AFTER a summer of hard training and races it was finally time for the combined club trip of Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) and Tavistock Athletics Club to make their way to Cardiff for the annual half marathon road race last weekend.

This road race, which boasts a field of 7,000 athletes from all over the country as well as international runners, is a fantastically flat course which winds its way around Cardiff, through the harbour area and park back to the castle. 

The added bonus of perfect weather conditions made for a very fast field with a record number of not only course personal bests (CPB) but distance personal bests (DPB) for both clubs.

Making their debut for Tavistock were Sam Eggins, who was also first lady home in a great time, John Marshall, who shaved off a staggering 19 minutes from his previous time, as well as Eunice Moule, Sally Benson, Hannah Colston and Lesley Cowie, who all achieved distance personal bests. 

First man home for Tavistock was Steve Groombridge; he was chased by Allan Herdmann who ran a great time and was first home in his age group.

Tavistock times: Steve Groombridge: 01:23:09; Allan Herdmann: 01:28:55; Pete Bazley: 01:32:31 (CPB); Paul Marshall: 01:33:32 (DPB); Martin Gibbs: 01:39:15; John Marshall: 01:43:51 (DPB); Sam Eggins: 01:44:20; Pete Searle: 01:52:26; Eunice Moule: 01:52:21 (DPB); Hannah Colston: 01:54:06; Rob Moule: 01:54:54; Sally Benson: 01:58:52 (DPB) and Lesley Cowie: 01:59:43 (DPB).

Making his course debut for the Bats was Ralph Elmes, who also achieved a distance personal best and Dave Adams.  First Bat home was Dotty Allan, who also achieved a distance personal best and knocked off eleven minutes from her last Cardiff time.  A special well done to Sam Marshall who not only achieved a distance personal best but knocked almost 15 minutes from her last Cardiff time. Pam Adams also ran a great race and achieved a personal best and thanks to Dave for pacing her around. 

RIGHT: Bat's are pictured with their times: Dotty Allan: 01:44:26 (DPB); Ralph Elmes: 01:45:14 (DPB); Sam Marshall: 01:49:39 (DPB); Dave Adams: 01:53:01 and Pam Adams: 01:53:00 (DPB).