LAST weekend saw eight Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) taking part in the tough Cornish Marathon.

The Cornish is a tough, extremely picturesque, out and back course, along the Draynes Valley, Bodmin Moor, Bolventor (Jamaica Inn), Fowey Valley and  back to Pensilva and is known widely as the third toughest marathon in the UK. The race starts from Millennium House in Pensilva, where it's relatively flat however it is most definitely the 25 miles after that, particularly the climb to Foredown between miles 24 and 25 which contains some steep hills.

However, with miles and miles of hard training under their wings and taking part in tough events throughout the year, the Bats were ready to take on the Cornish challenge.

First Bats home and first joint ladies home were Sarah Burns and Rebecca Mingo with both running a course personal best, Sarah by 26 minutes and Rebecca by 13 minutes. 

First male Bat home was Nathan Newton who also ran a course personal best by 16 minutes.  Running their first marathon in great times were Grant Lawrence, Toby Rankin and Dan Mullin.  Paul Mingo was running on the back of the Dublin Marathon also running was Alen Guy who had to retire at mile 12 due to injury.

Team Bat will be running next week at Bicton.