Record numbers at Totnes 10k

On Sunday, the Teignbridge Trotters hosted another successful Totnes 10k race, with record entries from as far afield as New Eltham and Lytham St Annes. Starting and finishing at the Totnes Leisure Centre on Borough Park, the multi terrain event was this year blessed with fine weather.

The winner of the race was James Baker from Chichester Runners & AC, crossing the line in 34:57, beating the previous course record by 32 seconds. Jon Hamblyn from Aldershot, Farnham & District running club was next with another admirable time of 36:12, followed by Lee Turner of Torbay AC, third in 36:35. First lady was Nicola Brookland from Bristol & West, 17th overall in a field of 531 finishers, with a fine time of 40:19.

Fourteen Trotters took part in the race and were led home by Dave Tomlin, in 12th position and 3rd MV35, in a time of 38:27. Second Trotter was Alan Boone, showing great promise within the ranks, 66th overall in 46:50, followed by Howard Cotton, 91st with a time of 48:17.

Remaining runners were: Gia D`Aprano (51:45), Sue Brown (51:58), Claire McKenna (55:59), Stephen Wallace (57:29), Kevin Besford (59:05), Steve Rawlinson (1:01:16), Rebecca Weare (1:03:24), Derek Blackford (1:07:32), Sarah Ross (1:09:36), Vicky Hales (1:13:15) and Rachel Besford (1:13:24).

Meanwhile two further Trotters were sampling the delights of the 20th Stur Half Marathon at Sturminster Newton in Dorset. Organised by the Dorset Doddlers, the well marshalled course, amply supplied with water stations, took the 453 runners along quiet gently undulating country lanes of the Blackmore Vale. Mark Wotton crossed the line 187th overall in a time of 1:44:39, with Graham Penn 301st in 1:56:49.

Also on Sunday, Craig Churchill was yet again indulging his wander lust with a visit to South Wales for the Magor Marsh 10k. Hosted by Chepstow Harriers, with all proceeds to charity, the event is well known for producing good results on the fast flat course. Craig proved the point with his time of 47:36, as he passed the post 108th out of 220 and achieved a 10k personal best time.