THE Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) were well represented this weekend at the fifth anniversary of Hope24. This is a special event which every year the BATs support – either running in teams or as soloists or cheering on competitors.

Located in Plympton on the private Newnham Estate, the event provides a friendly atmosphere for runners to get together and challenge themselves to achieve their own targets. Based on a five-mile trail course in this stunning estate, this event is open for solo runners or teams of two to eight, over a 24-hour period.

With 11 BATs taking on the challenge this year, the cumulative total of miles completed on the course over the 24 hour period was 363, with Derek Hicks, Laura Hogan, Mel Greaves and Fran Morgan all clocking up 60 miles each, followed by Fiona Maddock with 55 miles, Marcia Macey completing 50 miles, Julian Setterington and Andy Cowden completing 40 miles apiece, and Jaynie Turner.

Taking part in Hope5 were husband and wife team Paul and Debbie Ashtom. For most BATs, this was a great opportunity to test themselves and their abilities on a well supported course, and for most of the Trekkers this meant total mileage score far in excess of anything they had run before. Hope24 and its associated shorter races are also fund raising events, with profits from this year’s race being donated to Hope for Children and Dartmoor Rescue