THERE were two events last weekend for the Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) to take part in.

The first was the Dorset stage of Coastal Trail Series which is held in the picturesque village of Lulworth. Graded 'severe' the course follows the peaks and troughs of the Jurassic coastline and participants can enter distances of 10k, a loosely termed half marathon (16.3 miles), marathon (27.3 miles) and ultra (33.4 miles).

Nine hundred runners braved the various courses on a bright, but chilly morning.

Most of the runners only had eyes for the treacherous trails underfoot, especially after a gruelling 6,085ft of ascent had depleted their energy.

Paul Mingo retired from the ultra and recorded a marathon time of 6.59, Sarah Burns beat last year's male record to win the ultra marathon in an epic time 5hrs 23mins and Jason Burns ran the half marathon in a time of 3.40. 

The second event of the weekend was the Plymouth Santa Fun Run.  There are two distances to choose from which are both held in the City Centre. 

The two Bats and one Fruit Bat taking part ran the main route of 4k.

There were more than 700 runners taking part, all dressed as Santa including Bats Donna and Dan Luckham and Becky Rankin.