UNDER blue sky and sunshine members of Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) made their way to Pensilva last weekend to take part in the Cornish Marathon.

The Cornish is a tough, extremely picturesque, out and back course, along the Draynes Valley, Bodmin Moor, Bolventor (Jamaica Inn), Fowey Valley and back to Pensilva and it is known widely as the third toughest marathon in the UK.

The race starts from Millenium House in Pensilva, where its relatively flat gradient makes for a gentle start.

However, it is most definitely the 25 miles after that, particularly the climb to Foredown between miles 24 and 25, which is more than 2,400ft of climbing, and much of this occurring after the critical 20 mile point.

First male Bat home and running his first marathon was Steve Hill who ran strongly throughout to finish 31st overall out of a field of 300.

First home for the ladies, joint first in their age group and part of the overall ladies' team were running buddies Rebecca Mingo and Sarah Burns.

Sam Lake ran well to finish third in her age group, part of the winning ladies' team and a distance personal best (PB).

Also running her first marathon was Sally Dunn. Sally worked hard during her training and remained focused all through the event to finish as part of the winning ladies' team.

A big well done also to Nathan and Paul who both ran course PBs.