The 20th Anniversary of The Totnes 10K proves a big hit

The 20^th Anniversary of The Totnes 10K hosted by the Teignbridge Trotters Running Club was held on Sunday 4th August 2019, an event, which supports Totnes Caring, a local charity. 

This favourite South West Devon summer race is growing in popularity, and attracts runners from all over county and visitors to the region. This year’s event was sold out well before race day with 536 entrants. Roger Easterbrook, now in his third & final year as the Race Director and Ruth Johnson, Assistant RD, work extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure that all the arrangements and equipment are in place on the day. Alan Boone, Chief Marshal, was ably assisted by his large crew of friendly and supportive marshals. John Skinner did the race commentary and kept the spectators highly amused as ever. 

The mostly flat off-road course starts at Borough Park, ideally situated close to the Totnes Leisure Centre, follows the meandering River Dart through the Dartington Estate. Roger added, we're very grateful to Dartington Estate for allowing us to run on their wonderful grounds again, which has helped raise a substantial amount for Totnes Caring. £19,849 has been raised for the charity since the inaugural event in 2000, which helps the elderly and disadvantaged people living in the area. The Trotters are proud to be able to help with such a worthwhile cause.

The weather conditions were just about perfect, after the passing of some fine drizzle for the runners and spectators alike. The atmosphere was terrific as the one mile Fun Run got under way. The 141 runners of all ages set off around Borough Park, some with their mums and dads in close attendance. The race was won by Tom Stoppard (MU15) in a great time of 0:4:31. First girl home was Lauren Carr (FU13) representing South Devon AC in a very respectable time of 0:5:19.

First Teignbridge Trotter home was Bethany Blackmore, finishing in 10^th place in a great time of 0:5:44.

To see so many youngsters just having fun was lovely, as one spectator commented. There were various age category prizes awarded and a bespoke medal for all finishers.

The race was won by Peter Monaghan, representing Torbay AC in a great time of 00:38:08. 2nd athlete home was Lee Turner (Torbay Tri Club) in a very creditable 00:38:42. To complete the podium was Graham Bale (Plymouth Road Runners) finishing 3^rd in 00:38:57.

The ladies race was won by Ami Yetton representing Plymouth Harriers, winning in a time of 00:44:14. Chasing Ami home was Ellie Dominey (Axe Valley Runners) in 00:44:56. 3rd home was Amy Jones (South West Road Runners) with a time of 00:45:15.

The Ladies team prize was won by Torbay AC. Sarah Bebbington, Sara Jane Crozier and Fay Cameron formed the winning team.

The result of the Men’s team prize went to Torbay Tri Club, comprising of Lee Turner, Darren Francis & Jason Hurford.

The FV60 course record was also broken. The previous record time for this age category was 00:53:53, set by Alison Engledew in 2018. Sue Curry has now lowered that record by posting a great time of 00:53:07.

The previous FV65 course record was also beaten. Susan James recorded a time of 00:57:02, to beat the time of 1:11:50 set by Debbie Gorrod last year.

The Teignbridge Trotters all ran very well. First Trotter home was Sam Crowe finishing in 25th place in a time of 00:44:02 closely followed by James Saunders who finished in 36^th place in a time of 00:44:52.

James also won the MV 55 age category award.

The other Trotters positions & times were:

Jason Trevenen (49, 00:45:49), Andrew Fox (61, 00:46:48), Scott Wiggins (73, 00:48:23),

Scott Knight (180, 00:56:16), Robert Faulkner (182, 00:56:24), John Pullen (227, 00:59:33),

Corinne Bright (233,1:00:00), Kate Williamson (304, 1:03:26), Debbie Hart (312, 1:04:00),

Imogen Farley (339,1:06:06), Jo Randall (340, 1:06:07), Carolann Spinks (375, 1:08:00),

Alison Jackson (416, 1:11:20), Teresa Holmes (457, 1:14:05), Sharon Still (478, 1:16:22).

John Pullen wore the coveted Teignbridge Trotter vest for the first time, and performed admirably. 

All the competitors received a medal for their efforts! They were suitably refreshed with the sponsor New Lion Brewery beer and an excellent array of homemade cakes managed by Lucy Payne and her staff. Thanks also goes to race sponsors Cavanna Homes, Mr Mortgages, New Lion Brewery, Travis Perkins, China Blue, and Sibelco.

Roger Easterbrook would like to thank all the runners, friends, families, the Trotter family, our fellow running clubs, sponsors and spectators for participating, helping, and supporting throughout the process.

For a full set of results visit 2019totnes10kindividualresults.rtf