EARLIER this month in October Bat (Bere Alston Trekkers) Paul Mingo took part in the three day Atlantic Coastal Challenge.

The route starts near Padstow and finishes at Land's End. Complete up to 78.6 miles (three marathons) over three days by walking, running or crawling, pitting their mental and physical prowess against some of the wildest coastline in Britain.

The first day started at Constantine Bay and ran down the north coastline to Perranporth. Runners followed the South West coast path across beaches, headlands and towns. Due to the high tide at Newquay they had to make a detour which brought the mileage up to 29 miles.

The second day started at Perranporth and finished at the event base at Hayle. Runners took a buffeting from the wind on the high cliffs and got lost in the sand dunes near Hayle. Another long section of beach running took them to the finish.

The third day started on the west side of Hayle and finished at Land's End after 28 miles. With four lighthouses on route, stunning scenery and lots of hills it was an event never to be forgotten. 

More sedately and closer to home a team of Bats took part in the Delicious Drake's Trail to help raise money for local charity CHICKS.  This brand new event took food-loving trail runners on a gastronomic tour of the western fringes of Dartmoor between Yelverton and Tavistock.

The trail started at Buckland Abbey and finished at the Moorland Garden Hotel near Yelverton. From the start, participants headed north to Tavistock then looped south to the finish, covering 17 miles of scenic moorland, farmland, country lanes and surfaced trail.  Along the way runners were treated to a variety of locally produced food and drink tasters including beers and wines, savouries, cakes and sweets.

A shorter 10 mile route stopped short in Whitchurch.  Fancy dress was the order of the day and Bats did not disappoint. 

Three Bats took part in the Plymouth Armada Half Marathon.  This popular race links the National Trust grounds of Saltram Park and Plym Valley on an out and back course.

In perfect running conditions Steve Hil achieved a distance personal best, finished eleventh overall and second in his age group.  Christine and Derek both ran great times (with Christine finishing second in her age group).