Running all over the world - Trotters clock up the miles...

From Bethlehem to Branscombe and Seaton to Sowerby Bridge, there's been a diverse mix of races for the Trotters.

Allen Taylor continues to beat a path around Britain taking part in some of the toughest races out there and once again he did himself and the club proud with third place in a 100k canal path race.

Allen travelled to West Yorkshire to run Cannonball Events' 100K Canalathon. This epic race offers a 50k or 75k option along a flat canal path route. Allen opted for the big boy covering 62 miles along the Rochdale Canal starting in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, to Great Ancoats, Manchester, and back.

Allen finished in 10 hours 1minute and 10seconds. Fourteen runners out from a starting field of 24 completed the race, highlighting the impressive strength Allen’s running and mental ability. 

*Another display of Trotter grit was meted out by Guy Roberts who wore the club vest in the Palestine Marathon on Friday March 27. More than 3,000 runners went to Bethlehem in the West Bank for the 26.2mile undulating race which passes biblical landmarks and places of significance including the Church of Nativity, the Wall and two refugee camps.

Guy, who’s trained hard throughout the winter and raised money for the Amos Trust, finished in 5:16.

*Closer to home, seven Trotters took part in the Exe to Axe fell race on Sunday March 30. This one – often compared to The Grizzly – is organised by Sidmouth Running Club and alternates its start/finish between Exmouth and Seaton. This year the up-down route started in Exmouth and hugged the South West Coast Path westerly with dalliances via Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Branscombe, Beer and onwards to the finish line in Seaton.

In a field of 203 finishers, Trotters ladies captain and unstoppable force Helen Anthony was second female and 28th overall in 3:16.08. Ashley Brent 3:47.03 81st, Hannah Walsh 3:48.26 83rd, Keith Anderson 4:10.12 120th, Dave Dunn 4:15.40 129th with Emma Pearcy and Jim Donovan doing it together in 4:51.34 for 168th and 169th.

Report by Emma Pearcy

Photos show Allen at the ultra and the Exe to Axe crew

Images provided by EP and Marie Taylor.