LAST weekend it was time for the Bere Alston Trekkers (BATS) to take part in their own event, the Bere Pen 10k. 

The Bere Pen 10k is a scenic three down, three up road run around the Bere Peninsular which passes along the beautiful River Tamar. The race was started by the Bere Alston Carnival Queen and her attendants.

The route starts in the village and winds its way down to Weir Quay. The first half of the run is a very 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 very hard slog up some very steep hills before re-entering the village for a fast down hill to the finish. More than 80 runners took part in the event and although the heat of the day made the going tough for some, there were some really good times. 

First man home was Adam Holland (Votwo) in a time of 37 minutes 27 seconds and first lady was Nicky Putman (Plymouth Harriers) in a time of 47.13. Other prizes were awarded as follows: Vet Male 40 - Tarquin Milford (Teignbridge Trotters), Vet Male 50 - Mike Hansen (Erme Valley Harriers), Vet Male 55 -Eric Foster (Dawlish Coasters), Vet Male 60 -Graham Vallance, Vet Female 40 - Tracey Oxborough (Bere Alston Trekker), Vet Female 50 - Carol Hansen (Erme Valley Harriers), Vet Female 60 - Sally Cole.

First local male unaffiliated Stuart Medhurst and first local female unaffiliated Ruth Charlton.

There were also six spot prizes which were given out to Ben Neale (first Bat home), Graham Vallance (Graham only ever runs this event and gets quicker every time), Phil King and Janice Fuller (fancy dress), Mike Chipperfield (for supporting other runners) and Andy Cowden (furthest travelling Bat).

A special award was made to Fran Morgan (Bere Alston Trekker) for running a massive personal best. Special awards in the form of home baked cakes were made to the last male and female runners home, Rob Gualtieri who was running his first event and Hilary Head who also ran a nine minute personal best.

There was a team of 28 running on behalf of the host club with some of them running their first ever race. All Bats ran brilliantly and were a real support for each other.

Race director Dotty King expressed thanks to the Carnival Committee, especially Lyndsay Gay and Adam Smith, the great team of marshals, Brownies and Scouts for manning the water stations, the medical team, the car parking staff from the Bowling Club and Steph and Kayleigh (£23 was raised from car park donations and this will be sent to Devon Air Ambulance), Bere Alston villagers, the time keepers, Ged Tyrer, Chris Baab, Jo and Dominic, Bourton, Mike and Heather Smith, Karin Kattenhorn, Phil King, George Allan and off course Team Bat.

Fifty pence per entry will be donated to the Hugs for Henry appeal along with further donations made on the day and from Bats who were sponsored for the event.