Over 50`s success on the track

Four Teignbridge Trotters travelled to Minions, a small village north of Liskeard on Sunday, to take part in the Five Tors Moorland Run. The challenging fell race across Bodmin Moor, nearly 10 miles in length, is organised by East Cornwall Harriers.

Garry Smart was in fine form and claimed 28th place, with a superb time of 1:24:27. Adrian Mawson ran probably his best race to date in Trotters' colours with 1:29:12 and Jimmy Donovan was not far behind in 1:33:07. Mark Wotton showed true grit after taking a tumble only two miles from the start. Despite having to receive first aid for cuts and grazes, he carried on to record an admirable 1:49:09.

Further west on the same day, another Trotters foursome attended the final round of this winter's Westward Cross Country League at Redruth. In glorious spring sunshine, Julie Crocker celebrated Mothering Sunday with a brave run in the Ladies race over a 3 lap course, to finish 34th in 26:40. In the 5 lap men`s race, husband John led the Trotters home in 35th place (34:05), ably supported by John Caunter, 45th in 35:47, & Dave Dunn, 51st in 38:04.

As a footnote, the future of the Westward League had appeared to be in some doubt, following the recent announcement by the current organisers that they would be stepping down after this event, but it seems that the League will in fact survive, after an approach by another team to organise next season's competition.

The final round of the Ironbridge Runner Winter 3K race series was held at Exeter Arena on the evening of Wednesday 18th March. Perfect running conditions witnessed the achievement of several personal best times.

Amongst the Trotters racing on the night, Gary Watson was 4th in the B race, with his fastest time of the series (11:08). A trio of Trotters contested the C race: Eyvoll Aston in 7th spot equalled her PB with a time of 11:50. John Caunter was 10th in 12:02 and Dave Dunn 18th in 12:36. Tina Caunter improved her previous PB to 13:55 and was placed 5th in the E race.

It was a good night for the Trotters with the award of prizes for the best four scores out of the five available races in the overall series. Gary Watson, John Caunter and Dave Dunn scooped the first three places in the male over-50 category and Tina Caunter took 3rd place in the female over-50 category.

Photo: Tina Caunter at an earlier event (Bideford Half Marathon)