invasion of Trotters in Edinburgh................................

Sunday 22nd May saw a large group of trotters take to the air to fly to Scotland to run the "Edinburgh Marathon" and "Half Marathon". Runner's World used 200 different comparisons to establish which the fastest marathon was and the Edinburgh Marathon came out as the fastest marathon in the UK. The course has an elevation drop of almost 40 metres. It has also been voted as one of the worlds "Top Ten "Marathons .Starting near Edinburgh Castle and passing the Meadow Brook Stadium ,the route took the runners along the Portabella Promenade .At around 8 miles it did a large loop which turned at 19 miles to go to the finish at Musselburgh. The weather was far from ideal with severe winds and rain showers which tested the runner's out.9660 completed the course for the marathon and 4548 for the half.

First Trotter across the line was Wavell Vigers who did the magic sub 3 hours on only his second marathon.2.58.34 got him over the line in a superb run and placed 128th with a PB. Simon Boobyer who did a fantastic personal time which has got him a good for age place at London in 2012 was 2nd trotter. He did 3.09.43 and 357th .Bruce Campbell was next with another PB run in 3.25.52 and 998th.Wilf Taylor struggling with on going injuries this year clocked 3.29.52 placed 1279th.The first trottette across was Emma Sidebotham with a brilliant 3.35.45 and 1634th .Jacki Woon showed her versatility in a different racing distance with 3.42.20 and 2108th. Nathan Elphick in his first marathon ran an enviable 3.47 with his wife Tracy still struggling with a hamstring injury clocking the same time. They were 2550 and 2551.Sarah Schutte also a marathon "virgin" got under the 4 hour mark with a strong 3.58.08 and 3658th.Not too far behind and equalling her best time in Paris three years ago was Michelle Willocks-Watts in 4.05.51 and 4347.El Taylor appeared in a creditable 4.09 .53 and 4642th and to finish the "Trotter "invasion was Mary Goulden also in her first race of the distance on 26.2 miles, completing in a good time of 4.21.43 and 5592th.

The race was well organised with good support around the course and a very good atmosphere.

"The half marathon" event attracted David Taylor who did 1.42.40 and 720th, Graeme Baker who did 1.46.47 and 1048th also now scoops the Vet 70 club record in the Teignbridge Trotter ranks by knocking 4 minutes off Dave Foster's record at Bideford half in 2004.He also knocked 58 seconds off Dave Fosters Torbay 10km record for the over 70s last week at Ivybridge! Syd Willocks did 1.48.00 and 1164th place finishing off the men with them all running in the Vets over 60 categories and all in the top 16 of that age group.

Right down the other end of the country in St Austell saw the "St Austell half marathon" run by the St Austell running club .This attracted 4 trotters to take on the rather challenging 2 lap event starting and finishing near the rugby club at Tregorrick Park. It was a scenic route over mixed terrain and passed through the village of Pentewan and a long woodland trail through Kings Wood. First Trotter was Phil Perry in only his 4th half in 1.43.38 45th and clocking a PB for him in the process. Mark Wotton did 1.54.09 and 69th followed by Graham"inky"Penn in 1.58.03 and 84th.The only trottette was Stella Imong who did 2.15.09 and 99th place out of 109 finishers. (Thanks Inky for the info)

Last Saturday 20th May saw lone trotter Rick Clarke took part in the "17k Endurance Commando Challenge " . He finished 20th of 60 in the Individual Male category in 1:24:43

PHOTO-top-Edinburgh posse-simon,Emma,Nath,Tracy and El and Wilf Taylor. Bottom-Before the start of St Austell half-Phil,Inky,Mark and Stella.

Written by Sharon (Fizz)Bowman