A RECORD entry of 152 runners and the encouragement of 40 committed race marshals made the Looe 10-miler on Sunday one to remember.

The 'hellish and hilly' event, started from the Millpool car park and went along West Looe Quay, over The Downs and along the coast to Talland and back to the start.

Now in its fourth year, it has been greatly supported by local running clubs. This year the race also attracted competitors from as far afield as Wales, Southampton and Warrington, said Roger Carter, chairman of organising club the Looe Pioneers.

'The race will be remembered by the fact that in drizzly rain we had 40 very encouraging marshals – that really makes all the difference to the race,' said Mr Carter.

This year's Looe 10 Miler will benefit local charity Ellie's Haven, which is involved in a building project at Duloe to specially adapt a house in readiness to offer free respite holidays to seriously-ill children and their families. The total proceeds have yet to be tallied up.

Taking first places were: Male under 35 Chris Rimmer, Plymouth Harriers; Male 35-44 Simon Parry; Male 45-54 David Beckenkrager, Plymouth Harriers; Male 55+ Terry Leech, East Cornwall Harriers; Female under 35 Sarah Morwood, Bere Alston Trekkers; Female 35-44 Vicky Saunders, Plymouth Muskateers; Female 45-54 Sharon Daw, East Cornwall Harriers; Female 55+ Bonny Collingborn.