MORE than 100 runners took part in the 2016 Bere Pen 10k road race hosted by Bere Alston Trekkers as part of the village carnival week which this year had a Wild West theme.

The Bere Pen 10k is a scenic three down, three up road run around the Bere Peninsula which passes along the beautiful River Tamar. The route starts in the village and winds its way steeply down to Weir Quay providing a fast start for all participants. However, once runners reach the flat along the banks of the Tamar it is then a hard slog up some steep hills before re-entering the village for a fast downhill to the finish.

The organisation of the event provided an example of the dedication and hard work amongst the BATS as a team, with special regard to Derek Hicks as race director and Rachel Wood as head marshal. Those BATS who did not run the event were busy behind the scenes with the organisation of the event, marshalling and even baking cakes.

Category prizes were awarded as follows: first senior male (and first overall) Jack Lawson 36 minutes 02 seconds, male 30 Rob Williams 40.19, male 40 Steve Hill of Plymouth Harriers 37.22, male 50 Kevin Baskott 42.26 of Tamar Trotters, male 55 Martin Exley-Deane Tavistock Athletic Club 41.52, Male 60 David Twine Tavistock Athletic Club in 45.39. First senior female Nicola Noble 47.15, female 30 Sara Collman 45.50, female 40 Jaine Swift Erme Valley Harriers 48.35, female 50 Sharon Daw East Cornwall Harriers 47.12, female 55 Kate Rodgers Tavistock Athletic Club 57.07, female 60 Lucy Payne 57.38.

Team BATS times were as follows: Andy Bowden 50.17, Julie Page and Sally Dunn 51.38, Lisa Birch 56.17, Ralph Elmes 57.05, Fran Morgan 58.08, Alison Greaves 58.32, Laura Hogan 58.47, Alicia Maciejowska 1.05.31, Hazel Bickley 1.07.00 (a course PB), Andy Cowden and Philip King 1.21.45.

Organisers gave special thanks to the local Scouts and Brownies for manning the water stations, Helena Smith for photography during the event, David Page for being lead rider amongst his other roles, all the marshals, the carnival committee, Tavistock Athletic Club for the loan of their signage and the Armada network for the loan of timing equipment and other equipment, Adam Smith for the PA system and Dartmoor Rescue group providing first aid cover. Most importantly though thanks to all the individual runners who participated.