LAST Sunday a team of Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) pulled on their off-road shoes again to take part in the Oh My Obelisk multi-terrain race.

The stiff, 11.5 mile course takes in lanes, woodland trails and open fields. It includes some of the county's prettiest countryside and the organisers had no trouble attracting more than 200 participants.

The outward leg contained a few undulations however it is mostly a punishing uphill slog made even more draining by thick mud underfoot.

Just when runners think that it cannot get any steeper, along came a near-vertical bank between the conifers.

More than one runner resorted to an undignified, four-limbed scramble at this point.

At the six-mile mark, a soggy carpet of fallen pine needles leads you to the hilltop Obelisk that inspired local running club the Dawlish Coasters to create the event.

There was an exhilarating downhill scampers for runners to enjoy on the return journey.

Most of the Bats team were taking part in the event for the first time although three were back to improve last years times. 

Tom Sargeant ran a great return race; achieving a course personal best was Derek Hicks who has spent the last year recoving from back surgery, and achieving a course personal best and finishing first in his age groups was Laurence Sargeant.  Sarah Burns was the first lady Bat home and third lady overall. 

All other Bats ran in great times and finished strong.