Last week’s infamous 4 Trigs Challenge was the 13th running of event and the weather conditions, along with the conditions under foot, were certainly unlucky for some, writes John Perratt.

The going is tough enough without flooded paths, mist and torrential rain adding to the 17 miles and 3000 feet of ascent. The 4 Trigs is the only Category B Fell Race in Devon and visits Weston Trig, Buckton, Fire Beacon and High Peak, the idea being to avoid roads. In spite of the dreadful conditions 100 runners braved the elements.

Tim Lenton, last year’s winner, returned to defend his title. Lenton, a renown fell runner, had a head to head with Alex Todd of Axe Valley Runners most of the way around and were both challenged with the navigation. In the end they ran in together in a time of 2hrs 28mins almost eight mins slower than last year; it must have been tough! First local, Justin Ashby romped home not too far behind in 2hrs 31 – third again.

Emma Hitchins was first lady in a time of 2hrs 57mins and seemingly enjoyed the atrocious conditions. Robin Carter was the first local lady home in 3hrs 18mins. Locals John Keast, Joe Kent and J Ramon-Navas also revelled in the conditions and actually improved their times from last year’s. Keast was almost an hour quicker and Joe 15mins quicker – sub three hours is their challenge for next year!

A special mention most go to Ian Voce and John Keast who have both completed all 13 Four Trigs Challenges – truly awesome.

Some of the slower runners deserve a mention for tenacity; Cathy Keast, Terry Bewes and Helen Palmer were all out for 4hrs 45mins. However, 72- year-old Arthur Vince was out in the grim conditions for five-and- a-half hours – tenacious or mad? Then there was Garry Perratt who was not content with running to Four Trigs but managed to visit a fifth!

A big thank you must go to Stuart Hayman and Neil Tubbs who provided the now infamous pasties and cake to all finishers.

The event raised £700 for the Lochaber and Glencoe Mountain Rescue Teams.