ON Friday members of Bere Alston Trekkers swapped their lycra and running shoes for something more glamorous, as they flew to Taylors Restaurant in Tavistock. They enjoyed an evening of social interaction, the chance to swap some tall running stories over a Christmas meal arranged by club social secretary Emma Dooney, and more importantly, to recognise the achievement of club members over the last 12 months.

Club chairman Martin Head, who took over the reins from his predecessor and club founder Dotty King earlier this year, presented the awards to the Trekkers across a number of categories, while referring to the notable achievements of many of the club’s members over the last 12 months, which made the allocation of the awards a difficult decision.

The club members’ votes went to Dave Dencer and Jennie Smith for best new male and female members respectively, both of whom had made significant gains in their running achievements since joining the BATs in the previous 12 months.

A number of nominations were received for the award of male BAT of the Year, which was secured by popular member and coach, Murray Turner, who continues to expand his running repertoire, most notably by completing the Mudcrew’s Black RAT. Race earlier this year, a 64-mile coastal race on the Roseland Peninsula. Murray will be training hard over the winter, having secured a place in the club ballot to run the Virgin London Marathon next May.

The award of female BAT of the Year was hotly contested with a number of nominations having been received, but when the voting closed the result was tied between social secretary Emma Dooney, and leader in running fitness Mel Greaves, both of whom have pushed themselves further than they have before both in terms of the distance covered this year, and calibre of races they have successfully completed.

A number of nominations were received for ‘club member’, resulting in a tie between Martin Head and Mel Greaves.

The separate category of coaches awards encompasses both improver of the year along with athlete of the year, with Fiona Maddock and Laura Hogan respectively scooping these awards for their notable achievements and consistent performance throughout the year.

The committee stars’ awards were given to Julie Page and Sally Dunn. Julie has proved herself to be a talented athlete, achieving many ‘good for age’ category awards this year, but still having time to encourage and support her peers, and having recently trained as a leader in running fitness.

The second committee star, Sally Dunn has faced a number of challenges over the course of the year, but has remained cheerful and continues to enjoy her running; she is currently looking forwards to preparing for the Virgin London Marathon in which Sally will be raising money for some worthwhile causes which are very close to her heart.

Finally, the chair’s award was given to northern BAT Andy Cowden who, despite being a resident of Chester, still finds time to support the BATs and to regularly compete in races in the South West.

Andy ran the Club’s Bere Pen 10 earlier this year dressed in full American Civil War regalia and in doing so, raised £521.45 for local charities.