THE first Granite Tors half marathon, The Hameldown Hammer, is a tough, challenging trail race, designed to be a serious test of endurance.

The race start and finish was in the village of Widecombe-In-The-Moor, at the foot of the Hameldown ‘massif’ and surrounded by some of Dartmoor’s most iconic granite tors.

The Hammer has a total ascent of over 600 metres, is 98% trail over a series of well defined, grassy, rocky, sometimes muddy tracks and through forestry glades. Most significantly, there is a double ascent of the Hameldown Ridge. BAT Chris Anthony finished in the first running of this new event in an unofficial time of 2.11.24.

Of the local half-marathon races, the Bideford half marathon is known to be one where competitors can see the fruits of training develop into real results. For five Bere Alston Trekkers, Sunday’s race did not disappoint.

The Bideford half-marathon route follows the river Torridge via the A386, toward Great Torrington. After a little over six miles the route turns away from the road at “The Puffing Billy”, to join the Tarka Trail, returning via Bideford Station then crossing the Torridge via Bideford Long Bridge.

Results were: Ben Neale, 1.17.25; Laura Hogan, Mel Greaves and Julian Setterington 2.15.02; and Ann Woodhouse 2.52.57. Ben was first BAT home, being ninth overall in the race, Ann Woodhouse celebrated her return to this event by coming fourth in her age category and Mel Greaves set two personal bests, breaking her half marathon PB by 8 minutes, and a new course personal best by some 22 minutes.