BERE Alston Trekkers have taken part in a number of events over the past week. 

Their toughest event was the South Downs Way 100 in Sussex which is a 100 mile continuous point to point trail race along the South Downs Way, from Winchester to Eastbourne.

The race began at 6am on Saturday and runners must reach the finish line in Eastbourne within 30 hours or by noon the next day to be recognised as an official finisher. There are further cut offs on route.

The South Downs Way crosses a huge range of terrain types and underfoot conditions vary greatly. At times the SDW becomes dirt road, woodland tracks, rocky chalk ascents and descents, grass, mud or in places tarmac.

Taking part in this really tough event was lone BAT Rachel Wood.  Rachel was supported by her crew (Team Weird Chicken), Gilly Champion and club member Murray Turner who kept the rest of the club updated with Rachel's progress as she made her way across the Downs.  Rachel finished in an excellent time of 25 hours 02 minutes 37 seconds — it was a great achievement and the club congratulated her for her efforts.

On June 10, on a glorious summer's evening, three BATs took part in the third of Armada Athletic Networks 5k series in the grounds of Saltram House, Plympton. This is a multi-terrain 5k suitable for all abilities of runner, held on the second Wednesday of the month.

BATs taking part were Martin Head who came home in 24 minutes 54 seconds in a personal best; Matthew Luckham 26.00 and Hilary Head 33.25 (PB).

On Sunday a humid morning saw 15 BATs take on the Plym Valley Challenge. Organised by Instinctive Sports this is a multi-terrain run of seven country miles within Plym Bridge woods on rough ground with uneven steps and a steep slope. The start and finish is at Tor Bridge High, Estover. The route follows old tram tracks and logging tracks out to Hatshill Wood, below Bickleigh Village and then returns along the river valley navigating two disused rail bridges. There is then a short run along the old canal before turning right over Plym Bridge back into the woods and then the climb back up the hill to return to Tor Bridge High.

A number of BATs recorded personal bests. First male BAT home and eighth overall was Steve Hill and first lady BAT was Julie Page who also finished first in her age group for the second time this summer.

Steve Hill 0.50.42; Julie Page 1.04.53; Sally Dunn 1.08.33; Martin Head 1.08.33; Emma Dooney 1.13.13; Matthew Luckham 1.17.00; Tobias Rankin 1.17.00; Frances Morgan 1.17.47; Kate Glanville 1.20.53; Natasha Ayres 1.23.41; Alison Greaves 1.23.41; Mel Greaves 1.23.41; Christine Le Flem 1.29.40; Jo Vella 1.29.40 and Hilary Head 1.41.01.

Running the Potters 'Arf Marathon was the clubs Bat 'up North' Andy Cowden, who finished in a time of 1.59.57 and Nicky Edmunds who completed the Swansea Half Marathon in 2.21.00.

 BATs will next be running at next weekend's South Downs Trail half and full marathon which is this year's club trip.