26th Haytor Heller another Great Success

A busy weekend of running commenced on Friday night at the Chudleigh Carnival 6, followed by our very own Haytor Heller on Saturday evening and the Magnificent 7 on Sunday.

The 26th running of the Teignbridge Trotters’ Haytor Heller took place on Saturday Evening. 248 runners lined up at the start to tackle the tough 6 mile route that takes in the delights of Haytor (twice ) and Hound Tor en route. The weather was extremely windy but apart from a couple of squally showers the heavy rain of earlier in the day relented. The men’s race was closely fought with overseas guest and Exmouth Harrier Berihu Tesfay (39.21) just beating the fast closing, twice times winner, James Baker of Chichester Harriers by 4 seconds. James had won the Chuleigh 6 the previous evening. Arran Tocknell of Torbay AC was third in 41.03. In the ladies’ race Jo Meek of Tavistock AC won in a time of 47.51. Jane Hansen of Queens Park Harriers was 2nd in 50.17 followed by Lucy Commander of SWRR in 51.00. Both the men’s and ladies’ team prizes were won by SWRR. Other results: M35 1. Tim Lenton, Norfolk Gazelles 43.58 2. Shaun Parkin, SWRR 45.26. M40 1. Andrew Perry, Erme Valley Harriers 43.08, 2. Mark Batchelor, South Molton Strugglers 44.55. M45 1. Neil Holmes, Erme Valley Harriers 41.34, 2. Nick Einchcomb, SWRR 45.27. M50 1. Hugh Marsden, Exmouth Harriers 49.51, 2. Walter Andrews, Tiverton Harriers 51.04. M55 1. Hans Thompson, Unattached 50.25, 2. Derek Hicks, Bere Alston Trekkers 59.24. M60 1. Richard Hale, Axe Valley Runners 56.18, 2. Lewis Jones, SWRR 57.00. F35 1. Amanda James, Unattached 58.39, 2. Clare Whalley, Unattached 1.01.04. F40 1. Jane Hanson, Queens Park Harriers 50.17, 2. Ros Marsh, Portsmouth Joggers 57.40. F45 1. Sharon Daw, East Cornwall Harriers 51.11, 2. Carol Prescott, Unattached 56.39. F50 1. Izzy Watkins, Unattached 1.10.21, 2. Mary Pool, Bideford AC 1.13.23. F55 1. Bonny Collingborn, Unattached 1.00.51, 2. Sue Taylor, Mounts Bay Harriers 1.01.46. F60 1. Jean Mills, Brixham Harriers 1.11.03, 2. Bev Tarry, Sidmouth RC 1.12.56. Six Teignbridge Trotters took part in the race. Ben Epps lead the Trotters home 65th overall in 55.01, Craig Churchill followen in 98th position in 59.32. Then Rex Barnes enjoying his first experience of fell racing came in 121st in 1.02.03, Graham 'Inky' Penn in his second race in 24hrs was 135th 1.03.43 and Derek Blackford came home strongly,183rd 1.09.59. This was also a brand new experience for Keith Anderson who aquipped himself well finishing 202nd in 1.13.16. There were 246 finishers. The race received fantastic support from the members, friends and family with a total of 75 helpers and marshals making the day go well. We couldn't do it without you.(report by Rod Payne)

On the previous evening the annual Chudleigh Carnival 6 run was held. As a highlight in the town’s year, it attracted 176 runners of which 32 were wonderful Teignbridge Trotters. Being included in our championship it made for some fast times and excellent running. The course is far from easy and takes the runners on a circular lap of the town and out into the quiet countryside lanes. The first major hill is at around 1.5 miles followed by undulations and finally down-hill finish outside the “Bishop Lacy” pub that sponsors the run. By the finish most runners were rather wet as the clouds decided to open! Trottette Eleanor Taylor is race director for the event.
Daryl”Tarquin”Milford lead the trotters home showing his strength and determination and gaining 7th place in a fantastic 32.54. Nick Stevens also pushing hard was 14th in 35.04 with Ian Langler not far behind in 35.49 and 18th.Roger Hayes gained 2nd Vet 40 with a good time of 36.13 and 22nd place. Stephen Barker was 26th in 36.49, John Crocker 39.28 in 44th, Alan Boone 39.48 in 46th , Gary Watson 40.01 in 48th and Roger Hales 40.15. Andrew Ludlam did 40.28 and came 55th followed by Chris Cleave in 40.31 and 57th with Phil Perry close on his tail in 40.48 and 58th. Next husband and wife team Nathan and Tracy Elpick came in together in 41.23 and 65th and 66th with Tracy being the first Trottette across the finish. Stuart Moulson was 72nd in 42.17, Craig Churchill 42.23 and 73rd and Mark Wotton 43.26 in 82nd . Anna Caunter was awarde the prize for first local lady and was the next trottette in 43.35 and 84th. David Dunn did 44.35 and 94th, Chris Wride was 96th in 44.51 and hot on his heels in 97th was “newbie” Neil Pallant who is showing great improvement in 44.55. Sarah Schutte appeared next in 45.02 and 99th place being chased by Sharon Bowman in 45.43 and 105th. Joanne Haynes did 46.34 and then a quartet of trotters appeared lead by Graham Penn(doing his first of 3 races this weekend) in 46.51 and 117th, Sally Ingledew in 46.52 and 118th, Marsha Garrard in 46.54 and 119th and Caroline Clark in 46.56 in 120th. Jessica Parkes another “newbie” enjoyed the event and clocked a commendable 1st effort of 50.13 and 133rd. Julie Crocker did 51.31 and 140th and Katrina Duignan and Sarah Ross both did 56.57 and 167th and 168th respectively. (report by Sharon Bowman)

On Sunday morning three Teignbridge Trotters crossed the Tamar Bridge into Cornwall for the Magnificent 7, the scene of last year’s Trotter’s club trip. First royal blue back was Dave Tomlin finishing 10th out of 411 finishers in a time of 42.50. Next was Mark Wotton who ran the race last year in a monkey suit, this time in club vest Mark was not monkeying about and finished 192nd in 57.48. Graham ‘Inky’ Penn, running his third race in consecutive days finished 262nd in 1.02.21. (Rod Payne)

Another Trotter in action over the weekend was Peter Blakesley who took part in the Olympic distance as a super vet in the Bath Triathlon. The event organised by Bath Amphibians Tri Club comprised a 1,500m swim, a 40k bike ride and a 10k run. Peter successfully completed the course along with around 200 others but at present results are not available. (Rod Payne)

Photos from Chudleigh: Top Tarquin Ready to go but no one else looks bothered. Middle Chairman gives way to Nath. Bottom Inky Sally & Marsha in a race to the finish. (pictures by Lucy Payne)