LAST weekend saw seven BATS (Bere Alston Trekkers) make the long journey to Bideford to take part in the 13th Bideford half marathon hosted by the town's running club. The weather, typical of races held in Bideford, was extremely wet and windy, however, although dampening their wings this did hold the BATS back who have trained through the winter for this race - with two of them using the race as a benchmark for the London Marathon next month. The course was a combination of road and disused railway which lead through an area of outstanding natural beauty. The first half of the race was on the road and led from the town up to the Puffing Billy. This part of the course is predominantly hilly and requires a good pace and stride in order to cover efficiently. Once reaching the top and turning the corner onto the Tarka trail it is a fast, flat run to the finish given all competitors an opportunity for a great negative split time. The first BAT home and making his Bideford half marathon debut was Laurence Sargeant who achieved a distance personal best. The first lady home was Dotty Allan who maintained her eight minute mile pace in order to achieve her best half marathon time. Ralph (Tigger) Elmes, who at the grand age of 60, was running his first ever half marathon achieved an outstanding time. Simon Griffiths also achieved a course personal best. Pam Adams, who has recently returned from her voluntary work in Ethiopia, reaped the benefits of a rest and finished with a great time. Mary Sargeant was also making her half marathon debut and won second in her age group and Samantha Grylls, who has worked hard in recent months, achieved a half marathon personal best by running under two hours. BATS TIMES: Dotty Allan, one hour 46 mins 32secs (PB); Laurence Sargeant, 1.36.11 (PB); Ralph Elmes, 1.46.42; Pam Adams, 1.56.09; Samantha Grylls, 1.57.37 (PB); Mary Sargeant, 1.54.42 and Simon Griffiths, 1.52.43 (CPB).
