Dartmoor Discovery another Trotter Triumph ..........

YORKSHIRE FELL RUNNER ROBIN TUDDENHAM WINS 2013 DARTMOOR DISCOVERY

RECORD NUMBER OF FINISHERS CROSS THE LINE AT PRINCETOWN

Three runners clock up 100 marathons at this year’s DD

Newton Abbot, 3 June, 2013 — Robin Tuddenham, a fell runner from the Todmorden Harriers in Yorkshire, won the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) ultramarathon on Saturday (June 1). He conquered gusting winds and high temperatures to finish the 32-mile course across Dartmoor in 3:57:42. Bideford AC runner James Murray was second, in a time of 4:01:19. Milan Goc, of Sidmouth Running Club, came third, crossing the line in 4:09:32.
The difficult conditions prevented last year’s lady winner, Isobel Wykes, from bettering her 2012 time. But the Mud Crew Trail Runner nevertheless turned in a gutsy performance to win the ladies’ event in 4:21:53. Rebecca Mingo, of Bere Alston Trekkers, emerged from a strong ladies’ field in her first attempt at the race to claim second place, with a time of 4:30:57. Wendy Webber, who runs for Marshall Milton Keynes AC, came third, posting 4:35:09.
The DD, organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters, is the UK’s longest single-lap road race. The event is now more popular than at any time in its history and a record 183 finishers crossed the line in Princetown.
This year’s race was particularly special for three runners, who all used the 2013 DD as the event with which to mark a landmark achievement – the completion of 100 marathons. Teignbridge Trotter Chairman Roger Hayes, fellow Trotter Roger Hales and Les Croupiers runner Alan Mann are all now members of the renowned 100 Marathon Club. They were inaugurated into the 100 Marathon Club by Chairman Roger Biggs and Secretary Gina Little, who had both travelled to Princetown to take part in the DD and to present the prizes. The pair have have clocked up more than 1200 marathons between them
Roger Hayes, who is also the DD’s Race Director, said: ‘Once again, the Dartmoor Discovery has produced a great day of running and I’m thrilled that a record number of runners were able to take part in this unique event. I’m particularly pleased that we had such a strong ladies’ field this year and it bodes well for the future of ultra distance running. On a personal note, I’m deeply grateful to Roger Biggs and Gina Little of the 100 Marathon Club for coming down to Princetown to present the prizes. It was a great honour for Roger Hales, Alan Mann and myself to be inaugurated into the 100 Marathon Club by two of the UK’s leading marathon legends.’
The Teignbridge Trotters took over the running of the DD after the 2010 race, when the previous organiser announced his retirement, casting doubt over the future of the well-loved event. Starting and finishing at Princetown in the heart of Dartmoor, the DD attracts some of the country’s top ultra distance runners, as well as hardy enthusiasts of all ages. It combines stunning views with several tough hills and notoriously unpredictable weather, resulting in a true test of body and soul.
The race encourages keen competition at team level and this year’s event was no different. Strength in depth is what this facet of the run is all about and the Trotters emerged on top with a great team performance.

Garry Smart led the trotter’s home in 4th place in 4.11.19 and picking up 1st vet 45 while Lance Mason did 4.19.15 and was 1st vet 50 in his first Discovery and 6th.Allen Taylor was 21st in 4.49.06 knocking just over 50 minutes off last year and they won first male team. In 25th place was Gary Clark in 4.52.51 also knocking nearly 25 minutes off his time and Roger Hayes completing his 100th marathon at this event was 35th in 5.00.28.Alan Boone picking up 2nd vet 55 did 5.03.08 and these three were 3rd male team while Travis wood was 46th in 5.06.32 and Ian Langler was 57th in 5.14.27 in his 3rd DD.Roger Hales also completing his 100th marathon ran 5.28.58 and was 80th,Tim Hassell did 5.32.50 84th in his first DD,Ewan Walton 5.33.24 87th,Stuart Moulson 5.34.31 90th and Chris Wride 5.37.19 94th.
Sarah Schutte brought the ladies home for the trotters in her first Discovery in 97th and 5.38.45 picking up 2nd vet 35 while Jessica Parkes in her first also was just a minute behind in 5.39.43 and 101th.John Tweedie was 103rd in 5.41.05,Phil Perry 5.48.56,Neil Pallant in his first one 5.51.48 122nd,Sally Ingledew 144th 5.59.40 and her 111th marathon event and this was her 5th Discovery and a course PB ,Peter Blakesley also his first one 6.08.32 155th,Lucy Payne also first ultra 6.09.23 156th,Sharon Bowman 6.12.19 157th,Keith Anderson 6.16.17 162nd and first timer ,Angela Blakesley 6.18.02 also first time and 165th while last newbie Dennis Milstead was 182nd in 6.30. Unfortunately Guy Roberts also a first timer had to pull out after 28 miles .
The Mud Crew Trail Runners won the ladies’ team event. Isobel Wykes was ably supported by Sharon Daw (5:03:18) and Sharon Sullivan (5:50:38).
 

 An estimated 120 people took part in the large and complex logistical operation required to support the runners as they battled their way around the long course. Members of the Dartmoor Radio Club and St John Ambulance contributed their specialist skills, alongside a small army of volunteers in a variety of roles, from marshalling and timekeeping to staffing water stations and providing catering. This year’s race was sponsored by Ironbridge Runner, St Austell Brewery, Ashfords Solicitors, the Road Runners Club, South Dartmoor Community College and the Ilsington Hotel.

report by John Ludlam (compiled and trotter results added by Fizz)

TOP-Sarah receives her 2nd vet 35  MIDDLE-The 1st mens team  BOTTOM-The two Rogers reach 100 (Thanks Nigel Penwarden for the photos)