A RECORD 140 runners took part in Sunday's Bere Pen 10k road race hosted by Bere Alston Trekkers.

The Bere Pen 10k is a scenic three down, three up road run around the Bere Peninsula which passes along the River Tamar.

The route starts in the village and winds its way down to Weir Quay. The first half of the run is a fast downhill making it easy for the runners to cover the ground in good time; however, once they reach the flat it is then a hard slog up some very steep hills before re-entering the village for a fast downhill to the finish.

The weather was damp and overcast but the rain kept away during the event to make going good for all runners.  First man home was Neil Barkwell from Tavistock Athletic Club and first lady was Jane Allison from Plymouth Harriers in a new course record (by two seconds) of 43 minutes 57 seconds. There were a bumper number of runners from the host team with a total of 36 taking part.  Ben Neale finished third male overall.  Some were running the event for the first time but all Bats ran a great time with some achieving a personal best.

Category prizes were awarded as follows:  First senior male Ben Neale Bere Alston Trekkers 38.38; male 30 and first man home, Neil Barkwell Tavistock Athletic Club 36.25; male 40 Hamish Gallagher 37.49; male 50 Gary Smart Teignbridge Trotters 38.52; male 55 Martin Exley-Deane Tavistock Athletic Club 39.49; male 60 Allan Herdman Tavistock Athletic Club 43.37.  First local unaffiliated man Isaac Hammond 45.05. 

First senior female Emily Stewart 46.09; female 30 Becky Mingo Bere Alston Trekkers 44.44; female 40 and first lady overall, Jane Allison Plymouth Harriers 43.57; female 50 Susan Dark Plymouth Musketeers 52.43; female 55 Linda Trebulluck Plymouth Harriers 54.06; female 60 Bonny Collingbourne 48.33.  First local unaffiliated lady Ruth Charlton 61.40.

There were six spot prizes which were awarded by the race director, Dotty King, these went to Samantha Baker (Bere Alston Carnival Queen), Ben Neale, Mhairi McCall, Sarah Tweedle, Natasha Schock and Mike Beattie.  Best fancy dress was awarded to Dotty and Phil King.

Event organisers said a big thanks to Chris Baab, Janice and Simon Fuller, Phil King, Martin Head, Ralph Elmes, Jo Bourton, Karin Kattenhorn, Adam Smith, Samantha Marshall, Bere Alston Bowling Club, Bere Alston Carnival Committee, Kayleigh and Steph and the villagers from the Bere Peninsula who came out and marshalled and or supported the event.