Roseland August Trail (RAT) Runners or like Up and Down Ben Nevis Three Times

Eight Looe Pioneers took on the daunting, spirit sapping, muscle cramping, body breaking Cornish coastal path challenge that the Mudcrew Roseland August Trail has to offer. On the menu was either the White (11 miles), Red (20 miles) or  Black RAT (32 miles) – or if feeling particularly masochistic – the full menu - known as the Plague – a 64 mile return trip from Porthpean in St Austell to St Anthony’s Point, from which you can see St Mawes. For Sally Crabb, Richard Patrick and Emma Langstaff, this Plague challenge was the equivalent of running up, and down, Ben Nevis, three times – and beginning the race at midnight, head torches aglow and the infamous coastal path steps and wet rocks waiting. All three, clad in puke green Mud crew provided running vests, did amazingly well with Sally finishing 5th woman.
The support of Andy Crabb and Suzie (Richard’s parther) was invaluable – as was the incredible care and attention given by the vast numbers of Mudcrew volunteers and marshalls. Cheryl Broas began the 32 mile Black RAT at 7am and picked her way through the field on the way back, finishing in an incredible 7 hours and 20 minutes – much to the joy of her delighted granddaughter – partner Robert Cioppa completed the White RAT and remarked it was the toughest event he had ever completed in his life. In the Red RAT – which is like climbing just the one Ben Nevis, Jo Robinson finished as 7th woman, in an impressive 3 hours and 57 minutes, whilst Kristie won the battle of the Maywoods, finishing nearly 30 minutes ahead of husband Bryan, in a time of 5 hours and 5 minutes. The race follows some of the most stunning coastline the world has to offer and the challenge certainly strengthens one’s resolve to appreciate what really matters in life – and at the Roseland August Trail what matters is human warmth, support and genuine care for others pushing themselves to the limit – and the Mudcrew team, Andrew Ferguson, Jane Stephens and more, should be thanked for making this happen. 

Results
11 miles – White RAT
Robert Cioppa 3 hours 43 minutes
 
20 Miles Red RAT
Jo Robinson 3 hours 57 minutes 
Kirstie Maywood 5 hours and 5 minutes 
Bryan Maywood 5 hours and 34 minutes
 
32 Miles Black RAT
Cheryl Broas 7 hours and 20 minutes
 
64 Miles Plague   
Sally Crabb 15 hours and 57 minutes 32nd out of 90 and
Richard Patrick 15 hours and 13 minutes 27th finisher
Emma Langstaff 17 hours and 16 minutes 49th out of 90 finishers