MORE than 130 athletes took part on Sunday in the first road race to be held by the Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats).

The Bere Pen 10k is a scenic three down, three up road run around the Bere Peninsula which passes along the River Tamar.  The route starts in the village and winds its way down to Weir Quay. 

The first half of the run is a very fast downhill making it easy for the runners to cover the ground in good time however, once they reach the flat it is then a hard slog up some very steep hills before re-entering the village for a fast down hill to the finish.

There were prizes for the first three men and first three ladies who were: first man, Dan Rogers from Launceston Road Runners 37minutes 30 seconds; 2, Jason Pascoe from Cornwall AC 38.34; 3, John Shaplan from North Devon Road Runners 39.39. 

In the ladies: 1, Karen Skye from Okehampton Running Club, 43.59; 2, Sharon Daw from Tavistock Athletics, 44.26; 3, Bonny Collingborn 45.44. 

There were also prizes for the first local unaffiliated man and woman who were Phil Baker 48.53 and Keily Allan 58.20.

For the club itself there were 12 Bats out on the course, all finishing in great times.  Laurence Sargent 46.38, Simon Griffiths 49.32, Derek Hicks 51.17, Phil Megicks 55.39, Emma James 58.28, Rebecca Sargent 63.64, Fiona Dawe (race debut) 63.55, Charlotte Rundle (race debut and youngest competitor) 65.24, Patsy Bennett 66.12, Angela Gibbs (race debut) 68.59, Wendy Wilson 73.19 and Alan Catto in 76.25.

Race director Dotty Allan, on behalf of the Bats, would like to thank everyone for taking part, helping on the day, our sponsors, those that marshalled, donated cakes, Bere Alston Bowling Club, Sleep's Garage, Cheryl Baab, Tessa Clarke, Tony Stephenson, The Carnival Queen and Attendants, Dartmoor Rescue Group and all the villagers for their continued support.