Trotters take to the hills

The first weekend in July proved to be a challenging one for a dedicated group of Teignbridge Trotters who travelled to Little Stretton in Shropshire, for the infamous Callow Fell Race. The 5 mile event starting at the Ragleth Inn is a tough off road race with four huge hills to tackle.

The previous day`s Ale Trail and a night under canvas, failed to deter Stewart Dunn who led the team home in fine style. He was followed by Dave Tomlin and Daryl Milford, with remaining runners in finish order: Ewan Walton, Bruce Campbell, Adrian Bailey, Roger Hayes, Chris Cleave, Ian Langler, Adrian Youngman, Pete Aston, Jim Donovan, Rod Payne and Chris Wride; ample encouragement being given by Gary Watson and John Tweedie.

Meanwhile in South Wales, Syd Willocks and daughter Michelle Willocks-Watts were flying the flag at the Aberdare 10k. Organised by Macmillan Cancer charity, the point to point race starts at Penderyn and finishes on the track in Aberdare, with several difficult sections to negotiate. In cool and breezy conditions, Syd passed the post 147th out of 363 in 46:54, with Michelle attaining a personal best time of 47:37, in 153rd position.

Last Saturday morning, a Trotter trio were in Tipton St. John near Sidmouth, for the 4th Otter Valley Rail and River Run. Organised in aid of the village Playing Field Association, the multi terrain 10k race attracted 112 participants. Mark Wotton running his 50th such event, crossed the line first, 32nd overall, in 48:44. Sue Brown was close behind in 38th position, taking 3rd FV45 with her time of 49:36 and Graham Penn (52:39) was 53rd overall and 3rd MV55.

Saturday evening saw a further gathering of Trotters at the 20th Anniversary Duckponds 7k, at Radford Park near Plymstock. The two lap course is run on grass, footpaths, through woodlands and on a private road.

Dave Tomlin was first Trotter to cross the line, 6th overall in a field of 200 finishers, with a time of 24:12, followed by Daryl Milford 9th and 24:54. In 26th position, Eyvoll Aston took the 1st FV 35 award in 27:54 and with a welcome return of John Crocker to the racing scene; an enviable 28:36 ensured the 3rd MV45 award.

Remaining Trotters were: Gary Watson (28:57), Roger Hales (29:18), Stuart Moulson (30:05), Nigel Penwarden (30:39), Sarah Schutte (32:18), Sharon Bowman (32:36), Milos Erben (34:06), Marsha Garrard (36:23) and Eleanor Taylor (37:58).

Please note: The Wellington 10 & Bath Triathlon details have been added to the next report and due for publication in the Mid Devon Advertiser on Friday 30th July.

Photo`s

Upper: Royal Blue Team at the Callow Fell Race

Lower: Graham Penn, Mark Wotton and Sue Brown before the start of the Otter Valley 10k