Triumphant Tommo creates Virgin record

At 09.45 on Sunday a huge mass of runners in excess of 36,000 began crossing the three start lines in Blackheath and the 30th London Marathon was underway. The event was sponsored for the first time by Richard Branson`s Virgin Corporation and saw entries at record levels. Eleven Teignbridge Trotters were fortunate enough to secure a place in one of the racing calendars' most sought after Marathons and all completed the course in under 4:30:00.

Many thousands run for worthwhile causes and millions of pounds have been raised since its inception by former Olympic runner Chris Brasher. The predicted high temperatures failed to materialise, which eased the burden on the emergency services and the supplies at water stations.

Elite Trotter Dave Tomlin pulled out all the stops and led the Royal Blues home, crossing the line in 173rd position, with a most impressive 2:39:55 - smashing the club Senior Men`s record by 16 seconds, which he himself set at the New Forest Marathon in 1997. This result is all the more remarkable for the fact that he ran the Tavistock and Taunton Half Marathons on two preceding weekends!

Vaughan Lindsay, also still fresh from his exertions at Tavistock, was next to cross the line in the Mall, 577th in an enviable 2:52:44. Unknown to him at the time, he had also broken a club record: in the MV45 category set by Mike Branson 17 years ago. He was followed by Ian Langler in 3:15:33 and Chris Cleave, back on form after a recent injury with 3:22:12.

Further strong performances were displayed by Mark Hamling (3:25:45), Stuart Moulson (3:43:49), Sue Brown (3:49:05) and David Evans (3:57:11). Sharon Bowman, still striding along when spotted at 25 miles, improved on her 2009 Abingdon time by 23 seconds, to post a creditable 4:09:24. She was closely followed by Mark Wotton in 4:10:21. Sally Ingledew running her 4th Marathon since early March completed the line up with a time of 4:27:31.

Meanwhile in the tranquil setting of North Devon, two Trotters were attending the Arlington Court Canter. Described as `one of the toughest but most scenic off road runs in the West Country` the undulating 10k course is run through woodlands and parks of the National Trust Arlington Estate near Barnstaple, and is organised by North Devon Road Runners.

Ronnie Jones had dusted off his running shoes for the new season and gave a sterling performance, finishing in 5th position with an impressive 40:15. Jim Donovan completed the challenging course in an equally fine time of 53:59.

Photo`s:

Upper (L to R): Mark Hamling, Mark Wotton, Ian Langler & Dave Tomlin.

Centre: (L to R): Sally Ingledew, Sue Brown & Sharon Bowman.

Lower: Mr & Mrs Tommo on the train home from Paddington