Tomlin triumphants in Taunton Marathon

The weather was ideal on Mothering Sunday 3rd April for the annual Taunton Marathon and half marathon with 1446 competitors finishing the events in which 31 of them wereTeignbridge trotters.

The man of the day in the marathon was David Tomlin (Tommo) who raced around the two lap course in an amazing 2.44.42 and coming in first place to show boat across the finish in front of the waiting crowds. A few of the trotters who had completed the half marathon, had descended on the pub at around the 25 mile mark to offer him vocal encouragement !He made it all look so easy as he raced in with the second place several minutes behind in his wake. This is the second time he has won this event and his 3rd Marathon win (New Forest 1996 )

To add to the excitement of the day, Garry Smart completed his 1st marathon in 3.00.15 and gaining 8th place while his team rival Wavell Vigers also a virgin in the event was just behind in 3.00.40 and 9th out of the 215 finishers. Both men where over joyed at their performances even though Garry had suffered with cramp in the last half. Marathon veteran Rogers Hayes was next trotter over the line in 3.21.44 with Ewan Walton completing in 3.30.45. Next was James Henderson who, in only his 2nd marathon, did 3.49.23 only 3 weeks after doing the Duchy marathon followed by Philip Perry also notched up his 2nd marathon after the Duchy, in a good time of 3.53.21 and has only been running for a year! Then came Mark Wotton in 4.24.27 and unfortunately Roger Hales had to pull out due to injury.

The half marathon started at the same time as the marathon and good crowd support was around every corner.1231 runners completed the half marathon.

Leading the trotters home in this event was Daryl"Tarquin"Milford in a strong 1.22.40 and 29th place. Gary Clark who is running so well did 1.28.30 and 70th followed by Stephen Barker who did a pb in only his 2nd half marathon by 8 minutes and did 1.29.10.Tom Burman was next trotter in 1.32.17, John Crocker 1.32.28,Andrew Ludlam 1.35.26 and Bruce Campbell did 1.36.20.Craig Churchill broke the sub 1.40 barrier to do 1.39.45.Mark Hamling did 1.40.18.New Trottette Jacki Woon showing her potential came through the finish in 1.41.28 and being the 1st trottette across the line.

Next came Tracy and Nathan Elphick in 1.42.53,Stuart Moulson did 1.43.15 and Peter Blakesley 1.42.57.Stephanie Ross came through next with her first half for a while and did 1.45.47 making her 3rd in the Female Vet 50 category. Sarah Schutte did a fantastic pb and raced in just behind Steph in 1.45.54.David Taylor then followed in 1.46.33.Showing off her new trotter vest Caroline Clark did 1.49.50 and a PB as a new trottette showing there is plenty of promise there. Graham Penn was next trotter over the line in 1.50.40,with Mary Goulden and another PB 1.51.59.Marsha Garrard did 1.54.53 and Sharon Bowman 1.57.57 and Derek Blackford 2.05.11.Angela Blakesley who is a second claim did 2.00.49.

Report written by Sharon Bowman(Fizz)

Photos-top-David Tomlin enjoys the winning feeling at the finish of Taunton Marathon .Middle-Garry and Wavell celebrate after completing their 1st marathon.Bottom-Gary and Caroline Clark before the start of the Half marathon(photos by Fizz)