Trotters scattered far and wide

On Sunday, the Teignbridge Trotters were represented at races in Devon, Cornwall and Gloucestershire by a small number of runners who made their presence felt with some superb results.

Chairman Roger Hayes and Sally Ingledew, still apparently fresh after running the Duchy Marathon on 7th March, were to be found in the Gloucestershire village of Temple Guiting for the 1st Cotswold Marathon. The three lap event which attracted runners from all round the country was organised by `Beyond the Limitations`, who also staged a 35 mile Ultra Marathon, which involved one extra lap.

The challenging rural course is run entirely on road and on its inaugural day, the dry and sunny conditions were perfect for the 85 finishers. Roger Hayes ran a fine race and crossed the line 4th overall in a magnificent 3:12:11, receiving the 1st MV40 award. Sally was 54th (3rd FV 45) in a time of 4:21:16. Both competitors posted faster times than those for the Duchy and are currently training for the Dartmoor Discovery Ultra Marathon on 5th June.

Also on Sunday, the final round of the Brooks Westward cross country league was held at Redruth. Three Trotters made the journey and came away with very respectable times for the 8.1k event, which was held at Redruth School. Daryl Milford was first Trotter past the post, 28th overall in a field of 66 runners, with a time of 33:05. Tom Burman was 37th in 35:00, followed by Gary Watson 53rd and a time of 38:21.

Still in Cornwall, lone Trotter Garry Smart was a guest of the East Cornwall Harriers at the 5 Tors Moorland Race. This event, which exceeds 10 miles in length, is run over open moorland, starting and finishing at Minions near Liskeard. Garry crossed the line 7th out of 142 finishers in an enviable 1:17:17.

Back in Devon, Mark Wotton and Stephen Wallace attended the Mad March Hare 10k in Plympton. Hosted by Plymouth Round Table, the popular race starts from Coypool Park & Ride, with a large proportion of the course in Saltram Park. The conditions on Sunday were very agreeable and Mark Wotton finished 24th out of 206 finishers as 2nd MV50, in 44:38. Stephen also ran a good race, crossing the line in 92nd position with a time of 52:32.