NOT content with last weekend’s tough conditions at the Hameldown Hammer, lone Bere Alston Trekker Heather Lee travelled down to St Ives this weekend to take part in The Cousin Jack Classic two organised by Bys Vyken events.

This tough 17.4 mile trail race takes place on a stretch of the coastline described as North Cornwall’s ‘Tin Coast‘ between St Ives and St Just, and is arguably the most beautiful and certainly the most remote section of the entire coast path. It is also one of the most strenuous. There were many steep descents and ascents, with elevation of 3,334 feet , so it took competitors longer than expected to cover the distance. Ancient field systems define a small strip of land between the sea, surging restlessly beneath 300 feet cliffs, and steep rocky tors that represent the highest points in the Penwith Peninsula. This section is characterised by countless rocky headlands and coves and an overwhelming sense of space rarely found in today’s Britain.

Brave BAT Heather battled the high winds, rain and hail to finish this race in 5 hours 19 minutes 16 seconds.

On Sunday, a small group of intrepid BATs lined up to do battle with The Plymouth Stairmaster Challenge, a unique event organised by Fully Sussed Events.

In aid of Brain Tumour Research, competitors have one hour to get up and down as many of the six of the University of Plymouth’s tall buildings as they can, and in any order.

At the top of each building, a stamp is collected before tackling the next building. Plymouth Stairmaster is part of Brain Tumour Awareness month, and is a cause close to the heart of lady BAT Sally Dunn, who will be running the Virgin London Marathon with fellow BAT Lisa Birch to raise funds for this charity.

The next outing for the BATs is next weekend’s 30th anniversary of Axe Valley Runners ‘The Grizzly’.