Trotters try out the new "Great West Run" in Exeter

On Sunday 13th October ten Teignbridge trotters took on the new “Great West Run” half marathon in Exeter. The new look half marathon, gave runners an exciting new challenge for the autumn, taking in Exeter City Centre, the University as well as the beautiful country lanes of St Andrews Road and on towards Stoke Woods. The course had been designed to provide great running conditions, on traffic-free roads, with the opportunity for great spectator support. 2164 runners completed the course and several trotters “paced” the race hoping to help runners achieve their personal best times. It started and finished in Sidwell Street in the city centre.

Craig Churchill brought the trotters home in 1.38.56 and 271st place with Mark Hamling just behind in 1.38.59, 273rd and Chris Wride in 1.44.17, 452nd. Gary Watson paced the 1.45 half marathon group and crossed the line in 1.44.45 (474). Other trotters completed as follows: Peter Blakesley 1.45.34 (506), Howard Cotton 1.50.31 (733), Sarah Whalley 1.53.05 (844), Adrian Handley 1.54.19 (902), Chris Rogers 1.56.14 (991) which was a PB for him, and Derek Blackford 1.57.25 (1064).

Neil Pallant completed in 1.59.07 (1162) as an official pacer for sub two hour half marathon and Cathleen Pilton finished her race in 2.11.51 (1621).

Down in Redruth the first of six races of the “Brooks Westward cross country league” took place. It was held on the playing fields of Redruth School. Helen Anthony and Hylda Stewart competed and Helen was 11th in 21.13 and Hylda 44th in 26.47.They had to complete 4,900 metres while the men had to run 8,100 metres. Fifty eight runners completed the ladies race. Meanwhile Garry Smart brought the trotter men home in 31.33 and 40th, John Tweedie in 36.13 81st, Noel Fowler 41.27 110th and Keith Anderson did 42.05 and was 112th out of 123 runners.
REPORT BY FIZZ(and Kirsty )

PHOTOS-TOP-The x country lads   MIDDLE-Chris and Pete at Dorset in 2012   BOTTOM-Hylda taking on the x country