BERE Alston Trekkers kicked off a busy week of action with the Tavistock Town Relays.

Sunday, July 16 saw seven BATs make the short journey to Saltash for Tamar Trotters’ Magnificent 7 (aka MAG7).

The Tamar Trotters describe the event as “a challenging seven mile road run” and the seven BATs wouldn’t disagree with that — however, while it is tough, it is an extremely well marshalled and accurate course through country lanes with good views over the Tamar Estuary.

Martin Head led the BATs home in a time of 58.55, followed by Julie Page 59.35, Pete Kenvin 1.04.02, Sam Harte-Latremoille 1.08.37, Mel Greaves 1.08.52, Ali Greaves 1.13.26 and Hilary Head 1.17.29.

Pete finished in 250th place which was rewarded with a spot prize of a bowl of fruit and Martin, Mel, Ali and Hilary achieved PBs of 3½mins, 4½mins, 4mins and 8mins respectively.

Meanwhile, Nic Munday and Heather French tackled the Haytor Heller, organised by Teignbridge Trotters. This popular, well established moorland race, now in its 32nd year, is an entirely off-road course. Nic and Heather crossed the line in 1.31.56.

Solo lady BAT Marcia Macey took part in the 50K version of The Race to the Stones ultra-marathon last weekend. This route follows the Ridgeway, the oldest footpath in the UK, and is lined with Bronze Age hill forts, neolithic burial chambers and Roman river crossings, culminating in the largest neolithic stone circle in Europe.

The route passes up and along the high ground South West from Lewknor in Oxfordshire to the Thames crossing at Goring.

From this point the route rises up onto the North Wessex Downs, passing golden fields before the iconic finish between the towering stones of Avebury. Having concentrated her efforts on cycling recently, Marcia enjoyed the return to long distance running after a warm-up at the Tavistock Town Relays earlier this week.