Two very contrasting marathons were undertaken by two Bere Alston Trekkers over the last two weekends.

On Sunday Murray Turner headed to deepest Dorset to take part in the Ooser Trail Marathon.

Starting and finishing at a thatched barn in the tiny historic hamlet of Turners Puddle in the heart of Dorset the runners headed off uphill before following farm tracks across fields, through ancient bluebell laden woodland, old hidden sunken trails on historic drovers routes, short tarmac sections through picturesque hamlets and heathland.

Despite the glorious countryside this race is no pushover with 13 hills giving over 2,700 feet of ascent, a fair bit of mud to lose your trail shoes in, seven stiles to clamber over and two fords to wade through.

Despite not having run a marathon for over three years Murray finished in an impressive 5:18:05.

By contrast fellow BAT Andy Cowden ran in the Manchester Marathon which has just 177 feet of ascent and 26.2 miles of tarmac to negotiate.

Starting between Old Trafford football ground and Old Trafford cricket ground in Salford the route takes you in towards the city centre before heading back out and travelling to Altrincham and then returning to finish outside the cricket ground.

Ideal running conditions of cool but sunny weather with a slight breeze greeted the just over 14,000 field of runners on the start line. The crowds were out in force to cheer runners around the course and Andy finished in 4:39:47 which was a race personal best by just under 17 minutes.