Smells like Team Spirit at Erme Valley Relays

Erme Valley Relays 4/7/08
Launceston Half-Marathon 6/7/08
Around Brent Hill Run 29/6/08

The Teignbridge Trotters fielded seven teams for the Erme Vally Relays on Friday (4/7), proving once again that the club possesses strength in depth. The fast and furious Erme Valley Relays are eagerly anticipated across the region and the event always attracts an enthusiastic bunch of runners.

Chilly and wet conditions failed to dampen the spirits of the Teignbridge Male A Team, who finished 14th out of 73 teams, in 59.38. Ewan Walton ran the 2.5-mile undulating loop in 15.27. Stewart Dunn ran his leg in 15.13, Mike Hill clocked 15.11 and Dave Tomlin anchored on 13.47. Hard on their heels in 15th position overall were the MV40 A Team (59.59): Garry Smart (14.30), Andy Pepperell (15.21), Roger Hayes (14.16) and - making a most welcome return from long-term injury - Gary Caunter (15.52).

The MV40 B Team finished with a surprisingly respectable 66.05, thanks to the robust efforts of John Tweedie (15.48), John Skinner (16.18) and anchorman Andy Ludlam (16.20). Brother John Ludlam is another Teignbridge runner who has had a long struggle with injury. Donning a royal blue vest in anger for the first time in two-and-a-half years, he ran the third leg in a battling 17.39.

The MV50 Team finished in 67.11: Gary Watson (15.52), Graham Penn (18.12), Mike Eveleigh (15.10) and Kevin Thompson (17.57). The Male B team clocked 71.02: Andy Shakeshaft (15.30), Matt Dunn (18.25), Stuart Moulson (17.40) and Dennis Milstead (19.27). The FV35 A Team gave them a hard run, with 71.11: Tracy Elphick (16.42), Sharon Bowman (18.09), Nikki Kennard (19.57) and Eyvoll Aston (16.23). The FV35 B Team finished in 84.22: Stella Imong (21.03), Jan Caunter (20.35), Vicky Hales (22.47) and Eleanor Taylor (19.57).

On Sunday (6/7), six Trotters took part in the Launceston Half-Marathon. Dubbed The Beast of Cornwall, this tough event includes some rather challenging hills. Torrential downpours ahead of the race eased and the participants found themselves running in hot conditions. Luckily a breeze helped to cool things down.

Mark Hamling was first Trotter across the line, finishing in 107th position out of 327 finishers, in 1.45.22. Bridget Scholfield (1.45.52) flew the flag for the ladies. Graham Penn (2.03.39), Steve Rawlinson (2.08.22), Paul Scholfield (2.08.39) and Stephen Wallace (2.12.54) all tamed the beast with hard-won times.

Last Sunday (29/6), nine Trotters travelled to South Brent to take part in the Around Brent Hill Run. This 12.5K event leads the runners along the scenic roads and lanes around Brent Hill. First Trotter home was Garry Smart. He finished in 51.44, claiming 8th place out of 56 finishers. Chris Cleave was 9th, in 52.39, and Ewan Walton came 11th, with 54.03.

Sarah Frost led the Teignbridge ladies home in 1.03.17. Helen O'Malley wasn't far behind, with 1.04.59. Wilf Taylor clocked 1.05.03, Gia D'Aprano finished with 1.06.45, Eleanor Taylor went round in 1.09.11 and Milos Erben crossed the line in 1.09.30.