Twelve Trotters complete a very special 10k event

On Saturday 12th May, Sarah Pike and Susanne Westgate took part in the Ivybridge 10k. The event was well attended - with 770 runners completing the route. Susanne achieved a personal best for a 10k by finishing in 00:57:34. Sarah also had a fantastic race - knocking off 3 minutes to grab a course PB and claim 3rd in the F40 category; narrowly missing out on her all time 10k PB by 45 seconds.

Full results - Sarah Pike (00:45:45, 108th) and Susanne Westgate (00:57:34, 382nd).

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On the same day, Derek Skinner, Christian Robinson, Ruth Johnson and Mark Wotton competed in the Race the Tide at Mothercombe beach. Derek and Christian ran the 29 mile option and Ruth and Mark, being more sensible, ran the 16 mile. This was an extremely tough, challenging off road course set in the beautiful Flete Estate, taking in private footpaths, coastal paths, bridle paths, fields and woodlands, the whole route was stunning. They all managed to get across the estuary before the tide came in.

Full results -
Long Marathon Distance - Christian Robinson (05:58:35, 26th) & Derek Skinner (06:18:38, 37th) 
Long Half Marathon Distance - Ruth Johnson (02:59:37, 75th) & Mark Wotton (03:10:20, 92nd)

A team of Trotters took part in the fourth running of the East Allington 3K fun run and 10K event. Held in memory of Claire Widdicombe who was a teacher at the school, the event attracted a large number of 3K fun runners in particular, with a record 153 taking part this year. The school do a fantastic job in organising the event as each runner receives a medal and prizes are given to the first three men and women. Also, there is a bouncy castle and face painting available for the kids, plus a very well stocked cake stall!

For the 10K, the course is a hilly one but very picturesque, and the lure of coffee and cake at the finish helped push the runners on. Also, it was Elizabeth Blakesley’s first event in Trotters colours, and she was pleased with her time on the challenging course whilst Sarah Pike was delighted with her 2nd lady prize at the race, the day after also doing well at Ivybridge 10K.

Trotters times were: Sarah Pike (18, 48:48), Graydon Widdicombe (19, 48:58), Pete Blakesley (23, 50:53), Jacki Woon (25, 51:03), Jo Randall (26, 51:57), Jim Donovan (30, 54:05), Eleanor Taylor (42, 60:36), Sharon Sharples (45, 65:53), Paul Sharples (46, 65:53), Andy Distin (49, 69:44), Sharon Still (51, 69:56), Elizabeth Blakesley (55, 87:01). There were 55 finishers in the 10K.

Graydon would sincerely like to thank the Trotters who came to take part in either of the races, as well as those who came to spectate. It was another great day, and the school were pleased with the turnout on the day.

On Sunday 13th, two trotters competed in the Ottery 10k. A popular event organised by Honiton Running Club. The route is run on the flat lanes around Ottery St Mary which starts and finishes at the cricket club. There were 288 runner who completed the course.

Full results - Kathryn Steemson (00:46:51, 64th) & Allsion Prior (01:10:50, 267th)

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Kurt Read completed the Shakespeare Marathon - along with 485 other runners celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the event in Stratford. Weather conditions were on the warm side but all in all a great day for the event. This is the last big distance for Kurt before he takes on the infamous Dartmoor Discovery on Saturday 2nd June - finishing his training coming 39th and also snagging a PB of 03:14:44 - fantastic preparation for what is expected to be a brilliant event in a few weeks!

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Jamie Barnett competed in The Devon County Championships (Track & Field) on Sunday 13th May. he raced in the 5000m and finished 1st in a time of 16:23. It was his first track race for 2 years and he thinks his inexperience showed as he went off way too fast, and hit 4:52 for the 1st Mile. That’s 15:08 pace so considering his goal was 15:59 it was too fast!  It wasn’t the time he wanted, but he is very pleased to add county champion to his C.V. 
Jamie has just come back to training after competing in the London Marathon and he intends to run a few track races to improve his speed - with his main focus being London Marathon 2019 in around 50 weeks time!!