Last Saturday, 18^th February, the Coastal Trail Series returned to the South West for the 9^th year. Over 1000 runners took part in the challenge, which took participants along the tough terrain of the South West Coast Path - the various distances included 10K (7.4 miles), Half Marathon (13.6 miles), Marathon (28.5 miles) and Ultra (34.9 miles). The event was arranged by locally based extreme sports company Endurance Life, and was supported by Coast & Country Cottages and Visit South Devon. For more information and event results visit www.endurancelife.com.

 This Saturday, 18^th February, the Coastal Trail Series returns to South Devon for its 9^th year. Organised by local company Endurance Life, this renowned running event is part of a national series - beginning at the fishing village of Beesands, the course follows the South West Coast Path, taking in various coves and golden stretches of coastline, including picturesque Slapton Sands, Prawle Point and Start Point. Runners will attempt to complete either the Ultra, Marathon, Half Marathon or 10K distances… on the challenging and punishing terrain of the South Devon countryside, competitors will be pushed to their limit!

Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to be involved in the event. Come along and join the team at the Coast & Country Cottages aid station at Prawle, where we will be providing water for runners and cheering them on as they pass!

 For more information about the event, visit http://www.endurancelife.com/

Coast & Country Cottages along with Visit South Devon have organised a team of runners to take part in the exciting new Trailblaze Challenge, organised by the extreme sports events company, Endurance Life, in order to raise awareness of the stunning South Devon Coast Path. Tomorrow, Friday 22nd April marks the launch of the challenge, with a special media event at Bayard's Cove in Dartmouth, followed by family activities at Blackpool Sands beach at the end of the first 9k section.

The South Devon Trailblaze challenge which includes the awe-inspiring terrain of the South West Coast Path, stretches from the TIC in Dartmouth to the finish line in Plymouth, a total distance of 88k. The course is divided into five sections, from moderate to severe or extreme. This unique challenge is designed so that participants can complete the trail at any time during the next twelve months. Timings are recorded with the aid of a timing tag which they insert into check points along the course to record their performance times. Timings then go on to a national leader board, and participants who complete the sections of the challenge are eligible for a prize draw at the end of the twelve months in April 2012. For more information about the Trailblaze Challenge visit www.trail-blaze.com.

The Coast & Country Cottages and Visit South Devon team is made up of local people from across the South Hams, including Coast & Country Cottages' Marketing Assistant Tina Doyle, Visit South Devon General Manager Sue Wiles and celebrity chef Mitch Tonks.

Coast & Country Cottages are delighted to be working in association with Visit South Devon to promote Trailblaze, an exciting new style of challenge for adventurous runners of all levels. The format is simple, run as far and as fast as you can on a stunning trail along the South West Coastal Path. You can take up the challenge at anytime as the route is equipped with Trailblaze 'hotspots' - electronic hardware which collects data, showing how far and fast you go. Your time is then posted on the Trailblaze online leader board as proof of your achievement. Runners will be tested to the extreme, whilst experiencing the beautiful scenery of the dramatic South Devon coastline at the same time. The only question is 'how far can you go?' For more information visit www.trail-blaze.com.

The Trailblaze South West Coastal Path page opens for bookings from 19th February and there will be a special launch event on the 22nd April. Combine a family break with an attempt at this challenge, and choose a fantastic holiday property in the South Hams with Coast & Country Cottages. Whether you would prefer a 'chocolate box' cottage where you can sit outside and relax with a glass of something chilled, a luxury apartment with access to Health Spa facilities, or a stylish seaside property with stunning ocean views located adjacent to the Coastal Path, Coast & Country Cottages have plenty of options for athletes looking to rest and unwind after a day on the trail. For more information on accommodation whilst completing this testing challenge visit www.coastandcountry.co.uk