Oh My Obelisk marks start of 2019 Club Championship

On Sunday 13^th January, the Oh My Obelisk took place, heralding the start of the new Club championship season. The race was organised by Dawlish Coasters. This year, the Coasters had two race distances on offer (a 9-miler and a Half Marathon). The half marathon was the race that counted towards the club championship.

The event was a multi terrain route with mud, lots of hills, fields, woodland tracks and quiet country lanes.

The Mamhead Obelisk, a Grade 2 listed building, was built as a landmark for shipping. The Obelisk was built in 1742 by Thomas Balle, who owned the Mamhead Estate. It was also meant to signify the start of the English Channel. The limestone structure sited in woodland above Mamhead House allows breathtaking views across the Exe estuary and to the sea beyond.

The weather conditions for the runners to endure, included a very blustery wind but quite mild under grey skies, although it did brighten up later.

The race was won by James Green (Axe Valley Running Club) finishing in a superb time of 1:24:44. 1st female was Mary Menon (Ilfracombe Running Club) clocking a great time of 1:31:57.

Tim Pratt continued his fine form into 2019 by leading the Trotter brigade home, finishing in 13th position in a time of 1:35:42.

The other club position's and times: Gary Smart (16, 1:37:14), Stan Hayes (20,1:39:47), Helen Anthony (21, 1:40:39), Lance Mason (24, 1:43:02), Annabelle Evans (37, 1:47:18), Susanna Goffe (1:50:22), Paul Dean (59, 1:55:25), Jason Trevenen (63, 1:57:31), Hannah Jones (69, 1:59:18), Tom Mactaggart (70, 1:59:35), Chris McIntosh (78, 2:01:35), Paul Sharples (85, 2:03:22), Natallie Cusack (87, 2:03:43), Kate Williamson (90, 2:06:39), Joanna Randall (100, 2:09:12), Kevin Sampson (105, 2:09:32), Chris Wride (124, 2:19:01), Eamon Crowe (130, 2:21:22), Mark Wotton (139, 2:25:24), Sally Ingledew (141, 2:26:30), Ruth Johnson (148, 2:32:51), Richard Keatley (163, 2:44:42), Sara Allen (164, 2:44:43), Darren Petch (174, 2:59:42).

There were 178 very tired finishers!

Due to her great performance, Helen Anthony won the FV40 category and Chris McIntosh finished 2nd in the MV60 category.

In the team events, our ladies took the honours, with Helen Anthony, Annabelle Evans and Susanna Goffe forming the winning team. The ladies also finished 3^rd to complete a very successful race for our Trottettes!

In the men’s event, our teams finished 2^nd and 5^th respectively.

Well done to all our Trotters, some of who attended the club awards night the evening before!!

The winner of The Obelisk 9 mile race was Martin Yeo representing Greenbow Running Club. The winning time was 1:03:02.

99 runners completed the testing course.

This Sunday was the 4^th round of The Charles Stanley Westward XC League held at Westward Ho.

Three of our regular cross country runners made the trip to the North Devon coast. Wendy Goldthorp, our cross country captain, Hylda Stewart and Teresa Holmes were our representatives.

The weather conditions weren’t ideal, due to a strong gusty wind. Temperatures were cool but dry. The underfoot conditions were as expected for this time of year, with muddy, sticky patches to tackle.

Julie Dixon representing Bideford AC, won the ladies event in a time of 22:18.

Wendy led the Trotter trio home finishing in 54^th position in a very respectable time of 29:00. All Wendy press ups must be helping!!

Hylda Stewart finished with a time of 32:56 to earn her 70^th place. Teresa Holmes finished in a great time of 38:32 to finish in 77^th position. Well done to all three of our ladies for showing so much commitment to the cause and representing our club so well.

In the team event, our ladies team lie in 11^th position with 650 points.

Still two rounds to go, the next one being closer to home at Stover. So let’s come out in force and embrace this event, especially the male contingent, who unfortunately didn’t have a runner this weekend!!