Rog is King of the Canal and Prizes Galore for the Ladies

On Saturday 18th September Chairman Rog led a one man Trotter crusade to the midlands and ran out victorious in the Birmingham Canal Canter Marathon organised by the LDWA (long distance walking association). The race was run in warm, dry conditions and entirely off road. Taking in canal paths and offering a mesmerizing smell of chocolate as it passed the Cadbury factory, the race required map reading skills and Rog, despite running his third marathon in consecutive weeks and doing an unscheduled extra mile came in first in a field of 54 finishers.
Meanwhile on Sunday, by kind permission of Mr Dewhirst, proprietor of Dornafield Camping & Caravan Site, it was the ladies who took centre stage at the annual Teignbridge Trotters Dornafield Ladies 10k. Despite a stiff breeze and under a grey and threatening sky, the temperature was perfect for running and the 21 strong band of Trottettes returned some fantastic times and came away with an enviable array of individual and team prizes along with at least one PB. 202 ladies completed the undulating course around picturesque country lanes. The race was won by Lucy Kelvey of Newquay Road Runners in a swift 38.49. The Trotters were led home by Eyvoll Aston who is enjoying a great year of running picking up 5th prize overall and 1st V35 in 42.45. Next Trotter to cross the line was Emma Sidebotham 11th in 45.04 closely followed by Clare Youngman 12th in 45.49 (2nd V40) and Becky George 14th in 46.57 (3rd V40). Eyvoll, Emma, Clare & Becky won a resounding 1st place team victory for the Trotters for the second consecutive year. Next across the line was Belinda Collins 15th (46.58), Sarah Schutte 24th (49.11), Sarah Whalley 25th (also 49.11) and metronomic Steph Ross 27th (49.47). Belinda, Sarah, Sarah and Steph combined to lift 3rd team prize. Other Trotter finishers were Claire Mckenna 29th (49.53), Sharon (Fizz) Bowman 32nd (50.29), Marsha Garrard 34th (50.53), Tracy Elphick 40th (51.51), Caroline Hayes 49th 52.47, Eleanor Taylor 60th (53.54), Jo Becker 65th (54.21), Rebecca Weare 93rd (56.34), Lucy Payne 102nd (57.39 PB), Amanda Milverton 107th (58.19), Sarah Ross 145th (61.44), Elinor George 153rd (62.57) and Ellie Aitcheson 154th (also 62.57). At the presentation the first 5 ladies were presented with trophies and limited edition prints by celebrated local artist John 'Skins' Skinner. Race Director Michelle Willcox Watts presented Mr Dewhirst a print by way of thank you and a cheque for £472 to go Bowel Cancer UK. This race has raised well in excess of £25,000 for charity since its inception.
Trotter duo Rick Clarke and Steve Rawlinson made the short trip east for the Poltimore Pootle. Described by Rick as a 'proper good cross country course' over 10.6km and despite getting lost he finished 35th of 70 finishers in 63.44. The dependable Steve Rawlinson finished 43rd in 69.13.
Further afield marathon-mad Sally Ingledew was back and tackling the Surrey Hills in the Farnham Pilgrims Marathon. Following in the famous footsteps of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales the route is mainly off road with loose sand, rough tracks, woodland paths and a total ascent of 2,200 feet. The race was run in perfect conditions with friendly marshals and free food at the end. The results are not yet available but the race has Sally's seal of approval.
The Trotters were also represented at the BUPA Great North Run with John (Squaddie) Ludlam and Cathy Evans making the long trek north eastward. With 39,437 finishers this was a record for the event. The course starts in central Newcastle and undulates all the way to South Shields where thousands of awaiting spectators cheered the runners home. John despite an injury induced lack of training crossed the line in 1.58.20 whilst Cathy finished in 2.37.16.