The Barnabas Sports Trust, organiser of the Cockington Christmas Caper, yet again put on a fantastic festive event for corss-country runners.  The raqce took place on Saturday 5th December and lived up to its reputation as being very muddy, challenging and enjoyable!

The annual race held in Cockington, South Devon, is a highlight for many cross-country runners who turn out each year to race through 7 miles of mud, sweat, tears and laughter.

Places for the event filled up quickly reaching an increased limit of 120 runners well in advance of race-day.  The race is much loved for its unique features as well as the challenge it provides for participants.

A festive atmosphere was created with every runner receiving a Christmas pudding and being greeted with the sound of live Christmas carols at the finish line.  As well as the festive theme, the values and nature of The Barnabas Sports Trust were portrayed throughout the event with marshals handing out jelly babies to provide runners with much-needed energy as they hit the toughest spots.  A photo of every runner was taken and a free print made available courtesy of Truprint, Torquay.

The overall winner was Samuel Prowse in a time of 00:54:32.  The first lady home was Helen Dyke in a time of 01:04:03.

Matt Day, Project Co-ordinator for The Barnabas Sports Trust said:

"There was certainly an abundance of the much loved mud once again this year!  We want to really express our gratitude to everyone who made the event such a success including local companies, volunteers, Palm FM and Riviera Concert Brass Band."

The event this year was generously supported by local running shop The Runners Guide, who donated prizes, and wholesale fruit and veg distributors Frank H Mann, who donated bananas to aid recovery at the finish line.

The Barnabas Sports Trust is already looking towards the 2010 event and is keen to hear from any company who would like to get involved next year with sponsoring the event or donating priizes.

You can find out more and get in touch with The Barnabas Sports Trust by visiting www.tbst.co.uk or http://twitter.com/cockingtoncaper or facebook group The Barnabas Sports Trust.