Dorset Invader, Stoke Gabriel 10K, 6 Moor Miles and an Enigma marathon

Three weeks after the blistering heat of the Cider Frolic event, a band of four Trotters headed to East Farm in Winterbourne Kingston, Dorset, for White Star Running’s Dorset Invader on Saturday 29^th July.

A new two-loop route for the marathon this year avoided a few road crossings through the lovely Dorset countryside. Along with the obvious hills, there were trails an old railway line and plenty of wide-open fields with great views. The great British weather also ensured there was plenty of mud to slide around in and on, with plenty of puddle jumping that turned into wading on lap 2.

The organisation, marshals and the love station were all great as always and even the persistent rain from about 11am didn't dampen spirits (well not too much). All four trotters successfully conquered the invader and made it safely back, albeit a little muddy and wet!

Results were: Allen Taylor (23, 4:16:50), Lance Mason (24, 4:16:51), Sally Ingledew (161, 5:59:04) and Suzie Mills (263, 7:36:03). There were 288 finishers.

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On the weekend of 29^th July, Enigma Running held a weekend of marathons called “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” and the events were each 7.5 laps of Caldecotte Lake in Milton Keynes.

Richard Keatley and Graydon Widdicombe each did Saturday’s event. Running conditions were reasonable as the day was cool with not much wind, although in the later stages some very light drizzle did make an appearance. 

Graydon was disappointed with 4:35 on the day, whilst Richard did 4:45 to complete his 65th marathon. Richard also had plans for a marathon on Sunday and Monday, but results for those weren't available at the time of writing so will be included in next week's report.

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On Sunday 30^th July, several Trotters travelled to nearby Stoke Gabriel, to take part in the village’s Carnival 10K.  It’s a mainly off road trail race, which was very muddy in places with lots of hills to climb too.  Fortunately, the weather was kind if not a little too hot at times, but the event had a lovely and friendly atmosphere, with bacon baps and cider at the finish.

Lucy Evans, Jim Donovan, Kate Lenthall, Craig Hobson and Emily Levey took part in the event, but results weren’t available at the time of writing.

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Three Trotter travelled to do the "Six Moor Miles" off road trail race, really well marshalled and organised by Plymouth Harriers.  The route took runners across open moors with a few steep ups and downs.  Conditions stayed fair with a few puddles to splash through...and Jo managed a turtle selfie at the end!

Trotter results were: Jo Randall (49, 52:32, third lady overall), Mark Wotton (191, 1:05:40) and Eleanor Taylor (207, 1:08:51). There were 338 finishers.

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Thanks for the contributions from Suzie, Jo and Lucy.