MEMBERS from both Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) and Tavistock Athletics made their way to Newnham Park on Sunday for the annual Autumn Trail race. 

This was the tenth anniversary of the race and unfortunately the last time it will be hosted by Frank Elford Sports.

It was a sunny day and with more than two weeks without rain the going was good and the four river crossings were not as high as in previous years. The race is all off-road and winds it way through woods, up a steep hill that is completely open to the elements. 

Once at the top the runners had to negotiate their way through the woods, over tree roots, under low branches and through some areas of thick mud which were quickly cleaned in the river.

Three Tavistock runners were making their debut races for the club: John Marshall, Sally Benson and Hannah Colston. These and other runners from both clubs were running the race as part of their training for the Cardiff Half-Marathon next month. 

Jo Kelsey finished second lady overall; Sheila Houghton ran a great time and finished fourth in her age group. Chris Eastaugh, Steve Groombridge, Allan Herdmann and Robin Musgrave were also placed in their age group.

Runners from Tavistock Athletics are pictured.  Their times were as follows: Chris Eastaugh 0:52:07; Steve Groombridge 0:52:23; Jo Kelsey 0:53:20; Jon Meek 0:55:58; Allan Herdmann 0:57:20; Ben Houghton 0:58:44; Robin Musgrave 0:59:56; Rob Kirby 1:01:31; Sam Fraser 1:01:34; Sue Bratchley 1:02:52; Pete Bazeley 1:03:15; David Twine 1:03:16; Nicole Heryet 1:05:45; Tony Shearer 1:06:31; Jemma Sharman 1:07:22;  Ali Harris 1:08:27; Pete Searle 1:09:08; John Marshall 1:09:55; Adrian Bower 1:12:05; Keith Bowles 1:12:46; Hannah Colston 1:16:24; Hazel Walker 1:18:46; Sheila Houghton 1:19:13; Andy Houghton 1:20:00; Nick Pilkington 1:20:03; Lesley Cowie 1:21:15; Mary-Bridget Flynn-Samuels 1:22:28; Sally Benson 1:25:34 and Helen Alcock 1:28:11.

 First male Bat home (by two seconds) and making his club debut was the newest member, Chris Babb. He was chased home by Laurence Sargeant who ran a course personal best (CPB). First lady Bat was Dotty Allan, who achieved a course personal best, as did Sue Collins.

Bere Alston Trekkers and Tavistock Athletic club members expressed thanks to Frank Elford, his staff and helpers for providing both clubs with a great race for the past ten years.