scorching sunday sun and silverware for trotters......................

Scorching Sunday sun and silverware for trotters

On probably the hottest Sunday this year so far on the 10th April, the Tavy 13 half marathon was once again blessed with the sun. It was only the 2nd running of the event and the numbers were slightly down on last year and it saw only 6 trotters represented there. The event was extremely well marshalled and organised with a great finish on the Tavistock athletic track with many people cheering the 408 competitors home .The heat was a real struggle and reflected in the times for some but also the course packs several large hills not least the mile long climb just before the 6 mile point but at least the summit saw a well earned water station! There were also plenty of open roads and although the event started at 10am it was pretty hot out on the open tarmac.

These conditions didn't deter "marathon winner" David Tomlin from coming 2nd after winning at the marathon at Taunton only last week! He also was first in his age category. He crossed the finishing line in 1.21.27. Simon Boobyer was in fine form with a enviable time of 1.31.12 in 15th place and Stephen Barker did 1.40.57 and 50th place helping pick up the male team second prize for the men and this was Simon and Stephens first prize as part of the trotter team showing that they are ones to follow in the rankings.

Next was Emma Sidebotham in a time of 1.43.27 and in doing so gained her 3rd senior lady and 67th. After a while off racing half marathons saw Dave Dunn finish the course in 1.56.14 in 181st and chasing him was the only other trottette Sharon Bowman in 191th place doing 1.57.41.Richard Varley struggled in the heat and posted 1.58.52 and 204th place.

Lucy and Rod Payne were on their travels again at the weekend, this time in Stockbroker Belt Surrey for the Frimley Park 10k. The race, organized by Frimley Park Hospital, is run entirely on roads in aid of their Heart 2 Heart Scanner appeal around an undulating town course. The sunny conditions attracted a field of over 700 runners for the 10k race and another 400 for the 2.5k fun run.
Rod, running his last race before next week's London Marathon used the race as a 'sharpener' before the big event and finished in 122nd place in 47.09. Lucy was returning to the scene of her very first competitive race, where in 2010 she recorded a time of just over 61 minutes. This year saw an impressive 4 minute improvement, finishing 389th in a new personal best time of 57.07.(written by Rod Payne)

We would like to wish all the London marathon runners a safe and strong run on Sunday at the 2nd Virgin London marathon.

Written by Sharon (fizz) Bowman
Photos-TOP -Enjoying the sun after the Tavy 13-Dave D,Tommo,Fizz,Emma&Simon MIDDLE-Tommo collecting his 2nd prize