Trotters triump in "Clays" and "Triathlon"................

On Sunday 19th May ,nine Teignbridge trotters drove down to St Austell to take part in the second running of the “Imerys Clay Country marathon and half marathon”.
This was ran in association with Cornwall college and St Austell running club and gave runners the chance to run on the clays works undisturbed by the running fraternity in the past. It was a very unforgiving course on multi terrain with many ascents and descents to run on and some stunning views. The marathon was one large loop (formally 2 loops of the half last year) .

The half marathon attracted 178 runners and Allen Taylor in his build up for the Dartmoor Discovery Ultra on 1st June completed in a strong time of 1.38.38 placing him 21st and picking up 2nd 35-39 year old age prize. Next running in together was Neil Pallant and Jessica Parkes(perky) also doing the Ultra in two weeks and they posted 82nd and 83rd in 1.57.50 and 1.57.51 even though Neil managed to fall over on route. Graeme Baker picked up 1st male vet 70 with 2.10.35 and 123rd.

In the marathon Roger Hayes(Chairman) came in 9th with a time of 3.31.16 in his 99th marathon with his 100th being at the Dartmoor Ultra as previously mentioned and  Roger Hales(smokes) who also will be 100 there too completed in 4.09.52 and 26th.John Tweedie was just behind him in 28th 4.15.08, Phil Perry(latte) 4.35.11 41st and Sally Ingledew(marathon queen) picked up 1st vet 50 award in 4.56.02 and 52nd.They will all be running the Ultra.The marathon had 57 competitors.

Last Sunday 12th May, three trotters took part in the “Exe Valley Triathlon” run by Exeter Triathlon Club. The 400 metre swim took take place at the Tiverton Leisure Centre. The 24km bike route followed scenic and quiet country roads along the Exe Valley. The 5km run route followed roads and footpaths in and around Tiverton.
Tracy Elphick was 104th out of 221 competitors and did 7.54 swim,49.02 bike and 22.47 run completing in a total of 1.22.14.Becky George did 8.26 swim,47.23 bike and 24.53 run adding up to 1.22.47 and Helen Anthony did a 8.43 swim,50.26 bike and 22.43 run finishing in 1.23.24.

This Sunday Becky George was in action again this time at the Inaugural “Gillingham triathlon” in Dorset.It was lovely venue at the new Rivers Meet leisure Centre with a 400m swim, 22 K bike and 5.4 K run.She stormed in as 2nd lady overall and 1st vet 40 in 1:22;01. Nicky Quant completed in 1:28:48.

Ian Wooley took part in the "Roadford Lake Standard Triathlon" on Sunday 19th May.It was an open water swim of 1500metres ,40km bike ride and 10km run.
He completed in 2.57.46 with a swim of 26.35,bike 1.29.25 and the 10km run in 57.50.

Five hardy Trotters kept faith with the weather and turned up to brave the first of the five race 'Summer' Run Exe 5k series on Tuesday 14th May . Despite a howling gale and rain all afternoon, the weather did relent just before the start. However, there was still a strong headwind on the back half of the course, which proved a challenge for the 82 competitors taking part.

The near flat course is run along the Exeter flood relief channel and around 'Flower Pots' playing fields, which is on the opposite side of the river and railway from the Mill on the Exe pub.

Daryl “Tarquin” Milford led the Trotters home, in his first fast and short race of the year, and manage to hold off a late challenge to finish in 4th spot and 1st MV40 in 17:24.

Craig Churchill was next in 20 minutes dead with 32nd place and battled hard, but the headwind just kept him from registering his first sub-20 minute time. However, he is happy that this gives him something to build on in the next round.

Helen 'Zippy' Anthony was not far behind and despite having 'marathon legs' still acquitted herself well with 20.55 and 44th.

Graham Baker ran a steady race, after racing hard at the weekend and again proved how every young for his 72 years of age in 25.27 and 75th and 1st vet 70.

Catherine Barnes was not far behind, after deciding to enter the event at the last minute. This event appears to be very daunting to anyone who has never taken part in it, but Catherine found that the experience was a better than she had feared. Catherine posted an excellent time for her first 5k race of 27.28 and 78th especially given the head wind and February like weather.

No prizes or awards are given for the race, as only series awards count, with four out of the five races needing to be completed. However, whether you want to complete the whole series, or just try individual events, I thoroughly recommended giving it a try, as it provides for a good fast workout and sharpener for anyone wishing to improve their 10k race time.86 took part in this race .(thanks Tarquin)
 

Report by Fizz

PHOTOS-TOP -The hardy marathon crew MIDDLE-Marathon queen with her prize BOTTOM-Roger (chairman) will be 100 at the DD ...with his understanding Wife at a club trip !