Top Trotter turnout for the Obelisk

Oh My Obelisk! 13/1/08
Westward League Cross Country, Bideford 13/1/08

Thirty-five Teignbridge Trotters took part in the Oh My Obelisk! race in Haldon Forest on Sunday (January 13) - one of the finest turnouts in recent years.

Now in its third year, the Oh My Obelisk! event has become a firm favourite among local runners who relish the muddy hills and trails of the area around Haldon Forest's historic seamen's landmark. On Sunday, the conditions were muddy underfoot, although the forest and deep lanes protected runners from the worst of the winds.

Dave Tomlin led the Trotters home, finishing 3rd overall in a time of 1.10.11. Roger Hayes (1.15.57) came 6th overall. In his first race as a Trotter, Garry Smart finished in 13th place, clocking 1.18.57. Chris Cleave had a good run, with a time of 1.19.32. His brother, Peter Cleave, also did well, finishing in 1.20.06.

Crossing the line in 1.33.33, Bryan Hayes was the 1st Male Over-65 to finish, although no prize was awarded in that category. Tracy Elphick (1.28.12) and Eyvoll Aston (1.30.12) also had good runs, as did Stephanie Ross (1.33.57). Andrew Pepperell, running in the first race of his life, finished with a time many seasoned club members would envy: 1.24.38.

Also running were: Mike Hicks (1.23.55), Gary Watson (1.25.51), Roger Hales (1.26.09), Mark Becker (1.27.46), John Caunter (1.27.51), Mark Hamling (1.32.46), Stuart Moulson (1.34.22), John Johnson (1.35.50), Mark Wotton (1.39.57), Alastair Lee (1.40.05), Graham Penn (1.40.57), Sue Brown (1.42.45), Bridget Scholfield (1.43.31), Dennis Milstead (1.44.09), Steve Rawlinson (1.44.48), Tina Caunter (1.46.04), Stephen Wallace (1.48.17), Julia Proctor (1.48.41), Paul Scholfield (1.49.39), Jeanette Howard (1.50.35), Sarah Ingham (1.52.17), Jo Becker (1.53.33), Nikki Kennard (1.53.39), Marsha Garrard (1.54.01) and Vicky Hales (2.13.03).

Across the county, at Bideford, a small band of Trotters represented the club at cross country in the 4th round of this winter's Westward League. Windy conditions and soft going underfoot meant that there were few quick times. In the Men's 8K event, John Crocker was 53rd, in 34.58, Dave Dunn was 68th, in 39.00, and Stewart Dunn was 70th, in 39.40. Michelle Willocks-Watts flew the flag for the ladies, turning in an excellent 29.41 over the testing 4.8K course.