Road shoes or off-road shoes, that is always the question for the Templer Ten, writes Colin Flood.

This popular Newton Abbott race comprises about five miles on road and track, and another five in fields and woods.

Despite overnight rain, the three experienced Sidmouth runners all opted for ordinary road shoes, and were soon regretting their decision.

The weather couldn’t make up it’s mind either, there was blue sky and sunshine for the start and finish, and a magnificent rainbow with it’s inevitable rain in the middle.

Once off the road and in the fields, things got slippery.

However, by way of a diversion, a resident herd of cows entered into the spirit of the occasion, and joined in the race!

After that, it was along the river and by the canal, and through Stover Country Park to the finish.

Colin Flood finished in 1 hour 21 minutes, with John Doherty happy to clock 1:28. Mick Allen (1:34) came in covered in muddy handprints.

He claimed to have slipped over, and been helped to his feet by an attractive lady marshal - but no-one witnessed this, so we don’t really know what went on!