Two top ten Trotters in the Heller

Haytor Heller 20/7/08
Magnificent 7 20/7/08
Chudleigh Carnival 6 18/7/08

Bright sunshine greeted the Teignbridge Trotters on Sunday as they gathered on Dartmoor to stage one of the region's best loved races, the Haytor Heller. This challenging moorland scramble involves lots of hills, taking in the heights of Haytor and Hound Tor.

Despite the sunshine, there was a breeze blowing on the tops, which helped cool the 139 runners as they toiled round the approximately six-mile course.

The race was won by Neil Holmes, of the Erme Valley Harriers, in 42.01. Two Trotters made it into the top ten: Dave Miller was 5th overall in a time of 45.14. And Dave Tomlin secured 8th position, clocking 46.05.

Five more Royal Blues also braved the Heller: Tim Theobald (54.04), Howard Cotton, (55.27), Nigel Penwarden (59.06), Sharon Bowman (1.09.27) and Paul Scholfield (1.11.26).

Also on Sunday, five Trotters represented the club at the Magnificent 7 in Saltash. The event is a tough, well-marshalled haul through the country lanes around the Tamar estuary. Mark Wotton led the group home, in 58.39. Graham Penn wasn't far behind, with 59.39. Charlotte Crump clocked 1.04.30, Marion Witham finished in 1.16.19 and Julie Crump crossed the line in 1.21.49.

To kick off what was a busy weekend for the Trotters, 20 Teignbridge runners travelled to Chudleigh on Friday (17/7), to take part in the town's annual Carnival 6.

Gentle breeze and weak sunshine made for near-perfect conditions as Dave Tomlin charged round the course in 32.50, finishing 6th out of 151 finishers. Roger Hayes (34.27) was the next Trotter, also gaining 4th place in the MV40 category. Chris Cleave completed the Royal Blue top three, with 36.21, taking 3rd spot in the MV45 category. Roger Hales (37.43) was 4th in the MV45 category. Tim Theobald secured 2nd place in the MV50 category with his time of 39.52.

Tracy Elphick led the Trotter ladies home in 39.57 and Stephanie Ross bagged 1st place in the FV45 category, with 46.37. Sharon Bowman (45.16) was 2nd in the FV40 category and Amanda Milverton (53.40) was 4th in this section. Stella Imong (51.19) and Vicky Hales (1.01.07) picked up 3rd and 4th spots in the FV50 category respectively.

Also running were: Ian Langler (37.55), John Skinner (39.28), Mark Becker (39.44), John Tweedie (40.01), Sarah Frost (43.03), Stuart Moulson (43.22), Geoff Davison (43.42), Mark Wotton (44.14) and Graham Penn (45.12).