Three Maverick Runners took part in Exeter’s First Chance 10k, which is the traditional curtain-raiser for the new race year.

Starting near the Exeter Quay, the course takes runners on two laps of the Exeter Basin cycle path, passing the famous Double Locks, before a sprint finish back along the quayside.

The race took place in conditions perfect for running, with cool, but not chilly temperatures and not a breath of wind.

The race is billed as flat and fast, with potential for personal best times – and it didn’t disappoint, with many runners posting their fastest yet times for the distance.

This was especially true for two Maverick Runners.

Neil Castree, making his debut for the Newton Abbot-based club, took a minute and 14 seconds off his previous best time for the distance, and a whopping three minutes off his course best for this race.

Now one of the mainstays of the Mavericks, Paul Dodson also finished with a new personal best, trimming 25 seconds off his 10k best time.

In a field with a very strong top end, Daryl Milford had to settle for 23rd place, but still led the Mavericks home in a finishing time of 36.35. Castree was 67th in 40.29 and Dodson was 89th 41.41. There were 515 finishers.

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