TWO intrepid Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) took part last weekend in the Bude Brute. 

The Brute is 22 miles over some of the toughest terrain in North Cornwall which the organisers say 'is designed to test the best and not to be under estimated', all entrants must have have fell, mountain or cliff running experience in order to take part. 

The course required the 17 competitors to self-navigate the route which started at Crooklets car park in Bude and wound its way up and down cliff paths, through bogs and woods and across open fields out to Stowe Barton, Woodford, Morwenstow Church where a loop was followed to Duckpool before returning back along the coastal path to Crooklets. 

The weather was not on the side of the runners with gail force winds and heavy rain for most of the day which made some of the 500 plus feet climbs

Taking part for the Bats and making his cross-country debut, was Nathan Newton who ran a brilliant race and finished in the superb time of 03.38.26 and in the top 10.  One of the few women taking part was Dotty Allan who finished in a time of 4.39.27.

Nathan and Dotty were taking part in the Brute as part of their training for the Cornish Marathon later in the year and, with a large number of other Bats, will be taking part in the Autumn Trail next weekend in Plympton.