FEARLESS solo BAT Murray Turner lined up last Friday with an elite group of international ultra runners to take on The Mudcrew Raidlight Arc of Attrition, or ‘The AoA’ as it is known.

The AoA is a point-to-point extreme annual coastal race from Coverack to Porthtowan, taking in 100 miles of stunning and dramatic Cornish coastpath with competitors running in challenging winter conditions in what has become a race with a cult following amongst the ultra running community.

Runners complete an arc around the entire south west foot of Cornwall. The race has a strict 36 hour cut-off with additional checkpoint cut-offs on route. With checkpoints approximately 20 miles apart, competitors need the ability to be self-sufficient for long periods of time and to be supported by a crew. Although it follows a way-marked route, the AoA is a self-navigation event and only suitable for experienced ultra runners. There is an entry requirement of at least a 100km finish in an endurance race elsewhere and considerable experience of night time running.

Murray, who was supported by his crew of fellow BATs Martin and Hilary Head, Jo Bourton and previous AoA finisher Rachel Wood, set off in fine if cold conditions at lunchtime on Friday, and although conditions underfoot were heavy going given the amount of rainfall in recent weeks, he completed the first two checkpoints at Porthlevan and Penzance respectively, before being forced to retire at Mousehole due to ill health. Murray completed 43.5 miles of the Cornish coastline in 12 hours 48 minutes 01 seconds and a well earned rest and chance to recover.

On Saturday, Marcia Macey, and Paul Ashton (accompanied by his four legged companion Fruitloop) braved the wintry conditions to run the Dartmoor Trail Running Challenge, organised by The Trail Events Company.

Set in the heart of Dartmoor at Holwell Down, close to the famous Hound Tor, Haytor and the Dartmoor village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, this was a tough area to race, taking in some challenging hills and full speed descents.

There were four distances on offer, with all routes starting and finishing at the main field at Holwell Down before heading off over the moors towards Hound Tor and Haytor Downs, before carrying on towards Yarner Woods.

Both Marcia and Paul opted for the half marathon distance which led them up beside the river towards Becky Falls and Manaton, rounding Great Hounder and heading back to the finish after passing the famous Jay’s Grave. Paul and his dog Fruitloop completed the half marathon in 2.58.18 and Marcia crossed the line in 3.36.21.