THE heat was on last week, with several favourite Spirit of Monmouth races cancelled.

But with the worst over on Sunday, Martin Blakebrough and Jeremy Creasey took off to the coastal paths around Woolacombe for the North Devon Half Marathon, which advertises itself as the UK's toughest.

No stroll on the beach, it covers the rough terrain of the rugged coastal path, meaning lots of ups and downs!

Martin also took two tumbles amid the fantastic scenery, but the two ran together to cross in two hours 17 minutes 42 seconds, Jeremy finishing fourth over-55, and the duo no doubt spurred on by each runner being given Devon scones with jam and cream at the finish.

Also on Sunday the original Gloucester 10k was back, a fun, flat race with a field of more than 800 runners who took on a sightseeing tour of the city centre, cathedral and docks.

Holly Jane-Thomas put in a sizzling 50.45 run for her second fastest 10k to take sixth in class (out of 106) as 32nd woman home out of 368.

Parkrun-wise on Saturday, Jeremy Creasey was in Minehead and Martin on the sands of Woolacombe Dunes in preparation for their North Devon HM nextday,

Tom Chinnick put in a fast 19.30 on the hills of Eastville, while Nick Sloper took on the flat paths around Gloucester City taking a second in class in 23.57.

Andrew Hillis was also at Oxford, Linda Lloyd at Ross-on-Wye, and Holly at Llanfoist while Renske Bouwens and Julie Gee enjoyed the views and post-run paddles at Barry Island.

Back home at Chippenham playing fields, Forest of Dean AC’s Marcus Bennetto stormed home fastest in 17.01 followed by teenager Travis Edwards in 17.48, while Bristol AC’s Maria Jones blasted home fastest woman in 18.49.

Spirits included Brian Evans (24.41), followed by Marina Wright, Stephen McMenemy, Rachel Waters, Alison McMenemy and Catherine Eales.