ON Sunday lone Bere Alston Trekker Matthew Head took part in The Combe Gibbet, a stunning and challenging 16 mile cross country race through the beautiful Berkshire and Hampshire countryside to Overton and organised by Overton Harriers.

It is said to be an ideal race for those preparing for the April marathon season and for competitors looking to do half and full Ironman triathlons in the summer. Matt, pictured with TAC training partner Ben Neale, completed the arduous course in very warm conditions, finishing in 1 hour 55 minutes.

Meanwhile, in Bournemouth, intrepid lady BAT Heather Lee completed the British Heart Foundation Bournemouth Bay Half Marathon in 2.19.30 in similarly warm and sunny conditions. This popular, mainly flat road race follows the coast for eight miles and enjoys great support from marshals and crowds alike. Heather’s 80s’ themed outfit was all part of her fundraising effort.

Northern BAT Jaynie Turner was racing in the Asda Foundation City of Lincoln 10k. This is one of the biggest road races in the region, which attracts a field of thousands, and boasts a route that takes in some of Lincoln’s historic landmarks, including the cathedral and the city’s Roman Walls. Competitors also enjoyed a fly past by the Red Arrows. Jaynie crossed the line in 53.54.

The Bere Alston Trekkers hold an annual event the BerePen10. This is a 10K road race run around the Bere Peninsula. It starts in Bere Alston drops down to Weir Quay where it passes along the beautiful River Tamar before returning to Bere Alston. The 2016 event raised £581.25 for local good causes, this generated by the proceeds from the event and sponsorship that club member Andy Cowden received by completing the event in American Civil War uniform.

The five local good causes that BATs decided to support who each received a cheque for £116.25 were: first Bere Alston Brownies, seconnd Bere Alston Scout Group, Bere Peninsula Foodbank, Dartmoor Search and Rescue and the Bere Peninsula youth club Youth to Youth. Cheques were presented to representatives of each organisation at the BATs club night on March 29.

The 2017 Bere Pen 10 will be held on May 27, details and entry forms are available from the BATs website www.berealstontrekkers.co.uk/races/bere-pen10k/