BERE Alston Trekkers were out in force this weekend, enjoying races both locally and further afield.

Close to home, Matt Luckham and BAT sisters Hazel Bickley and Heather Lee (pictured) ran the 5kool race in Tavistock, organised by Tavistock Athletic Club. This is a monthly 5k race held on the third Saturday at Tavistock College, starting and finishing on the athletics track with a trip out to the Meadows and back in between for all levels of competitor, and seniors and juniors alike.

Matt was the first across the line for the BATs in 24 minutes 15 seconds followed by Hazel, who completed the course in 27.59 and gaining a distance personal best. Close behind was her sister Heather in 29.05.

Three Bere Alston Trekkers, Hilary and Martin Head and Natasha Ayres (accompanied by her husband Steve) went to Bodmin for the Bodmin Half Marathon.The event continues to gain popularity and this, the sixth year, was the biggest yet.

The Bodmin Half Marathon is organised by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and is run through the beautiful grounds of the National Trust’s Lanhydrock House. The race starts and finishes at Bodmin College and is 13.1 miles of multi-terrain. The event is open to all — runners can be accompanied by the four legged friends, and Hilary and Martin took the opportunity to run with their ten year-old border collies Jasper and Pippa.

This slightly longer than most hilly multi-terrain course is gaining in popularity each year with stunning views throughout the run, making the hills just that bit more bearable.

For the 1,800ft of ascent/descent and four miles of tarmac and 9.5 miles of compact trails, all three BATs made the mistake of wearing trail shoes when road shoes should have been the preferred choice. The BATs were running for their own enjoyment and to contribute to the two worthy causes that benefit from the event - The Fire Fighters Charity and Ellie’s Haven — Cornwall (a charity providing holidays to families caring for children with long term and life limiting illnesses).

All three BATs finished with smiles on their faces. First home was Martin (with Pippa) followed by Natasha and Steve and then Hilary (with Jasper). Finishing times were unavailable as the Times went to press.