Trotters unbowed by DD hailstorm

Dartmoor Discovery 7/6/08

For many runners, completing a marathon represents the pinnacle of their long-distance ambitions. This was not the case for the 14 Teignbridge Trotters who overcame appalling conditions on Saturday to complete the 32-mile Dartmoor Discovery Ultra-Marathon.

This beast of a run takes its participants on a rollercoaster ride up and down the moor's most challenging hills. It's always a tough proposition but, this year, the weather injected a touch of pure cruelty into the DD experience as hailstones the size of gobstoppers hammered on to the runners during the event's middle section. At other times, runners had to put up with sweltering heat and heavy downpours.

Dave Tomlin overcame these considerable hurdles to finish fourth overall out of 154 participants, surging home in 3.58.40. Less than four minutes later, Roger Hayes (4.02.25) crossed the line in fifth place. Third Trotter home was Roy Brown, in 4.31.32. This excellent combined performance gave the Trotters second place in the male team event.

The Royal Blues' strength in depth was evident as Roger Hales finished in 4.33.30, Ewan Walton clocked 4.42.43, DD ingénue John Tweedie logged 5.03.03 and John Skinner chipped in with 5.06.20. Bridget Scholfield led the Teignbridge ladies home in 5.10.48, Dave Dunn ran 5.11.29, Stuart Moulson finished with 5.15.03, Julia Proctor clocked 5.16.39 and Discovery first-timer Andrew Ludlam crossed the line in 5.24.28. DD debutante Michelle Willocks-Watts and Mark Wotton both bravely battled knee problems but would not be beaten, finishing together on 6.25.35. Michelle's completion of the race meant that the ladies were able to claim second place in the female team event.

There were several personal best performances. Roger Hayes, Dave, Julia, Stuart, Ewan, Bridget and Roy all turned in their best-ever DD times.

Alongside the runners, a host of clubmates rallied round to provide logistical support and encouragement along the way. Roving cyclists Stewart Dunn, Ian Langler and Andy Pepperell had to endure particularly trying conditions as they patrolled the course.