Flying start for Royal Blues at Plympton

Plympton January Jaunt 6/1/08
Brown Willy Run 1/1/08
Wellington Monument Race 23/12/08
Torrington Christmas Caper 23/12/08

Nine Teignbridge Trotters got their 2008 running year off to a flying start on Sunday (January 6) by competing in the Plympton January Jaunt. Organised by the Plymouth Round Table, the Jaunt is a 10K race that passes through the grounds of Saltram House, a National Trust property on the banks of the River Plym.

First Trotter home was Ian Langler, who clocked 39.44, gaining 20th position overall. Gary Watson was next, in 43.14. Also running were: Roger Hales (43.41), Eyvoll Aston (45.21), John Johnson (46.17), Graham Penn (49.05), Milos Erben (51.00), Graeme Baker (53.35) and Vicky Hales (1.04.23).

On New Year's Day, John Caunter and Dave Dunn saw in 2008 with an invigorating scamper on Bodmin Moor in the Brown Willy Run. The 6-mile event begins at the Jamaica Inn and includes a scramble up Brown Willy itself. John finished in 61 minutes and Dave crossed the line in 66 minutes. "It was a perfect cure for a festive hangover," Dave declared.

The Trotters were also busy earlier in the holiday period. On December 23, nine Teignbridge runners took part in the Wellington Monument Race. The 6.27-mile course involves a steep climb up to the Monument - followed by an equally steep descent.

Ian Langler led the Royal Blues home, finishing 19th overall with a time of 41.30. Becky George (47.25) was the first Teignbridge lady. Also running were: Dave Dunn (47.45), Julia Proctor (50.08), Syd Willocks (52.14), Stephen Wallace (53.36), Steve Rawlinson (53.43), Penny Aitchison (53.48) and Michelle Willocks-Watts (57.47).

On the same day, Mark Wotton, John Johnson, John Caunter and Tina Caunter took part in the Torrington Christmas Caper, a 10-mile, multi-terrain race taking in the Tarka Trail, Torrington Common and trails along the River Torridge. Mark completed the hilly, muddy course in a creditable 1.26.33 - 79th overall out of 217 finishers. John Johnson clocked 1.27.15, John Caunter wasn't far behind with 1.27.40 and Tina crossed the line in 1.44.44.