Kris Ward trails a blaze along The Plym

Firstandlastrunning staged their Merry Xmas Half and Marathon races on Saturday.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, the start took place at Clearbrook Village Hall. The runners set off with a short loop of the village, before heading down Cycle route 27 towards the outskirts of Plymouth, before climbing back towards the finish at the village hall. Marathoners had to complete this route twice!

The races took place in cool, damp conditions. Four Trotters competed in the Full Marathon distance.

Kris Ward, having just completed a nightshift, put that behind him as he set a new personal record while finishing third overall. Kris clocked a time of 03:13:49.

Sharon Sharples continued her good form, this time setting a new course record of 17 minutes!! Sharon ran with her husband Paul, finishing together in 24^th & 25^th positions respectively. Their time was 04:14:19.

Roger Hayes, well on his way to the magic 200 marathons, ran another very consistent and even paced race. Roger clocked a time of 03:24:17 to finish 8^th. There were 47 finishers.

The winner was Richard Pedrick, representing SWRR. His winning time was 03:09:53.

In the Half Marathon, Eleanor Taylor was the Clubs sole competitor. Eleanor didn’t let this worry her as she stormed down the trail and backup again in 02:06:46 to finish in 28^th place. There were 44 entrants.

Plymouth Musketeer, Scott Mansfield, clocked a superb time of 01:25:47 to win the festive event.

Saturday 7^th December heralded the Cockington Christmas Caper.

The race was organised by a local Christian charity, Barnados Sports Trust. The money raised this year will be in aid of Mercy Ships, which will help fund hospital ships to sail to countries that desperately need medical help.

The Caper has been run since 2004, and is approximately 7.5 miles of mud and hills set in the grounds of the Cockington Estate. Fancy dress was an option!!

The race start and finish was at the cricket pavilion on a lovely sunny December morning.

Jason Trevenen, back from his holiday in the Far East, didn’t seem to affect his fitness, as he led our Trotters home. Jason finished in 40^th position in a time of 01:09:57.

Carrie Hill, making her Trotters debut, ran superbly well to finish 83^rd, clocking a time of 01:19:22.

Ella Bowles won the FV60 age category, having competed the challenging test in 01:23:24,to finish 109^th overall.

The other positions and times were: Max Conroy (50, 01:13:06), Derek Skinner (56, 01:14:33), Kate Williamson (01:24:30), Mark Wotton (178, 01:35:14), Claire Farrar (215, 02:09:59).

There were 229 weary finishers. Each runner received a medal and a mug for their considerable efforts.