On Sunday 29th April, Rachel Pallant donned the blue vest at the Bridgwater Bolt 10k.

This was Rachel's first race in over 2 years, after her back operation. The Bridgwater Bolt 10k is a predominantly flat route which is a one lap mix of urban and quiet country lanes through Chilton Trinity and Wembdon. The route takes in 2 large hills from which you have great views of the Quantock Hills and the Somerset levels. It was a chilly start to the race with a headwind towards the last few kilometres.

Rachel finished in a time of 01:08:45, with a position of 549 out of 643 finishers; Rachel was proud to be wearing her Trotters top again at long last!

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Sue Tremlett and Richard Keatley attended the latest White Star Running event in Burnbake for the Bad Cow Marathon.

The event consists of 2 laps of their marathon loop - taking in the idyllic Purbeck countryside. Sue, a clear fan of the WSR events said she was a bit quicker than Larmer Tree in 5:37:26 - it was less hilly but more boggy and muddy. The two laps laps took in woodlands tracks, fields, common land and a very small amount of road. She thinks she enjoyed it! The weather was ideal for running as it was dry with a bit of a breeze, sometimes a bit too cool, sometimes not!

This was Richard's 97th marathon to date... amazingly 2 years and 1 month ago he ran another WSR event - which at the time was only his 7th marathon! The next two marathons are local events so Richard is very happy he hasn't got to travel for those! Richard took the Bad Cow steady and enjoyed running with friends today.

Full results: Sue Tremlett (05:37:26, 73rd) and Richard Keatley (05:50:14, 84th).

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Five trotters travelled up to Wales to take part in the first ever Newport Marathon on Sunday 29th April. The event was run on closed roads and was pretty much pancake flat - it was pretty chilly but on the whole perfect for marathon running and the course has the potential for very fast times! There was also a 10k option which boasted an impressive elite field with competitors who had recently competed at the commonwealth games. The race was delayed by 30 minutes due to parking congestion at the park and ride but other than this one hiccup the race was well organised with good facilities and outstanding support on route.

There were 3398 finishers and first trotter home was Lance Mason in a blistering 3.21.45 (268th). Craig Churchill in his second Marathon (9 years after his first) was delighted with his new P.B of 3.50.21. Next home was Marathon Queen Sally Ingledew in 4.23.08 (1949th) followed by Newport born and bred Victoria Ratcliffe; running in memory of her dad, she was amazed with her achievement of 4.51.57 (2588th). Finally, Dave McMorrow chose the race as his comeback event after a self imposed break from running achieving a time of 5.05.33 (2861st).