Another well supported race took place on Sunday 15th January with 31 Trotters completing the “Oh my Obelisk”. The race is organised by the Dawlish Coasters and is a tough multi terrain course ran up to the Obelisk and back with some stunning views on the way. The weather was dry but bitterly cold and windy but the 239 runners that completed didn’t seem to notice too much. Unfortuately Becky George had to pull up due to injury and Keith, her husband, didn’t finish either, stopping to help her.
David Tomlin lead the Trotters in very strongly and finished 5th overall in a time of 1.11.55. Next came Adam Caunter who just seems to keep on improving in 1.16.08, and 10th.Nick Stevens arrived next, racing across the line in 1.18.19 and 14th, clinching the men’s team prize along with David and Adam. Lance Mason suffering with an on going injury did well to get 16th place in a time of 1.18.34, but still managed to pick up 1st vet 50 male! Ewan Walton appeared next, looking in fine form in 20th in 1.19.52. Steve Barker was 26th in 1.21.39 and Gary Clark 42nd in 1.24.12. Ian Langler, back in his first race since becoming a father to twins, was 57th in 1.27.16. Ian was being chased down by newer member Travis Wood in 1.27.25 and 58th. Roger Hayes was 62nd in 1.27.48 and John Tweedie had a cracking race as his first one back since his injury in 64th and 1.28.00. Wilf Taylor was 82nd in 1.31.30 and Mark Becker back on the scene after a long absence did 1.32.12. Helen Anthony was the first of the Trottettes home in a time of 1.32.29 and 88th with Carrie-Anne Hewings who battled well to do 1.35.33 and 105th. Chris Wride did 1.37.12 and 112th, Gary Caunter 1.38.05 120th, Roger Hales 1.38.37 127th, Peter Royle 1.41.19 140th and Noel Fowler 1.43.48 153rd. Anna Caunter was the third Trottette home in 1.45.02 and made up the third scoring member of the 1st ladies team along with Helen and Carrie-Anne. Joanne Haynes had a good run in 1.47.04 and 170th, Mark Wotton 1.48.22 in 182nd, Sue Fewings 1.48.26 and Guy Roberts 1.50.07 192nd. Right on Guy's heels was Katrina Duignan in 1.50.51 193rd with Jim Donovan behind her in 1.51.01 194th. Caroline Clark did 1.52.19 200th and Joanne Becker in her first race in a long time did 1.56.52 213th. New member Chris Dodwell was 220th in 1.59.10 and Eleanor Taylor was just behind in 1.59.21 and 222nd.
The first round of the "Brooks Westward cross country league" took place on the same day near Bideford. It was run on a new course at Northam Burrows. It was very flat and extremely cold and windy with a couple of streams to cross. John and Julie Crocker took themselves there with Julie running 5000m (43rd) and John 8400m (63rd)
Late news from 1st January was the “Brown Willy run” at the Jamaica Inn on Bodmin Moor. The tough race took 315 runners up to the summit but although getting to the top is strongly contested, it remains an informal event where like-minded people can enjoy a friendly run in beautiful surroundings, welcoming in the New Year. Truro Running Club hosted the annual 7 mile moorland charity run, which takes in some very testing terrain between Jamaica Inn and Brown Willy. Tina and John Caunter ran it and John’s brother Gary decided to ask for his girlfriend Helen Jordan's hand in marriage. She accepted and they became engaged on the summit with a bottle of Champagne to celebrate courtesy of Truro running club.
Report written by Fizz
PHOTOS-TOP-The Trotters take on the obelisk MIDDLE-Julie running at Bideford Cross country BOTTOM-Gary and Helen enjoying their engagement on top of “the Brown Willy”