Eight Carn Runners had got their entries in early enough and made their way up to Whitchurch Down on the edge of the moor just outside of Tavistock.
The wind made it feel a few degrees chillier than the 11 registering on my car dashboard display.
After a brief warm up, it was time to join the herds milling around the start.  The race commentator/organiser (he’d give Brendan Foster and Crammy a run for their money behind the microphone) did a sterling job to get things in order ready for the start hooter to sound at exactly midday.

We headed out onto the moor and those who have run this before knew that this meant a gradual uphill for the first two and a half miles.
Donna was leading the Carnies and tucked in behind early ladies race leader, Revis Crowle.  Revis was taking it steady and Donna knew that to pull up alongside her would result in a Paula Radcliffe type response NYC style.

Chris Harper  (above) was next, oblivious to the fact that Les Smitham was in the race and had him in his sights.  This would surely have had Chris looking over his shoulder had he known that Speedy Les was ‘on his case’.

Bravest run of the day was Ceri (above).  With a ‘cricked’ neck from either too much violin playing or other ladies ‘activities’ (are you smiling, Rich? No wonder you need your heart monitored!), she shouldn’t have even been there.  However, anyone who knows Ceri knows she sweetens her race day porridge with 6 inch nails!  A bit of extra pain never did anyone any harm!
Pete Drew was next.  He loves this race and was in good form.
Carol Culley had shifted her mid-week cold and marked her Tavy 7 debut with an excellent run.  Her little legs were a blur coming down to the finish and not a hint of them wanting to take a wrong turn and get lost anywhere.

Barry Drew (above) had started at the back of the field and made his way steadily up through the field.  Carole Drew, another Tavy convert, also had another great run on this excellent course.

Donna (below) managed to keep in touch with Revis, who’s showing a return to her best, and finished just 20 seconds behind her as 2nd Lady in 45:37.

Chris managed to beat his time from 12 months ago coming home in 48:13.  No sooner than he’d collected his goody bag Les crossed the line in 49:21.
Pete Drew’s trademark white cap was spotted approaching the finish and he crossed the line in 54:07.
Five minutes later, Ceri was finishing and you had to feel for the girl.  She didn’t look happy.  Don’t fret, Ceri.  We all know the score and what you can deliver when the odds aren’t against you like they were today.  Hold your head up. Doh, sorry!! 
The Culleymeister was next with Barry just behind and Carole making it 8 Carnies completing the 2007 Tavy 7.