ON Sunday, ten Bere Alston Trekkers (BATs) made the short journey to Pensilva for the Cornish Marathon hosted by East Cornwall Harriers.

Due to the stormy weather on Saturday, which led to flooding in Draynes Valley where the River Fowey had burst its banks, the race organisers were forced to run an alternative out and back route through Darite, Golitha Falls, Trenant and with the turnaround at Colliford Lake – resulting in a hillier route than usual.

The weather was kinder than Saturday but while the rain was not as heavy, it was reported to still be cold and wet, making for uncomfortable conditions.

Although the results and finishing times were not available as the Times went to press, Gary Fielder was the first male BAT to finish and Tanya Argue was first lady BAT. The other BATs who ran were Debbie and Paul Ashton, Andy Cowden, Sam and Quintin Harte-Latremouille, Paul Martin, Jim Medhurst and Murray Turner.

Meanwhile, Pete Kenvin travelled north to Bideford for the Bideford 10-miler organised by Bideford Athletic Club. The course starts and finishes close to the Bideford Amateur Athletic Club clubhouse and takes in magnificent views of the Taw and Torridge estuary. The course heads out on roads to Instow and just before Yelland joins the Tarka Trail for the return. The race is moderately flat, with only three small inclines and is considered to be the fastest 10-mile route in Devon.

BAT Pete had a great run to finish in a time of 1 hour 21 minutes 14 seconds.