Nine Teams at Erme Valley Relays

On Tuesday 2nd July ten Teignbridge Trotters made the short trip to Exeter for round 3 of the Ironbridge Runner Run Exe 5k Series. Weather conditions were perfect for the event and some good times were posted.

Amazingly, in his first short race ever Alan Boone was first Trotter back 29th overall and 2nd MV55 in 19.13, Helen 'Zippy' Anthony was 42nd in a magnificent PB of 19.54 and just behind her Gary Watson continued his recent improvement 45th in 20.07. Derek Blackford was another to excel claiming 72nd place in 23.14 followed by golden oldies Pete Kirby 73rd in 23.15 and Keith Anderson 74th in a PB of 23.20. The pair took 1st and 2nd MV60 places. Sarah 'Otter' Seymour also bagged a PB 85th in 24.50 with Rod Payne 86th in 25.05 and Lucy Payne was 1st FV60 in a PB of 25.59. Bev Dennis in her first run at the race was 96th in 26.13. There were 109 finishers, the best turnout so far this year.

On Friday our illustrious club was represented by no less than 9 teams of varying and mixed ages at the Erme Valley Relays. where teams of 4 compete with each team runner taking on a 2.5 mile circuit. The circuit consists of a long downhill section before climbing all the way back up and then a flatter profile to finish at the Ivybridge Rugby Club.

Finding themselves in high quality company the ‘A’ Team of Adam Caunter (13.46) Ian Langler (15.00) Craig Churchill (15.47) and Jack Baker (14.15) was 14th in 58.48. The MV40 ‘A’ Team comprising Mark Becker (16.26) Bruce Campbell (16.42) Garry Smart (13.51) and Steve Barker (15.52) was 23rd in 62.51 followed by The MV50 ‘A’ team of Wilf Taylor (16.42) Mike Eveleigh (16.05) Alan Boone (15.23) and Gary Watson (16.36), 31st in 64.46. The MV40 ‘B’ Team of Mark Hutchins (16.02) Tim Hassell (16.21) Neil Pallant (17.35) and Gary Caunter (15.53) was 34th in 65.51 followed by the ‘B’ Team of Travis Wood (15.39) Chris Wride (17.58) Stuart Moulson (17.48) and Rob Cowling (16.58) was 41st in 68.23. The ‘C’ Team of Guy Roberts (19.49) Jim Donovan (18.08) Keith Anderson (19.33) and John Tweedy (16.15) was 57th in 73.45. The MV50 ‘B’ Team of Kevin Besford (20.12) Noel Fowler (18.41) Roger Hales (17.39) and John Skinner (17.21) was 59th in 73.56. Our ladies team of Sharon Bowman (18.40) Jacki Woon (1st leg 17.43) Jo Becker (20.09) and Jacki Woon (2nd leg 17.41) was 61st in 74.13. The FV35 team of Sharon Hutchins (21.10) Hayley Brown (22.02) Ruth Johnson (19.41) and Sarah Schutte (17.53) was 69th in 80.46 and the FV45 team of Jo Billyard (21.07) Bev Dennis (20.54) Cath Pilton (20.04) and Eleanor Taylor (20.10) were 72nd in 82.15.

There were no prizes to show for the Royal Blue camp but the team spirit was first class and it was a new experience for several of our more recent members. With only Jacki so splendidly doubling up for her team, all of the other teams were up to strength so well done to all of our lads and lasses for flying the Trotter flag so magnificently.

On Saturday lone Trotter Rod Payne ventured into Cornwall for the 4th round of the Siblyback Lake 5k Race Series. Numbers were down on previous months and with only 25 participants taking on the single gravel track and woodland path lap of the lake Rod sneaked into the top 20 finishing 19th in 25.35.

On Sunday Katrina Duignan, Jess Whitehouse and Jimmy Donovan completed the Go Outdoors Charity Challenge. The event comprises 8 challenges, starting at Haldon Forest early in the morning. First challenge was the Go Ape Assault course, the participants then ride an 800 metre section on a segway, then 2 miles of orienteering where Kat got disoriented (lost). Then our adventurers set off on a 5.9 mile mountain bike race through the forest and Kat got lost again. Stay on the bikes for the 8 mile trip to Exeter Quay where everyone then partook in a 2 mile kayak race, followed by a half mile run and finally a 90 ft abseil down a building! Everyone completed the challenge (25 competitors) and all proceeds go to Help for Heroes and Mountain Rescue. A great day was had by all! (Thanks Kat for the report)
 

Report by Rod Payne

Photos: Top - Cath Pilton who enjoyed her first taste of relays at Erme Vally

Middle: Derek Blackford who put in a great showing at the Run Exe 5k

Bottom: Kat Duignan (Seen at club Monday so no longer lost)