Torbay runners beat the weather - unlike the loos - in windy Cornwall

Torbay AAC were out and about on a very wild and windy day in Cornwall for The VAGA R.A.T Trail and Ultra Festival 2023 organised by Mudcrew.
Gemma Radcliffe took on the Red R.A.T around 19 mile along the South West Coastpath.
The day started with a 6am journey from Devon to Cornwall. After getting the race number, day release tracker tag for ankle wearing, runners were bussed to the middle of remote lane and field where toilets had fainted in the wind (thankfully no one was in them, blown over with the gale force winds)
Due to the awful weather the intrepid runners were allowed to escape early - onward to the coast path they galloped - with strict instructions for the sea to always be on the right and to 100 per cent try not to be blown over.
The entire section of coast path (apart from the end) was actually very runnable and the steps were not as bad as previous events - the last section of steps definitely got an eye brow raise and a scowl but with some clambering and pole usage they were successfully dealt with.
Race HQ was in site at the top of a field. Great to see Lucie and team Torbay AC as the finish line was reached. (Also good that race HQ was still standing given the storm.)
A fab event - Gemma praised all the Mudcrew organisers, marshals, check point teams and ALL the friendly runners she met along the way.
Anthony Raine ran the Black Rat 32 miles ticking off some more miles off on the SWCP. Storm Antoni blew him off his feet several times after leaving St. Anthony's Head, but he survived to tell the tale.
The White Rat of 11 miles was taken on by Andy Philippou, Anita Merritt, Sarah Harrison, Iaen Sell, Debbie Webber, Mark Atkinson, Chloe and Steve Weeks and Martyn Breslan. The club claimed age category first placings for Deb Webber FV55, Sarah Harrison FV45, Chloe Weeks SF and Mark Atkinson and Iaen Sell 3rd in their respective categories.
*Kirsten Mundy and Sara Jane Crozier were up in London on the pilgrimage to where it all began for Parkrun. They joined nearly 1,000 runners at Bushy Park Parkrun. Despite the stormy prospects Storm Antoni was kind and the rain held off for the 5k adventure.
*Exeter Arena provided the venue for a superb South-West Inter Counties Championships, as the best athletes from the region competed for glory.
Torbay Athletic Club celebrated 17 members achieving the tough entry standards to compete, most of whom were selected to represent Devon. Between them, they amassed an excellent 16 podium places, including eight golds and nine new Personal Bests in breezy conditions, plus three new Championship Best Performances.
Performer of the day was Keeley Little, who took gold in all three U15 sprints, winning the 100m in 12.31 sec, a new PB, club record and a new Championship Best performance. The 200m was won in 25.41, and 300m in 41.68. Keeley’s focus will now be on the England U15 champs next month.
Paige Quinn, who represented England schools over cross country during the winter, dealt with the blustery conditions to front-run to victory in the U15 3000m, setting a new Championship Best performance in 10:05.63.
Georgina Scoot, currently the UK number 1 U20 triple jumper and National Champion won the U20 long jump with a tremendous leap of 5.95m, setting the third new Championship Best performance by the club.
Olivia Hayes was on fire, doing the double in the U17 sprints, winning the 200m in a new Personal Best time of 25.31 sec before returning to win a very competitive 100m in 12.54. The club’s final gold came from Estelle Roots, winning the U20 200m title in 25.08.
Torbay Athletics Club Results: Leon Snell U13 1500m 3rd 5:02.08, Darcie Benson U13 70m hurdles 4th 12.74 PB, Frankie Skelly U15 100m 5th 13.36 PB, 200m 7th 27.88 PB, Zara Joseph U15 javelin 5th 24.72m PB, Finley Cull U15 100m 8th 12.76, Sophie Scoot U17 high 3rd 1.55m, triple 2nd 10.06m PB, Jasmine Hart U17 triple 4th 9.70m, Oceana Lindgren U17 3000m 2nd 10:55.65 PB, Aaron Smith U17 200m 5th 23.67, triple 2nd 12.30m PB, Estelle Roots U20 100m 2nd 12.33, Sam Barnaby U20 800m 7th 2:03.76, James Larkins U20 400m 4th 52.48, Rebecca Roots senior 100m 3rd 12.55, 200m 3rd 26.11.