Marathon miles around the globe for Trotters this weekend.......

Teignbridge Trotters were  out in force at the weekend, not only supporting local events, but also jet-setting across Europe.

A large contingent of club members travelled to Barcelona for a mini-break, where they took in the 10K, Half Marathon and full Marathon. In its 8th year the "Marato del Mediterrani" starts and finishes at the Olympic rowing park in Castelldefels. The morning started in torrential rain and felt like being at home but things just hotted up throughout the races and really "pushed" the Trotters to their inner strengths!  On a testing multi-lap course, which involved one lap circuit for the 10K, while the half marathon runners had the 10K course plus one circuit of the seafront However, the "lucky"marathoners had all of the above plus another 3 laps of the seafront to enjoy, where they kept their "mind focused" by saying "hi" to each other as they passed on opposite sides of the road! There was amazing support too from the Trotters' partners out on the course and from Caroline and Lance, who due to injury couldn't compete. It was lovely to see you all there shouting encouragement to all the Trotters.

Considering the conditions, a  number of useful times were posted, especially from virgin marathoner John ‘Squaddie’ Ludlam experiencing the full distance for the very first time in 4.34.34. The other marathon times were Gary Clark 3.30.47, Ian Langler 3.42.55, Andrew ‘Monkey’ Ludlam 3.48.51, Allen Taylor 3.48.51, Roger Hayes 3.50.17, Stewart Dunn 3.58.04, Roger Hales 4.07.08, Dave Dunn 4.17.56 and Mark Wotton 4.32.32. The only Trottettes to race the marathon were Shaz ‘Fizz’ Bowman 4.46.06 and Sally Ingledew 4.48.33, with both of them running their second marathon within 2 weeks. This was Sally’s 99th marathon, and as she entered the finishing striaght after a lap around the lake, "Chairman" grabbed the microphone and shouted his approval of this major achievement to a fantastic reception from all her fellow Trotters!

Half Marathon times were Mark Becker 1.41.15, Chris Wride 1.49.27, Jimmy Donovan 1.59.10 and Jo Becker on a welcome return to racing 2.09.04.

10K times were Daryl ‘Tarquin’ Milford 37.50, John Skinner 46.40, Steph Ross 53.21, Rachel Ludlum 56.34 running her first race in 12 months, and Vicky Hales 1.16.14.

Somewhat closer to home, and ensuring that the club gave good support to local events, over 30 Trotters supported the "Dartmoor Vale" series of events, including 10K, Half Marathon and full Marathon. The event was staged by the Rotary Club in support of a number of local charities.

Derek Blackford brought the Trotters home in the 10K in 52.53. He was followed by Glenn Jarvis 59.15 and 2nd MV65, and Rachel Pallant in a time of 59.16. Well done to Rachel who has come such a long way in the last 12 months, knocking over 5 minutes off last year’s time.

Our Ladies were stars of the show in the Half Marathon, with Helen Anthony racing to a new PB and picking up 3rd Female overall with her time of 1.38.06. Also amongst the prizes were Jacki Woon 1st F45 in 1.40.02 and El Taylor 3rd FV50 1.56.26. Keeping the male side of things afloat was Wavell Vigers 2nd MV40 in 1.27.42. In addition to our prize-winners, numerous Personal Best times were achieved. New members James Ayling and Graydon Widdicombe, in their first outings in club colours, ran 1.40.41 and 1.50.17 respectively. Angela Blakesley finished in 1.59.08, Bev Dennis did 2.08.22 and Sarah ‘Otter’ Seymour ran 2.13.17. Other Trotters completing the half marathon distance were Geoff Davey 1.31.57, John Tweedie 1.33.25, John Crocker 1.35.13, Travis Wood 1.36.00, Daniel Wride 1.38.27, Mark Hamlin 1.40.18, Peter Blakesley 1.42.59, Carrie-Anne Hewings 1.45.09, Stuart Moulson 1.45.30, Neil Pallant 1.55.30, Phil Hodgson, also running his first race in club colours did 2.00.55, Kevin Besford 2.08.10, Jo Billyard 2.09.56 and Sharon Hutchings 2.10.27

Star of the marathon, and leading the Trotters home was Alan Boone who scooped the 1st MV55 prize with his time of 3.18.50. Not to be outdone, and in his virgin Marathon, Keith Anderson showed great determination to finish in 4.52.28 along with collecting the 2nd MV60 prize. An excellent performance by Stephen Barker rewarded him with 2nd MV40 in a time of 3.28.03. Other times were Phil Perry 3.48.48, Mark Hutchings 4.10.19 and Guy Roberts 5.02.31.

Keeping the European theme going was Becky George who completed the "Amsterdam Half Marathon" on Sunday in 1.49.15.

Marathons seemed to be the order of the weekend with Pete Kirby and Bruce Campbell travelling to  compete in the "Abingdon Marathon". Pete recorded 3.35.56 and Bruce 3.46.03.

Closer to home Ben Epps ran the "Tavy 7" in Tavistock and completed in 53.22 and was  77th out of 353.

After a long lay-off due to injury, Matt Winter completed his first half marathon at the "Bupa Great Birmingham Run" where he did 2.19.29 and was 9892nd.

REPORT compiled by Fizz

PHOTOS-TOP-the trotters hit the heat in Barcelona MIDDLE -The girls smile after the Dartmoor Vale BOTTOM-Go squaddy go ..... (Thanks to the various photographers out there this weekend...brilliant memories)