OKEHAMPTON runners Guy and Ellie Shayler and Tavistock runners Dave and Mollie Rickwood took the long drive north to the Lake District to compete in the 37th annual Saunders Mountain Marathon.

They were running in the Bedafell class which is a team event for an adult and child between the age of 14 and 17.

The event is run over two days with each team carrying all their own equipment, and self-navigating around a complex orienteering route with around 50 teams in the Bedafell class.

This year's event took place in the fells close to Coniston and the routes were roughly 18 kilometres on the first day with 1,200 metres of climb and 16 kilometres on the second day with around 1,000 metres of climb.

There was a fairly intimidating start with thunder and lightning but Ellie and Guy finished in a superb 32nd position, especially given that Ellie had only recently turned 14 and was taking part for the first time. Mollie and Dave, who are members of Tavistock AC, came in 6th being the first mixed team home.