DURING one of the toughest weekends of the year, three members of Bere Alston Trekkers (Bats) took part in the Endurance Life South Devon event. 

The Coastal Trail Series South Devon event consists of four races: 10k, half marathon, marathon (29 miles) ultra (35 miles), the ultra following the marathon route then heading out again on the 10k loop.

This year a major landslide a week before the race had closed part of the coastal path but the organisers did a great job changing the course around, making it a little longer than usual but ensuring the race went ahead.

The weather was horrendous with runners getting blown over and running hard against the prevailing winds, as well as slipping and sliding on mud and undertaking some huge climbs but the BATs ran well and finished strong. 

BAT Fran Morgan ran the half marathon in a time of 3 hours 07 minutes 54 seconds.  Sarah Burns and Nathan Newton both took part in the 35 mile ultra with Nathan finishing in a great time of 6hrs 39mins.

Nathan admitted said: 'It was the toughest run I have ever done and I loved every step of it.'

Regretfully due to a mix up by the marshals Sarah was directed to the route of the marathon  and was disappointed to not be able to complete the ultra distance.