Trotters face the Black Death

On Sunday, four Teignbridge Trotters travelled to the Combe Sydenham Country Park near Wiveliscombe in Somerset, for the resurrected Black Death Run. Hosted by Taunton Hash House Harriers, the event has been extended from the nine miles of two years ago, to ten gruelling miles, and is widely recognised as one of the toughest off road races in the Country.

The marshals were dressed as Grim Reapers; the trophies were in the shape of skulls; however 237 competitors managed to cheat death over the extremely hilly course, which passes the ruins of a hamlet whose population was wiped out by the plague in the 14th Century. Weather conditions were however favourable: overcast with a cooling breeze.

Mark Wotton crossed the line in 78th position, happy with his time of 1:36:37. Nigel Penwarden was close behind, 90th in 1:39:10, with Marion Witham and Angela Weeks recording 2:18:14 and 2:28:56 respectively.

Meanwhile a further eight Trotters were setting off from South Devon College on the 2nd Exterminator 10k race. The scenic course along bridle paths, quiet lanes and farm tracks of the South Hams includes a section near the delightful millpond at Stoke Gabriel.

Dave Tomlin had a good result and led the team home 6th overall, in a field of 206 finishers, with a time of 38:08. Chris Cleave was 2nd Trotter over the line, 24th in 43:18, with Roger Hales 59th in an equally creditable time of 48:56.

Graeme Baker was in fine fettle with his time of 52:46, scooping the 1st MV65 award. Sarah Schutte was hot on his heels in 53:12, followed by Sarah Whalley, running her first race for the royal blues in a well earned 55:38. Jim Donovan (57:34) and Vicky Hales (1:05:25) completed the line up.

The previous Sunday saw two ladies completing the Cowpat Canter 12k, at Midsomer Norton in Somerset. Organised by Somer AC since 1999, the off road event also includes a pond and river crossing. Marsha Garrard (1:18:29) and Julie Crocker (1:18:35) crossed the finish line 113th and 114th in a field of 184 finishers.

Photo (Marion Witham)

L to R: Angela Weeks, Nigel Penwarden & Marion Witham on completion of the Black Death Run.