BERE Alston Trekkers (BATs) have markedtheir return to the racing season ? with four personal bests! A number of Bats took part in races throughout the winter months however, the focus has been on hard winter marathon training which has seen three members achieve excellent times at London. Now it is time for club members to reap the rewards of their training by competing and comparing times with past events. The first event was the Ivybridge 10k held at the weekend. A dry, sunny evening with a cool breeze meant that the weather conditions could not have been better. The route started at the station car park and, with over 550 athletes taking part, runners had to pick their way through the pack carefully. Once reaching Bittaford, the race continued up towards Moorhaven Village. Once runners had recovered from the hill it was onto a quiet country road following a level route until reaching the right turn where it was a fast downhill, just enough time for a quick drink and then onto the main road and back to the finish. The first Bat home was Dotty Allan, taking over six minutes off her previous 10k personal best(PB). Second was Sue Collins taking over a minute of her last PB; third was Mary Kelly who took off over a staggering 12 minutes of her last PB and finally Sue Catto who stomped her way over the line to take off over five minutes on last years time ? and with thanks to Alan Catto who paced Mary around the course ensuring a PB. With these fantastic times under their wings the pressure is on for this week?s 10k at Bideford! PICTURED: right to left victorious BATS with their race souvenir mugs: Alan Catto: 00:57:04; Mary Kelly: 00:57:06; Sue Collins: 00:52:08; Dotty Allan: 00:49:26; Sue Catto: 01:02:33.
