ATHLETICS

DEVON champion Kevin Heywood added the South West cross-country title to his winter honours with an exceptional run at Bicton College.

The Bideford Blues athlete won the senior men's race in style, powering away from Robbie Bugden in the second half of the four-lap course.

Bugden, representing Cornwall, had outsprinted Heywood to the title when the pair last duelled over the undulating course in 2008.

A repeat of that result never looked likely as Heywood, back to his best after an injury-hit summer, stormed clear to win by more than a minute in the 8k race.

Crowned regional champion for the second time, he is in excellent shape ahead of the South of England Championships in Brighton on January 28.

Heywood's effort led Devon to the team prize with fellow North Devon athletes Mark Jenkin, Shaun Antell and Andrew Ingle part of the six-man team.

Jenkin, of Bideford AAC, was seventh, one place ahead of Antell, of Bristol and West AC, while Ingle, competing in the South West Champs for the first time since 2007, finished 29th.

The under-15 boys provided the most thrilling race of the day and Ned Oliver, of North Devon AC, produced another gutsy run. Oliver, of Holsworthy, claimed third for Devon, just one second behind second place.

One second was the difference, too, as Lucy Campbell, of North Devon AC, just missed out on under-17 women's silver.

Bideford AAC host the fourth meeting of the Brooks Westward Cross Country League on Northam Burrows on Sunday.

Starting at 12.15pm, the event includes races for under-11s, under-13s, under-15s, under-17s and seniors.

Sunday's Gliddon and Squire North Devon Cross Country League meeting has been switched from St Michael's School to West Buckland School.

North Devon Road Runners are hosting Alby's Memorial Braunton 10 on January 29.

Starting at the athletics track in Braunton at 11am, runners will take on a hilly ten-mile course through country lanes.

Entry costs £12, or £10 for those affiliated with England Athletics. Entries are available on the day before 10.30am for £2 extra. To enter visit www.north devonroadrunners.com

More than 300 runners have signed up for the 2012 Bideford Half Marathon, to take place on March 4. For online entry visit www.bidefordaac.co.uk