Icy spell invigorates the Blues

It was a quiet end to 2009 for the Teignbridge Trotters, with a hardy quartet attending the 25th Stoke Stampede on Boxing Day. Starting and finishing in the village of Stoke St Gregory near Taunton, the 10k event attracted a record number of runners, no doubt keen to banish the cobwebs and run off the excesses of the previous day.

Mark Wotton joined the three lady regulars this year and led them home in fine style, 86th in a field of 371, with an impressive time of 45:52. Amanda Milverton was next in 58:19 followed by Marion Witham (1:02:51) and Julie Crump (1:09:42).

A larger splash of royal blue was in evidence last Sunday, during the First Chance 10k at Exeter Quay, organised by South West Road Runners and sponsored by the Ironbridge Runner. The event was staged in freezing conditions but this did little to deter the 464 competitors, lined up at the start line, on the banks of the River Exe and Exeter Canal.

The fast level course followed the frozen canal, past the Double Locks pub, before looping back at the Countess Wear Bridge, for a repeat circuit. Conditions underfoot were slippery in places, with a small water feature to negotiate. There was ample support from `off duty` members at various points along the route.

Wavell Vigers was first Trotter over the mat in 41st position, with a time of 38:40, followed by Tom Burman 87th in 42:58. Mark Wotton was back in action as third Trotter, 104th overall in 44:02.

Remaining runners were: Graham Penn (48:21), Graeme Baker (49:41 and 3rd MV65), Stephen Wallace (50:18), Steve Rawlinson (53:48), Siobhan Besford (56:10 and 2nd FU20), Kevin Besford (57:22), Amanda Milverton (57:40), Rachel Besford (59:05 and 3rd FU20), Stephanie Gillard (59:26), Marion Witham (1:01:28), Cathy Evans (1:02:40) and Julie Crump (1:06:23). Both Stephanie and Cathy are recent recruits to the club.

Meanwhile a further trio were sampling the delights of Plymouth Round Table`s January Jaunt, in similar icy conditions. The out and back 10k event begins at the Coypool Park and Ride in Plympton and involves a scenic undulating tour of Saltram Park. Eyvol Aston was first Trotter past the post in an admirable 44:53, 36th overall in a field of 147 finishers. Tracy Elphick followed, 49th with a time of 46:29 and husband Nathan romped home 70th in 49:00.

Photo (Marion Witham)

The Stoke Stampede with (L to R): Marion Witham, Mark Wotton, Amanda Milverton & Julie Crump