Trotters chase around the Forest on Saturday......

On Saturday 27th April, 34 Teignbridge Trotters ran the 3rd “Haldon Heartbeat Trail Race “which is organised by the Haldon Trail Runners. The route starts at Exeter Racecourse and heads out into the woods via a short section of country lane. Once in the woods the course uses a section of forest road before joining a grassy gallop stretch. This leads onto another section of downhill forest road before heading up into private heathland. You re-join the Forestry Commission land and climb uphill on grassy trails then head back onto the gallop stretch for the long run home. The finish is back at the Racecourse and the distance is around 8.25 miles with an elevation of 650 ft. 193 runners completed the tough off road course.

Jo Pavey, the famous local running star who runs for England and Great Britain (although expecting her 2nd baby in September) started the race and presented the prizes and the event raised funds for the Firefighters charity. The Charity was set up in 1943 out of a desire to help wounded fire fighters and provide support to their families during World War II. Their aim is simple as they exist to help members of the fire and rescue community who put their lives on the line every day to save others, whilst providing support for their families.

Daryl “Tarquin “Milford brought them all in and posted 8th place in a respectable time of 52.55 after only racing the London Marathon 6 days ago. He was also 2nd male vet 40 in his first race in his new category. Alan Boone was 18th in 56.58 and picked up 1st male vet 50. Gary Clark, none the worse for London last week, completed in 58.48 and 27th, while Nick Stevens chased him down in 28th with a time of 58.57. Mark Becker was 55th in 1.02.35, Jim Donovan 79th in 1.06.16, Phil Perry 81st in 1.06.35, Neil Pallant 83rd in 1.06.39, Filipe De Silva 90th in 1.07.25 and Adrian Handley was 91st in 1.07.28.

Jess Parkes brought the ladies in with 1.07.47 for 94th position, while Gary Caunter posted 1.09.46 for 101st, Noel Fowler was 103rd in 1.10.02, Dave Dunn 104th in 1.10.11, and Keith Anderson ran 1.13.30 in 119th place whilst still smiling after his 2nd marathon last week. Derek Blackford was 125th in 1.14.29 and Sally Ingledew completed in 1.15.15, picking up 2nd place in the female vet 50 category. Mary Goulden came back to racing after a long break and did 1.15.43 for 134th, new member Cath Pilton was 140th in 1.17.26, showing some strong determination for the future. Eleanor Taylor was 141st in 1.17.45, Guy Roberts ran 1.17.54 for 143rd, and Jo Becker was 145th in 1.18.42. Kirsty Bowman finished 151st in 1.18.59, being chased all the while by her mum Sharon Bowman, who recorded 1.19.04 for 153rd place after only racing at London last week. Sarah Seymour was next in 157th place with a time of 1.19.50, Lorna Martin was 158th in 1.19.51, Tamsin Cook 160th in 1.20.39, Charlie Rice 163rd with 1.21.11, Tina Caunter 166th in 1.21.52, Jo Billyard 170th in 1.23.16 and Bev Dennis 173rd with 1.24.12. Mark Wotton stopped to help an injured runner half way around the course and completed in 1.29.15 for 181st place, with Steve Rawlinson next home in 182nd with 1.29.25 and Catherine Barnes completed the procession in 187th position with a time of 1.30.31.

On Sunday the “Rotary Shakespeare Marathon and Half Marathon" took place at Stratford–upon–Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, steeped in culture and history. Set in the beautiful rural Warwickshire countryside on the banks of the river Avon, Ian Langler and Travis Wood ran the marathon. Travis completed the scenic race in 3.25.10 for 89th and Ian did 3.38.12 in 160th. 749 runners finished the marathon.

More locally, the “Plymouth Half Marathon” took place in and around the streets of Plymouth starting and finishing on Plymouth Hoe. Alexander Shearman was 414th in 1.39.59 while Ian Woolley completed with a personal best time of 1.48.11 for 825th place. 3,067 runners took part.

Rod Payne took himself off to compete in the “Highclere 10K”. The race is run in aid of Parkinson's UK in the grounds of Highclere Castle. It followed an undulating route around picturesque estate roads. The wind was bitingly cold but the race was well organised and marshalled. He finished 165th out of 550 finishers in a time of 55.31.

REPORT BY FIZZ

PHOTOS - TOP - Trotters with Jo Pavey before the off. MIDDLE – Alan gets his 1st vet 50 prize from Jo Pavey. BOTTOM - Cath running into the finish with El behind her (Thanks Rod and Caroline for photos)