Emma steals the show

The racing year has begun in earnest for the Teignbridge Trotters and 38 club members were flying the flag at three races last Sunday. The main event was the rescheduled Oh My Obelisk in Dawlish, originally planned for 10th January and postponed due to the icy conditions.

Hosted by Dawlish Coasters and starting at the Dawlish Leisure Centre, the 10.8 mile multi terrain race attracted twenty club members who tackled the challenging course in damp and very misty conditions, with the inevitable mud and water. Dave Tomlin led the team home in 6th position (3rd senior man) in a much reduced field of 156 finishers, with a time of 1:16:22. He was followed by Daryl Milford, 7th past the post in a creditable 1:17:46.

New member Simon Boobyer was making a name for himself in his first race as a Trotter, arriving 17th overall in a time of 1:21:46. However, partner Emma Sidebotham really stole the show with a superb performance. In only her second race with the club, she posted an admirable time of 1:32:27, 9th Trotter and 2nd lady overall. Emma and Simon are also members of the Ashburton Hash House Harriers who thrive in such conditions!

New members Louise Bailey and Sally Ingledew also ran with the club, recording times of 1:37:42 and 2:02:09 respectively. Remaining runners were: Ian Langler (1:23:11), Ewan Walton (1:25:05), Mark Becker (1:27:28), Bruce Campbell (1:29:04), Roger Hayes (1:31:12), John Caunter (1:37:28), Dave Dunn (1:38:15), Jim Donovan (1:40:38), Steve Rawlinson (1:51:01), Stephen Wallace (1:51:07), Marsha Garrard (1:51:19), Tina Caunter (1:52:14), Joanna Becker (1:59:05) and Amanda Milverton (2:05:18).

Meanwhile, seventeen further Trotters were in Exmouth for the Fulfords Great West 5 mile race, running off with no less than four Age Category awards. The two lap course of the town centre and seafront saw a field of 259 runners blessed with almost ideal conditions, compared to those in the hills above Dawlish.

First Trotter and 16th to cross the line was Tom Burman with a time of 29:14, followed shortly by Wavell Vigers, 22nd in 30:03. Eyvol Aston was 3rd FV35 overall in an enviable 33:47. They were followed by: Gary Watson (34:11 & 2nd MV50), Mark Wotton (34:17 & 3rd MV50), Wilf Taylor (34:41), Nigel Penwarden (36:22) and Sharon Bowman (37:30 & 1st FV40) shaving more than 3 minutes off her course PB from 2008.

Other runners were: Graeme Baker (38:44), Eleanor Taylor (42:40), Georgina Wallis (43:14), Julie Crocker (44:28), Derek Blackford 44:51), Vicky Hales (47:53), Cindy Brookes (48:50), Marion Witham (48:50) and Julie Crump (51:09).

Also on Sunday, lone Trotter Graham Penn ventured across the Tamar for the Mounts Bay 10k. Organised by Hayle Runners with a start and finish at Marazion Community Centre, the undulating course includes a gruelling uphill finale. Conditions were kind with a clear sky and light breeze. Graham crossed the line 254th out of 457 finishers, in a time of 50:12.

On the previous Monday evening, four Trotters entered the 4th round of the winter 3k series at the Exeter Arena. The results were as follows: Race A: Ian Langler (10:27), Tom Burman (10:33). Race C: Mark Wotton (12:20) and Race D: John Caunter (13:01). The final round in the series will be held on March 1st.