THE resurgence in running and jogging as a recreational activity was mirrored as record numbers of athletes of all abilities and ages turned up last Wednesday for the second of the Minehead Sea Front series.

In the Under 10s 0.8 mile race, the absence of any runners from the Minehead schools left it to Danesfield, Crowcombe and Knights Templar to fight for the places.

Without James Miles from Danesfield, Jason Strong, after last month's success when he finished more than 30 seconds ahead of the third placed runner, would have expected an easy ride.

But this month, ten well-improved runners came within 30 seconds of him.

Rosie Wilson improved by 18 seconds and Crowcombe's Fiona Pascall by 39 seconds to claim second and third spots.

Fourth placed Adam Bishop (Danesfield) improved by eight seconds, Lydia Rosling (Danesfield) in fifth improved by 11, sixth placed Michael Hutchinson (Knights Templar) improved by 2 and Ryan Strong (Knights Templar) improved by 25 seconds.

In the Under 12s and Under 14s 1.6 miles race, Brett Worbey probably expected an easy time in the absence of last month's contenders Julia Moorish, also from Tiverton, and West Somerset Community College's Jason Coates, but Luke Milton from the lower age group had other ideas.

A two-year age difference when you are 12 is pretty daunting, but Luke has put any lower status worries behind him.

Clipping several seconds off last month's time, he now has the overall 1.6 mile series leader well in his sights.

Just seven seconds adrift, his second circuit in this two-lap course was impressive.

Behind Luke in the U12s, Andy Wilson and Callum Knight again fought for second and third places, and although Callum improved his time by 13 seconds, the Danesfield duo were never in contention.

Natalie Bull overhauled Tiverton team mate Beth Pascall and Ladymead's Kate Baker in a thrilling girls' finish, two seconds covering the three runners.

U12 results: Boys, 1 Luke Milton (Mine M) 9.47, 2 Andy Wilson (Danes) 10.29, 3 Callum Knight (Danes) 10.33; Girls, Natalie Bull (Tiv) 11.20, 2 Beth Pascall (Tiv) 11.21, 3 Kate Baker (Ladymead) 11.22.

While Brett Worbey's winning time was slower than last month, newcomer from Queen's College, Richard Hannon, upset the form book by finishing in front of Tiverton's Tom Bennet who improved his time by 20 seconds from his second position in October.

Katherine Humphries again took the girls' title for Tiverton while for West Somerset Community College Lorraine Compton picked up the fourth position beating school mate Emily Ahern by 47 seconds.

U14 results: Boys, 1 Brett Worbey (Tiv) 9.40, 2 Richard Hannan (Queen's) 10.17, 3 Tom Bennett (Tiv) 10.41; Girls, 1 Katherine Humphries (Tiv) 10.02, 2 Lucy Slocombe (Queen's) 10.34, 3 Melanie Moore (Tiv) 11.03.

In the senior 3 mile race, Taunton's Robert Smyth was in an uncompromising mood when he lined up against Exeter's Royston Green, a Minehead-based athlete who needs track facilities and joined Exeter two years ago.

Smyth won by 15 seconds — a challenging gap for Green to close in the next race.

From the start, some 20 runners hurtled past the 400 metre mark faster than last month's winners, but by the first turn at Culvercliffe, Smyth led by ten metres from Green and Rod Hole (South West Road Runners).

At half-way, Smyth was 12 seconds up on his time last month, a pace which told on David Farmer (West Somerset Community College), who was in contention until then.

Second behind Smyth in October, Farmer lost precious seconds in the last mile and was almost caught by Louis Randall from King's College.

Further down the field, locals Matthew Sully and recent signing Stuart Creech (Minehead) battled out eighth and ninth position, followed by much-improved Mike Auton.

The community college secured a 1, 2, 3 for the Under 17 category, toppling Taunton's dominance over the past two seasons.

Whilst Dave Berry led a middle order bunch of Minehead Club runners last month, it was Tony Slade who deservedly came out on top this time.

Knocking 29 seconds off his October time, he left Clive Goulty, Bill Wallace and Berry in his wake. Minehead's other two new signings, Anthony and Stuart Weaver, also ran well.

In the ladies' race Queen's Caroline Lewis improved her time, beating second-placed Ann-Marie Dormann by nearly a minute.

First home for Minehead was again veteran Anne Dyer, followed by Anne Coles, Wendy Poole and Trish Waterman.

The next races are on December 1.

Minehead Running Club veteran John Lethaby ventured to Moliax in France to run in a half marathon involving more than 4,000 runners.

The race incorporated the French road running championship and John finished 17 in the over 60 category and was 1,560th overall.

Accompanied by Bill Wallace, he then competed in the Ilminster 10k road race.

Bill finished in 42 mins 10 secs and John Lethaby 44. 20, winning the over 60 category.