IT has been a busy week for members of Bere Alston Trekkers who enjoyed the first of the Armada Saltram 5k series on Wednesday.

This popular event was well attended, and representing the club was Martin Head who led the club and finished in 23 minutes 41 seconds followed by Mel and Ali Greaves 29.07, Hilary Head 32.15 and Karin Kattenhorn 33.06. This was a welcome return to competitive running for Karin after a 12 month absence.

At the weekend, the keenly awaited rescheduled Tavy 13 saw the Trekkers out in force once again. This hilly and arduous but scenic half marathon hosted by neighbours Tavistock Athletic Club produced a surprising number of personal bests for the Trekkers, and was the first half marathon for two of the BATs too.

The first male BAT over the line was Chris Anthony 1.47.32 followed by Andrew Bowden 1.48.32, Martin Head 1.51.47 (course and distance PBs), Andy Cowden 1.55.47, Dave Adams 1.59.07, and the first BAT lady Lisa Birch 2.07.03 was followed by Ralph Elmes 2.11.15 (second in age group), Pam Adams 2.16.27, Fran Morgan 2.19.15, Hazel Bickley 2.20.56 (course PB), Heather French 2.20.56, Ben Saul 2.24.29, Tanya Argue 2.24.30 (first Half Marathon), Natasha Hingston 2.24.52 (PB), Shaun Hingston 2.25.10 (first half marathon), Natasha Ayres 2.26.38, Cally Barnes 2.30.24, Fiona Maddock 2.37.27 and Hilary Head 2.37.33 (course and distance PBs). The race was well supported by present and former members of the BATs out on the course in the blustery conditions.

A valiant group of lady BATs travelled to Honiton to run the aptly named ’Honiton Hippo’. Billed as a tough multi terrain race of sevenish miles of mud, hills and two river crossings, - the mud was plentiful. With the recent wet weather, waist deep muddy tracks and bog ridden fields, the conditions were perfect for the Trekkers who ran as a group from start to finish and loved every mud-wallowing minute.

First timers on this course were Debbie Ashton 2.08.51, Jo Bourton 2.08.52, Sam Harte-Latremouille 2.08.54 and Mel Greaves 2.08.55. Returning for a repeat attempt was Marcia Macey 2.08.53.

The BATs expressed their thanks to the organisers Honiton Running Club, and the many marshals who withstood horrible conditions to provide a great event.