1:43 and 1:25.

Five members travelled to Exeter for the 10K. First home was Richard Council in 50:08 with Phil Parsons (53:25) and John Allaway (54:16) hot on his heels. Darren Purchase completed the distance in 61 minutes and Gareth Parsons in 66 minutes.

Nadine Prouse was in Cornwall and took part in the Hilly Hellish 10. 
Ben Timpson took part in the Minehead Running Club Hills to Coast Relay on Saturday.

Hannah Taunton was part of the Taunton AC contingent who travelled to London for the Parliament Hills 8k, the English National Cross Country Championships, and Taunton finished in 33:50, taking a massive chunk off her PB.

This weekend’s parkrun tourists made their way to Montacute, Burnham, Old Deer and Humber Bridge.

Thirty members enjoyed the less soggy paths in Longrun Meadow.