BERE Alston Trekkers (BATs) Debbie and Paul Ashton braved the inclement weather conditions on Saturday to take part in the Exmoor Trail Challenge.

The run is situated within the beautiful and exhilarating Exmoor National Park. The Exmoor Trail Challenge features a 12 kilometre, half marathon, marathon and ultra-marathon.

BATs Debbie and Paul, with their dog FruitLoop, had entered the half marathon which was run on forest trails from Allerford onto the open moors with hidden gems, including enchanting villages, an abundance of wildlife and nature before hitting the coast with outstanding views out to sea.

The route then follows the coast path to the ancient remains of Burgundy Chapel before heading back to the open moors towards Hurlstone Point. The run continues to the lower coastal path before a climb to reach Bossington Hill and heading back through the Allerford Plantation and the Agnes Fountain Monument and the finish.

On Sunday, Bere Alston Trekkers turned out in force for Tavistock Athletic Club’s annual Tavy7. The Tavy7 is held on Dartmoor on an undulating but superbly scenic course, starting at Plasterdown on the western edge of Dartmoor and goes past Pew Tor and the hamlet of Sampford Spiney on its seven-mile route.

This year the event was hosting the competition for the Ross Shield, Devon’s oldest running championship. Twenty three BATs took part in this event, which is a favourite with many in the club.

The first male and female BATs across the finishing line were Jim Medhurst and Tanya Argue.

The other BATs who took part in the Tavy7 were Chris Anthony, Debbie and Paul Ashton, Cally Barnes, Sarah Bartlett, Hazel Bickley, Lisa Birch, Andrew Bowden, Karen Bradfield, Pauline Cole, Andy Cowden, Gary Fielder, Melanie Greaves, Hilary and Martin Head, Natasha and Shaun Hingston, Jane Morton, Zoe Moore, Melissa Pinfield and Kelly Shaw. Additionally BATs Julie Page and Clare Munro were part of the team on the water station.