When the going gets tough.....the Trotters tough it out........

The recent dry spell came to a dramatic end this weekend with torrents of rain and high winds sweeping the country. On Saturday 28th April the weather was already making its mark up at Exeter racecourse with mist and rain on Haldon for the second running of the “Haldon Heartbeat”. Organised by the Haldon Trail Runners, it was a different course from last year with an elevation gain of 659 feet and plenty of mud and puddles and undulating forest tracks, giving the runners a multitude of things to run through but still raising funds for “HeartSWell”.

HeartSWell Lodge is owned by the charity HeartSWell South West. The prime purpose of the lodge is to provide accommodation for relatives and carers of hospital patients in Plymouth. The Lodge was opened in 2001 and provides bed and breakfast accommodation a short walk away from both Derriford Hospital and Nuffield Hospital, Plymouth for use whilst their relatives are receiving hospital treatment. Although the Lodge was originally built for relatives of cardiac patients, they now welcome relatives and friends of any patients at Derriford, The Nuffield or DDRC. The race was started by Judi Spiers, a patron of the charity. 32 Trotters completed the race and made up the 221 entries.

First Trotter home, and fresh from now being an “elite” runner after last week’s London Marathon, Daryl “Tarquin” Milford stormed across the line in 5th place in a strong time of 52.09. Ewan Walton was next in 18th with 56.12, chased by Patrick Gaskins in 20th and 56.30. Right behind Patrick and picking up another vet 50 award was Lance Mason in 56.44 and 21st. Geoff Davey was only a few places further back in 57.52 and 24th.

The other Trotters came in as follows - Travis Wood 1.00.25 and 35th, Daniel Wride 1.00.32 38th, Wilf Taylor picking up the male vet 60 award with 1.02.18 and 46th, and John Crocker 1.02.21 47th. First Trottette over the line and just two weeks after her Scottish marathon club record was Helen Anthony in 1.06.00 and 68th. Ben Epps ran 1.06.59 for 75th, Gary Caunter 1.07.42 for 83rd, while Clare Youngman won the female vet 45 award with 1.07.45 and 85th. Mark Wotton did 1.08.37 for 87th, Stuart Moulson 1.09.07 in 92nd, and Chris Wride 1.09.58 in 101st. Hattie Mann, a new face to the Trotter racing scene, did 1.12.18 for 108th, Jessica Parkes 1.13.08 for 111th, Sharon Bowman 1.14.22 for 120th, Joanne Haynes 1.15.44 for 133rd, Eleanor Taylor 1.18.21 for 146th, Guy Roberts 1.18.36 for 149th ,Tamsin Cook 1.18.57 for 151st, Keith Anderson 1.19.02 for 152nd, Tina Caunter 1.19.06 for 153rd, Steve Rawlinson 1.22.55 for 174th, Jess Whitehouse 1.23.01 for 176th, Katrina Duignan 1.23.50 for 178th, Jo Billyard 1.26.08 for 188th, Catherine Barnes 1.26.31 for 198th, Rebecca Weare 1.26.32 for 199th and Sarah Seymour 1.27.14 in 201st.

On Sunday 29th through torrential rain and high winds Peter Royle took himself up to Manchester to compete in the “Greater Manchester Marathon”. After a 10 year absence the Greater Manchester Marathon in Trafford brought the ultimate running challenge back to Manchester. The 26 mile 385 yard course took in some key landmarks and beautiful countryside around the borough of Trafford, boasting to be one of the flattest courses in the world and passing the mecca of football “Old Trafford Stadium”. 4,760 runners took part and Peter completed the course in 3.40.06 and was 946th, knocking 29 minutes off his previous marathon. There was immense crowd support considering the conditions. (thanks Peter)

The weather was no kinder at the first “Milton Keynes Marathon" where two marathon virgins, Neil Pallant, who was running for SANDS a charity close to his and his wife's heart, and Lucy Payne, along with marathon queen Sally Ingledew, ended up being soaked to the skin in the high winds and the rain. It didn’t dampen their spirits though and they all ran strong races. Neil charged into the staduim in 4:13:25 and 1333rd place, raising over £600 for his charity. Lucy broke the female Vet 60 club record by an outstanding 51 minutes, running strongly to the line in 4.25.20 for 1778th place. This makes for a total of 9 club records broken in April which is a record in itself! Sally knotched yet another marathon on her belt with 4.35.04 in 1924th place.

2,923 runners managed to complete the course which was very good considering the elements. Once again the weather didn’t deter the crowds or the marshals, and an almighty great feeling came across you as you went running into the stadium Milton Keynes as a video camera captured you on a big screen as you finished. (thanks Neil)

Also on Sunday, at Stratford-on-Avon the “Shakespeare Marathon” caught the eye of the two marathon veterans Roger Hayes and Roger Hales. As we all know Sunday was not the best day to be running a marathon, torrential rain and gale force winds made the task of putting one foot in front of the other even more difficult than normal. However any concerns about cancelling the Shakespeare marathon and half marathon were laid to rest when the organisers declared on their official website on the Saturday evening, that the races would definitely go ahead. Imagine our Chairman's face when three minutes before the start they announced that the marathon was cancelled and that everybody would now have to run the half marathon!

Roger Hayes takes up the story; “I couldn't believe my ears, the race referee cancelled the marathon because part of the course was flooded and hid so called dangerous pot holes. However he allowed the half to go ahead, which was run over the same course as the marathon, which was to be two laps. To make the call three minutes before the start was dreadful. OK the weather was bad, but I've raced in worse conditions. There were a lot of very upset and annoyed marathoners, myself being one of them. I decided to run the half, but my heart wasn't in it. Having run the course, I can say it was perfectly safe and not in the slightest bit dangerous. With no sign of a refund, I don't think I'll be rushing back to take part next year!” As yet no results are available! (Thanks Chair)

Mark Wotton went to Pensford in East Somerset to take part in the “Pensford 10k” .The race started at Pensford Village Hall in pouring rain and very windy conditions. The course was very undulating with some very sharp climbs, with a one kilometre long steep hill at the half-way point. It takes in 4 small villages on the way round and is very scenic. The race finishes up a steep hill into the field beside the village hall. There were plenty of marshals and water stations, and the roads were shut to traffic. Mark did 48.55 and was 64th out of 176 finishers. (Thanks Mark)

Written and compiled by Fizz

PHOTOS-Top-The heartbeat runners ready for the off!   Middle-Veterans show off their trophys.  Bottom-A rather damp Mark !