Tommo Trimphant at Tavy and a Club Record for Helen

Six Teignbridge Trotters travelled across Dartmoor to take part in the Tavy 13 on Sunday. The course has some steep climbs and the race was run in perfect conditions. Dave ‘Tommo’ Tomlin followed up his recent second place at the Taunton Marathon with a hard fought win in 1.17.22. At 11 miles he found himself in third place but worked hard to overtake both runners over the final 2 miles to set up a fine win by a clear 34 second margin. Steve Barker was next Royal Blue to cross the line 49th in 1.35.18 followed by Allen Taylor 66th in 1.37.40. He was followed by Trottette Sarah Schutte 163rd in 1.53.16. Richard Varley was 201st in 2.00.21 and Stella Imong completed proceedings 255th out of 289 finishers in 2.14.00.
 

Michelle Willcox Watts went continental for the weekend and crossed the channel to France to take in the historic sights of the Paris Marathon. The race starts in The Champs Elysee and finishes in the shadow of the Eifell Tower. Michelle enjoyed her ‘big city’ experience and was 595th in her category, 16,072nd out of 32,980 finishers in a personal best time of 4.01.22.

On Saturday marathon regulars Roger Hales and Roger Hayes took on the marathon distance at the LDWA Bath Beat. With 4 different distances available to both walkers and runners alike it was predictable that they should opt for the classic marathon distance. With over 3,200 feet of ascent they self-navigated their way around the very tough course together in a time of 4.51.30. By way of a bonus in this type of race is the feed stations en-route where delicious food is served up to the participants.

On Sunday the two Rogers switched their attention to the Worcester Marathon where they were joined by 3 other Trotters. This is the first running of the event and the start was delayed by 15 minutes due to the unexpected popularity of the event. The team was led home by Roger ‘Smokes’ Hales, running in his 80th marathon. He was 46th in 3.38. Roger Hayes, Travis Wood and Phil Perry ran as a team and crossed the line together in 76th, 77th & 78th positions respectively with Phil Perry achieving a personal best time of 3.49.11. The morning was not without drama for Phil and his PB was even more impressive as he left his running shoes at home and had to run in a pair borrowed from our illustrious chairman. Sally Ingledew notched up yet another marathon in her quest to the magic 100 club and was 167th in 4.44.23.
 

The inaugural Bridgewater 10k also took place at the weekend. The race was run mainly on quiet rural roads with a couple of rutted farm tracks and attracted 305 finishers.The fine weather forecast proved to be correct but the strong north easterly wind proved to be testing in ithe early stages. On the fast, level course Mark Wotton ran well to finish 56th in 44.26 whilst Graham ‘Inky’ Penn ran a fine personal best 46.22. In finishing 83rd Inky reduced his PB by 52 seconds.

Helen Anthony and second claim Trotter Angela Blakesley made the long journey way up into Scotland for the Lochaber Marathon. The long trip proved to be extremely worthwhile for both ladies as each achieved personal best times for the distance. Helen Anthony broke Emma Sidebotham’s Senior Ladies’ club record in a magnificent time of 3.27.54. This is the sixth club record to fall in the last 3 weeks. Meanwhile Angie Blakesley entered the race with a degree of trepidation as she suffered an injury a few weeks ago and this was aggravated at the Taunton half marathon. This impeded her build up to the race as she was advised not to run again prior to the marathon. Despite this she ran a fine personal best time of 4.30.47 but the injury was most likely instrumental in her not achieving the sub 4.30 time she was targeting. This milestone will have to be put on hold for another day.

Report by Rod Payne

Photos: Top; Michelle Willcocks Watts celebrates her Marathon PB in Paris. (Thanks to Syd) Middle; Tommo receives his prize for winning the Tavy 13. Bottom; Inky storming to a PB at the Bridgewater 10k (Thanks to Pat Clatworthy)