Trotters complete low-key races at high tempo paces and Mark continues marathon mission...

Four Trotters conquered the Plym Trail Marathon on a blisteringly hot summer’s morning on Saturday 8 August.

This is a new event, designed by firstandlastrunning, who promised to offer a scenic, sociable marathon in a great part of the world, started in Yelverton and charted an out-and-back course on the former railway line linking Tavistock with Plymouth. It’s now the popular cycle route 27 Plym Valley trail.

A relatively low-key race, there were 36 finishers. Derek Skinner was the first Trotter home clocking 4:07.23 and 12th place. Dermot Smyth followed in 4:14.20 15th place. Mark ‘Wurzel’ Wotton ticked another marathon off his list coming 26th in 4:58.20. Sharon ‘Fizz’ Bowman completed the Royal Blues line-up clocking 5:24.02 and 32nd.

The following day Wurz headed up the M5 for the popular Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 marathon distance race - results will be posted here shortly - meaning he is another two closer to his 100 marathon target. Keep going Mark, you're doing great!

*The exotically-named Indian Queens Half Marathon, organised by Newquay Road Runners, attracted two Trotters. Held on Sunday 2 August, this scenic and rural 13.1miler saw Paul Sharples come 207th in 1:46.39 and Kat Zaple did it in 2:13.31 for 430th. There were 550 finishers.

*Have you liked our the new Facebook pages for the revamped Templer 10 race and the forthcoming well-established Ladies 10k? Spread the word, tell your friends and, importantly, encourage entries! www.facebook.com/ladies10k or www.facebook.com/TemplerTen

Entries are open for both. See the home page for more details and entry forms.

Report by Emma Pearcy

Photo kindly supplied by Shaz ‘Fizz’ Bowman

Photo shows the Trotters at the Plym Trail Marathon. We wish Neil Skinner, pictured, a speedy recovery after pulling up in the race with an injury.