HAVE you noticed anything strange happening in Bude lately?

For those of you quietly wandering the back streets of town during the last few Thursday evenings you might have been in for a bit of a surprise — there were Rats everywhere!

Looming out of the darkness having left their warm nests looking for a dimly lit hill or pavement to run on... Bude's newly formed Rat Pack (or mischief) were out in force. What's it all about?

For some time now, running friends Kate Greenaway and Bridget Funnell have realised the need for Bude to have its own running club, and they came up with the idea of a slightly unconventional format in that it is to incorporate a triathlon section. (The affiliation process to relevant governing bodies is under way).

Bude is overflowing with talented athletes, some of whom could benefit from club support. So, Kate and Bridget put their heads together with friend and personal trainer Kelvin Turner to start Bude RATs (Run and Tri) club. Coincidently, it just happens to be The Chinese Year of the Rat — extraordinary timing as it only comes round once every 12 years.

They say: "We have a great logo and hope the name will help to attract many of the areas talented youngsters. Bude already hosts two of the biggest multi discipline events in the country... so where is Bude's triathlon club?

"It would be wonderful to see Bude hosting a children's only triathlon or quadrathlon in the near future. The children's section will be up and 'running' early next year anyone interested please get in touch and we can keep you posted either by phone or ratmail.

"As well as the club coaching advisor, Kelvin, utilising his superb co-ordination skills to set the training for three groups of differing standards each Thursday evening. The club hopes to incorporate a further variety of sessions targeting specific stretching routines, core strength exercises etc under the supervision of other qualified trainers.

"We are all very good at stretching after an injury has been incurred but not so good at injury prevention.

"There is an off road session known as 'TheMud Rat Run' and after a couple of hours running on Bodmin Moor the name is truly apt. The Mud Rats have been out on two occasions and for those of you who don't mind a bit of mud and water this would be right up your street... some might say sewer rats was a more appropriate name!

"We welcome everybody from those talented athletes who already have their own training programs and want to add another dimension, to those of you who are absolute beginners.

"The group is split into varying abilities and structured so that nobody should feel out of their depth. In the new year we would like to further develop the beginners' section, ideal for those with New Year resolutions. Or anyone who is totally new to this fun and social activity to those that have jogged for years but now want to improve or just want to run with other like minded people."

They meet on Thursdays, 6.30pm at Crooklets car park, but the venue will change with the arrival of lighter evenings. For any further information whatsoever please contact Bridget on 01288 381548 0r 07970 820727