A RECORD number of Bere Alston Trekker?s (BATs) competed in the Killerton Kanter 10k at the weekend which was held in the beautiful grounds of Killerton House, Exeter. This was the second time that the Bats had competed in scorching sunshine and with temperatures reaching 22°C they covered the flat start for the first mile and a half in good times. After this, a mile-long gradual rise brought the runners out onto the highest and hottest point of the route. From here the route undulated and weaved its way around woodland tracks and paths. Some of these were still wet from the heavy rains earlier in the week making the going fairly muddy underfoot. Along with negotiating puddles, tree roots, steps and some steep hills, running in the hot midday sun was hard work for all competitors. The last 400 metres brought the runners back to the house and a fast downhill finish where shade, cold drinks and souvenir t-shirts were afforded to all. This was another ?first? for one of the Bats, Sam Gadd (bib number: 128) made her debut for the club. Although hot at the finish Sam enjoyed this multi-terrain race and recorded an excellent time. Bats are pictured celebrating in the shade (top left to right: Rebecca Harwood: 01:16:49; Helen Eggleton: 01:00:22; Chamaine Blamey: 01:04:53; Alan Catto: 01:10:52; Sue Catto: (R); bottom left to right: Dotty Allan: 01:13:22; Patsy Boon: 01:08:14 and Sam Gadd: 01:07:50). l PATSY Boon also competed in the Meet Your Max race held in Truro last Wednesday evening. This is a running event, run by Runners for Runners, and fit runners who relish a challenge are encouraged to take part. It is not, however, an event for walkers or the faint hearted! This 10Km true multi-terrain course is said to be the best in Cornwall. It starts on grass, marsh within 100 metres, courses around fields on old pasture (good for spectators ), and then heads away on a circular route. This includes about two miles of woodland tracks and rides (some stone metalled), two miles of field paths and field headlands, mixed grassland and arable and also some sections of tarmac in short lengths. The course also includes three stream crossings and varying amounts of mud, (depending on the weather), several short scrambles and four uphill sections ? the steepest is 1 in 3. Patsy, although waist high in mud and water, thoroughly enjoyed the event and finished in a time of 01:12:01 ? all Bats have promised to take part next year!
