Teignbridge Trotters were scattered across the region - and the country - over the weekend, proving that the club has strength in depth over a number of different disciplines.
On Sunday (March 16), eight Trotters took part in the sixth and final round of the Westward League cross country series. The fixture was held at Bicton Arena, a new venue for the league. Despite the previous day's deluge, the going was remarkably firm on a grassy, undulating course. A stiff, cold wind blew throughout the afternoon.
The men packed well in their 9040-metre race to secure 3rd position in the team event. Flying the flag were: John Caunter (40th out of 56, in 44.11), Stewart Dunn (41st, in 44.35), Mark Wotton (42nd, in 44.59), Bryan Hayes (46th, in 46.09), Dave Dunn (47th, in 46.21) and Steve Rawlinson 54th, in 50.31). In the ladies' 6780-metre race, Eyvoll Aston was 13th out of 29, in 32.32, and Tina Caunter finished 27th, in 39.47.
Also on Sunday, the Mad March Hare 10K drew two Trotters to Plympton. Mike Hill finished a creditable 17th in 41.36 and Cindy Brookes crossed the line in 57.15.
In Bath on Sunday, a number of Trotters were encouraged to take the waters at the spa city's Half-Marathon. As we went to press, confirmed results were only available for Roy Brown and Mark Hamling. They had to fight their way through the crowds at this increasingly popular event but both turned in fine times. Roy finished 358th out of 10,009 finishers, in a time of 1.24.06. Mark came 916th, clocking 1.34.58.
On Saturday, John Johnson continued his odyssey of the region's shoreline by completing Stage 4 of the Endurancelife Coastal Trail Series. This time the race was held on Cornwall's northern coast, starting at St Just. John finished the half-marathon event in 16th place with a time of 2.13.50. He was the 1st MV50 to cross the line.
Finally, Graham Penn travelled to East Sussex on Sunday to take part in the Hasting Half-Marathon. He completed the hilly course in light drizzle, battling through a crowded field of more than 3,700 runners to finish in 2.03.16.