DD a resounding success for Trotters...Tommo crowned King

PRESS RELEASE

DARTMOOR DISCOVERY, 4 JUNE, 2011, RACE REPORT

FAIRYTALE FINISH FOR TEIGNBRIDGE TROTTERS
Runners battle searing heat
Total of 146 finishers includes 92 DD newbies

Newton Abbot, 6 June, 2011 – There was a fairytale finish to the 2011 Dartmoor Discovery ultramarathon on Saturday (4 June), as Dave Tomlin of the Teignbridge Trotters stormed to victory. Tomlin’s triumph underscored a great day for the Trotters, who were staging the 32-mile event for the first time in its 14-year history.

The club took over the running of the ‘DD’, as it has become known, after the 2010 race, when the previous organiser announced his retirement, casting doubt over the future of the well-loved event. Starting and finishing at Princetown in the heart of Dartmoor, the DD is the UK’s longest single-lap road race and attracts some of the country’s top ultra distance runners, as well as hardy enthusiasts of all ages. It combines stunning views with several tough hills and notoriously unpredictable weather, resulting in a true test of body and soul.

Teignbridge Trotters Chairman Roger Hayes, who is also the DD’s new Race Director, said: ‘It was a great day for everyone concerned. And Dave Tomlin’s victory was the icing on the cake for us. I was particularly pleased that, this year, 92 runners who had never run the DD before finished the course. It’s very satisfying to welcome new blood to the ultramarathon discipline. It augers well for the future of the sport and for the DD itself.’

A total of 146 runners completed the arduous course on Saturday, braving searing temperatures that tested the mettle of even the most experienced participants. Placed third in 2010, Tomlin was on top form. He shrugged off any worries about the heat, romping home in 3:57:48, after a tough battle for the top spot with 2010 winner and Exmouth Harrier Dave Stone, who clocked a doughty 4:01:26. Roman Pavlu, of SK Jeseninova, travelled all the way from Prague to sample the DD experience. He delighted the crowd by hoisting a Czech flag as he crossed the line in 4.12.56.

In the Ladies’ event, Diane Roy of East Cornwall Harriers improved on her 2010 DD second placing in the only way that mattered — by lifting the winner’s trophy. Her time of 4:29:50 also bagged her a new FV45 course record. Ellie Sutcliffe, representing the Exmouth Harriers, came second, posting 4.33.27. Wendy Webber, of Marshall Milton Keynes AC, secured third position, in a time of 4:36:22.

As the runners battled across Dartmoor, a huge logistical operation was under way to ensure all aspects of the event ran smoothly. An estimated 120 people, including members of the Dartmoor Radio Club and St John Ambulance, helped out on the day in a variety of roles, from marshalling and timekeeping to staffing water stations and providing catering. Underpinning the race organisation was sponsorship from Ironbridge Runner, Ashfords Solicitors, St Austell Brewery, Wyse Construction, the Road Runners Club and South Dartmoor Community College.

In addition to the overall placings, a number of trophies were awarded in age categories. Dave Stone added the MV40 category prize to his overall second place. Jerry Shield (4:45:55) lifted the MV45 trophy. The MV50 award went to Bernard Genge (4:26:52). Walter Hill (4:43:48) took the MV55 prize home. Graham Baker (5.05.31), who has now completed all 13 DDs (the 2001 event was cancelled as a result of that year’s foot and mouth outbreak), netted the MV60 trophy.
The FV35 award went to Alice Heather-Hayes (4:54:05). Teresa King (5:09:29) triumphed in the FV40 category. The FV45 prize made overall victory even sweeter for Diane Roy. Kathy Fooks (5:28:15) hoisted the FV50 trophy. Rona Buley (6.11.26), a veteran of nine previous DDs, pocketed the FV55 award.
The DD’s team competitions always generate keen rivalry on the hills and lanes of Dartmoor. The Men’s team award went to the 100 Marathon Club. The Teignbridge Trotters were second and Wimborne AC came third. Marshall Milton Keynes lifted the Ladies’ team award, with the Littledown Harriers taking second place.
Tomlin, Daryl ‘Tarquin’ Milford (4.19.58) and DD newbie Nick Stevens (5:02:25) made up the Trotters’ second-placed men’s team. Other Trotters running were: Clare Youngman (5:18:56), Ewan Walton (5:20:10), Roger Hales (5:33:32), Stuart Moulson (5:39:38) and Sally Ingledew (6:30:00).
For more information or hi-res images contact: John Ludlam john.ludlam@me.com 07788 457801
 

Thanks to John for this report and well done to the organizing committee, marshals and helpers for a great event….. The Press & Publicity Team
 

Also on Saturday it was the turn of the Plymouth Coasters to stage their own event The Saltram Park 5k Race. The Coasters are a relatively new and friendly club which in addition to this run organizes a 5k Santa Run in the lead up to Christmas.
 

The Saltram Park race is run over a single lap course entirely on tracks within the cartilage of the park and with a few lumps and bumps, it poses a reasonable test of stamina for all of the runners. The race took place in thankfully cooler conditions than those experienced on Dartmoor that morning.

Amongst the 90 finishers were three Teignbridge Trotters. Ben Epps who had stood as marshal at the DD in the morning made the journey to Plymouth for the 7pm start and posted a 23rd place finish in a time of 20.40. Just over a minute behind was the seemingly inevitable appearance of race-mad Craig Churchill, still showing good form to finish 36th in 21.52 and completing the line up for the Trotters was our very own newsman Chris Rogers who ‘hacked’ up in 71st place in a very respectable 26.42.
 

Rod Payne
 

Photos: Top: Tommo on the road to victory. Middle: Tommo with his hands on that elusive trophy. Bottom: DD goes International Roman Pavlu from Prague

Watch out for all the photos on our website soon!