THE arrival of ’Hurricane Doris’ did little to dampen the spirits of intrepid members of Bere Alston Trekkers this weekend, who took to races near and far.

Seasoned campaigner Marcia Macey laced up on Saturday and took on the South Devon stage of Endurance Life’s Coastal Trail Series - a sell-out race which has become a cult classic.

The course, which starts at Beesands village and weaves its way around the coastline, before heading inland to tackle a few of the infamous Devon hills, is contained within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is simultaneously picturesque and punishing.

With its blend of jagged rocks interspersed with idyllic sandy coves, this coastline is billed by race organisers as both ‘jaw droppingly beautiful and hugely inspiring.’ BAT Marcia ran the half marathon course, finishing strongly in 2 hours 59 minutes 08 seconds.

Meanwhile, Northern BAT’s were out in full to run the Alsager 5 in Cheshire. Just less than 1,000 runners lined up in cold but dry and sunny conditions to tackle the fast and flat course that attracts a quality field from around the country, won this year in a time of 23 minutes 44 seconds.

Andy Cowden was first BAT home in a time of 38.06, followed by Jaynie Turner in 41.48; Angelo Apa achieved a personal best of 43.26 for the distance and Sara Apa finished in a time of 52.16.