SEVEN members of Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) ran the Cockington Christmas Caper earlier this month.

The day was crisp and bright and the course challenging with ankle deep mud, lung-busting climbs and slippery descents. The run, described as 8 1/4 miles of mud, sweat, tears and laughter, started at Occombe Farm and went across fields, up hills and along woodland tracks with occasional breath-taking views out to Torbay and whilst there was plenty of laughter, fortunately no tears.

First Bat home was Derek Hicks in 1.38.05, followed by Mike and Heather Smith in 1.56.53, Sarah Cohen and Emma Louise Dooney in 2.00.42 with Jo Vella and Mel Greaves finishing together in a time 2.02.00.

All runners received a mug and well deserved slice of Christmas cake.