LAST week saw Bude RATS send their biggest marathon team to date up to Barnstaple to take part in the second annual running of the town’s marathon.

On the same day and run at the same time, the half marathon was also taking place and the RATS had five representatives in the 13-mile race.

In perfect conditions, the course started in the town before heading out on the picturesque Tarka trail and finishing back in the town.

The RATS took their places in a field of over 650 runners, with participants this year from as afar afield as Kenya.

With many of the RATS taking part in their first ever marathon, the club once again showed it was able to punch above its weight, with everyone completing the full 26.2 miles or half marathon distance respectively.

Success for the club came in the form of an age category prize for Mark Hutcheson, as his fine form continues, and an amazing 3rd place team prize for the ladies team, comprising of the first three ladies from the RATS to finish — Sarah Tonkin, Karen Snelson and Claire Neal.

All in all, it was a very proud day for the club.

Results — Half marathon: Sarah Cann 2.26.38; Alex Hutcheson 2.09.48; Elly Harwood 2.07.57; Rob Waterhouse 2.01.58; Isobel Waterhouse 1.51.22

Marathon: Shelley Marshall 5.21.40; Nathan Lyon 5.00.13; Karen Snelson 4.53.55; Sarah Tonkin 4.28.56; Claire Neal 4.26.06; Kelvin Moyse 4.08.36; Toby Haigh 3.50.26; Chris Tucker 3.48.58; Steve Martin 3.29.38; Mark Hutcheson 3.07.31.