LAST Sunday a large colony of Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) set off for Bideford to take part in the annual half marathon road race, which attracted more than 1,000 runners from all over the South West.

The Bideford is slightly undulating on the Tarka Trail and there were 25 Bats on the course, with 10 making their half marathon debuts and five personal bests.

First lady Bat home and second in her age group was Rebecca Mingo; second lady was Sally Dunn who ran a great debut half marathon. First male Bat home was Laurence Sergeant who was chased home by Matt Luckham.  Tobias Rankin achieved a superb 17 minute personal best.  Another noticeable achievement was Christine Le Flem who was not only making her Bats race debut but was first in her age group. 

Mel Greaves and Emma Dooney did the club proud by winning the fancy dress prize and running their first half marathon dressed as Bat girls.

On Saturday evening two Bats took part in The Wild Night Run which started and finished at South Brent Village Hall, Dartmoor. 

The 10 mile event which starts at 6pm, sees the first five miles being mainly uphill following the river to Shipley Bridge before a tarmac section and then onto Dartmoor. The second half is mainly downhill but with a couple of short sharp climbs.BATs congratulated Fran Morgan and Rachel Wood for their great effort.

The Sport Relief Bere Pen Mile takes place on Sunday, March 23. To enter The Bere Pen Mile visit http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/result?id=2044">http://my.sportrelief.com/search/event/result?id=2044