Blues head for Brussels while others keep it local...

Another year, another Trotters trip abroad, another experience, another tale to tell.

Let’s kick off with a visit to Brussels. For the newbies that don’t yet know, each year the Trotters organise a European break abroad to take part in a race. Usually marathon and half distances are covered although it can vary and perhaps include a 10k or a 5k.

This year it was the turn of the Belgian capital: the administrative hub of the European Union. With its unforgettable urban ensemble of the 15th Century Grand Place juxtaposed against modern concrete monstrosities and its thousands of beers and artisan chocolates, this is a place that can keep you informed, drunk and chubby. It also has a very popular marathon, half marathon and 5k annual race series. 

The Belfius Marathon and Half Marathon start in the graceful Parc du Cinquantenaire, a leafy suburb of the city with the Cinquantenaire reminiscent of Paris’s Arc de Triomphe. The route is broadly circular taking in some beautiful sights and landmarks, lakeside paths and views of the city. It is a fair bit undulating in parts.

There may well have been something in the water (or the beer) because there were many individual achievements.

Chairman Roger Hayes led the Blues home in 3:16.28 and Trotter legend Roger ‘Smokes’ Hales smashed in an amazing run for a time of 3:18.16 securing a Good For Age Entry at London Marathon. Men’s captain Lance Mason continues to make huge strides in returning from a long term injury knocking out a controlled 3:19.09.

A hard-working, determined Nigel Barnett pushed through the ‘wall’ to clock a new PB of 4:06.25. He was assisted by Allen Taylor who paced and encouraged him to dig deep with Allen clocking the same time. Matthew Dunn used every ounce of strength to smash the 4-hour barrier in a resounding 3:56.38 making his father, Dave, who ran in 4:07.02, a very proud man. Donna Walker got herself a new PB too in 4:11.40 which coupled with her hubbie Mark’s half marathon result meant it was a good day for the Walkers. Queen of the long distance Sally Ingledew ran in 4:24.16, Tamsin Cook sliced ten minutes off her marathon PB clocking 4:24.57 and an equally thrilled Ruth Johnson clocked 4:28.06 giving herself a new record. And check out Mark ‘Wurzel’ Wotton. Along with getting a new haircut, he ticked off his 90th marathon in 4:42.35.

In the half distance, Jim Donovan was the first over the finish line in 1:53.38. Steph Ross was next in 1:57.21. Keith George clocked 1:56.03 and his wife Becky ran in 2:02.03. John ‘Skinns’ Skinner recorded a time of 2:00.48. Emma Pearcy did it in 2:07.17 with Phil Norden next in 2:07.23. Mark Walker had a superb run taking a huge 14 minutes off his previous half marathon person best clocking 2:14.08 and Kim Bindon was really pleased with her performance of 2:15.42.

*Back in Blighty, a crew of Blues went to East Devon for the multi-terrain Minster Challenge at Axe Valley Community College. It was a race of under eight miles run over country lanes, footpaths, fields and streams. It was a Championship race too so there were points up for grabs.

Trotter Iron lady Tracy Elphick won first lady clocking 58.48 and 16th overall. Russ Wheeler clocked 55.24 for 10th. He was followed by Craig Churchill 57.48 14th, Kevin Woodard 58.55 17th, Peter Blakesley 1:01.53 22nd, Richard Gentry 1:02.01 23rd, Louise Gentry 1:03.30 24th, Keith Anderson 1:05.25 28th, Paul Johns 1:08.12 36th, Jennie Roberts 1:15.08 55th, Tina Caunter 1:15.31 56th, Eleanor Taylor 1:15.48 57th. There were 82 finishers.

*Ladies captain Helen Anthony was victorious in the Burnham-on-Sea half marathon on Sunday 4 October. She was first lady and 13th place overall in her time of 1:24.50.

*RACE KLAXON! Don’t forget it’s out Templer 10 race on Sunday 1 November. It’s a new route and everything! Enter via our homepage or like our Facebook page (facebook.com/templerten) to get updates.

Report by Emma Pearcy

Photo taken by Dave Dunn showing the marathon crew at Brussels.