Graydon Widdicombe, King of the Castle

Graydon Widdicome returned to the second edition of Running Miles’ Kings of the Castle' event on Thursday 7th November.

It was a 6 hour timed challenge on a 5.25 mile, out and back lap. Therefore, 5 laps equalled the marathon distance. The weather forecast during the week was terrible, but conditions on the day were cool and dry, with a slight headwind on the outward leg to contend with.

The route was flat, and took the runners along a crushed stone path, with the River Jubilee on one side and fields to the other. On the return leg, Windsor Castle was view able in the distance.

Following Sunday’s poor run at The Cornish Marathon, Graydon wasn’t sure how the event was going to go, so he set off at a steady pace for the first couple of laps. However, as the event progressed, Graydon increased his pace. His last lap of the 5 was his quickest, finishing in a very respectable time of 3:44:40.

Steve Edwards successfully completed his 891st official in 3:28:01 for 2nd place. This was Steve’s 794^th sub 3:30 marathon!! His aim is to reach 800 & 900 marathons in the fastest average time.

The Cross Country soeason is now well underway for the Trotters, with the second fixture of the Charles Stanley Wedtward XC League taking place in Newquay on 10th November. The race also incorporated a round of the Cornwall Championships, which mean't a high quality field was on view. Cornwall AC was well represented not surprisingly.

The course was slightly altered from previous years, with the detour around the allotments being omitted, the part of the course runners enjoy. The underfoot conditions were just about ideal, with the odd muddy stretch to test the stamina of the runners.

The women’s race was won by Heidi Treganza, representing Cornwall AC, winning in a time of 00:18:57. First Trotter home was Helen Anthony, who produced a great performance in finishing 25^th in a great time of 00:21:14. Wendy Goldthorp and Hylda Stewart also represented the Club well, by putting in great performances. Wendy finished 96^th, recording a time of 00:25:21 & Hylda clocked a time of 00:30:27 to finish 135^th.

The Trotters Senior Ladies presently lie in 24^th position out of 56 teams and the Vet Ladies are currently in 12^th place out of 41 teams involved.

In the men’s event, there was a nail biting finish between Tom Merson (Exmouth Harriers) and Aaron Richmond (Bideford AC). Tom held off the serious challenge, to win by one second!! The winning time was 00:31:00.

Joe Hornsby led the Trotters home, finishing in a very respectable 94^th position, clocking a time of 00:40:00. Daniel Graves finished in a gallant 148^th place, in a time of 00:46:31.

Wendy would like to thank all our runners who ran on behalf of the Club. Their efforts were hugely appreciated, given the distance travelled to get to some of these venues.

The next fixture will take place at Exeter von December 1^st and will be combined with the Devon County Championship. So, have a look at your diaries and if you’re free and fancy a change from pounding the pavements, contact Wendy who will give you all the info required.