Trotters perform well on warm spring weekend

A team of five Trotters took part in the fifth 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 76 runners 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.

Two of the Trotters ran particularly well to claim a prize Christian Robinson came 3^rd overall and was 2^nd male finisher. Christian’s time was 44:45.

Jacki Woon, still fighting her way back to full fitness, ran a great race to finish in 12^th place, in a time of 49:11. Jacki was also 2^nd female finisher.

The other Trotters positions and times were: Derek Skinner (6, 46:41),Kevin Samson (7, 47:23), Sarah Pike (17, 53:01). There were 41 finishers in the 10K.

Graydon, unfortunately could not run due to injury, but 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.

Firstandlastrunning staged their Spring Plym Trail half and marathon races on both the Saturday and Sunday.

The Plym trail is situated within an area of outstanding natural beauty within the Dartmoor National Park. The stunning views of the forests and valleys are breath taking. Formerly an historic railway, this area is now enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, runners and horse riders.

The course is a quick 1.58 mile ‘out and back’ in Clearbrook village followed by 12.31 miles ‘out and back’ run on the well signposted Cycle Route 27, which is completed twice for the marathon. The route was very well marshalled with a couple of water stations handily positioned. The start and finish line was at the turnaround point at Coypool.

Three of the Clubs female runners, Sharon Sharples, Sharon’s daughter Kirsty Bowman, and Sue Brown took up the challenge on the Saturday.

Sharon plumped for the marathon distance, and didn’t she do well? Sharon completed the tough test in a great time of 4:39:35 to finish in 13^th position. There were 18 finishers.

Kirsty and Sue decided on competing in the half marathon race, which also provided them with a tough test. Kirsty recorded a time of 2:22:00 to finish in 18^th spot, and Sue crossed the line in 20^th place in a time of 2:35:13. Well done ladies.

The racing week started early for six of the Teignbridge Trotters on Tuesday 7^th May They all travelled the short distance to take part in the 2nd round of the Run Exe Summer 5K series, with the 4 best results to count from the possible six rounds. The race was run on paths and cycle tracks around Exwick Park and the River Exe Flood Relief.

Jamie Barnett ran another great race to finish in 6^th place in a time of 0:16:28.

Bob Small won the MV70+ age category award. Bobs time was an impressive 0:22:48 to see him finish 109^th overall.

The Clubs other four runners also ran impressive races. Matthew Steele finished in 37th position, in a superb time of 0:18:49. Matthew Day (62, 0:19:57), Hannah (84, 0:20:59) & Rachel Steele (114, 0:23:14). Matthew Steele, Hannah and Rachel all improved on their times in round 1 of the event held in April!! 165 runners competed in the event.

On Saturday 11^th, The Ivybridge 10k took place with a 6:30 pm start, close to the railway station. Erme Valley Harriers were the race organisers. This is a very popular race, backed up by how quick the race entry was closed!

Eight Teignbridge Trotters made their way down the A38. The route is a relatively fast one, despite the steep hill between Bittaford and Moorhaven. The last 6k is predominantly downhill, so a fast finish to look forward too. The finish was at the Rugby Club with hundreds of enthusiastic supporters to greet the runners.

The weather was just about perfect at the start, with the sun shining & a light cool breeze.

Out first Club runner through the line was Hannah Jones. Hannah completed the course in a hugely impressive time of 44:39 to finish in 93^rd place.

Our other Trotters also did themselves proud. Positions & times were: Gavin Parrott (124, 45:59), Bon Rymel (148, 47:04), Craig Churchill (162, 47:27), Gary Brooking (328, 53:00), Julia Street (428, 56:34), Susanne Westgate (440, 57:05), Alison Jackson (524, 1:00:00). There was a record number of 826 finishers.

Jim Cole representing Tavistock Run Project, won the race in an impressive time of 32:27.

Peter Kirby travelled to Gloucestershire to take part in the Tewkesbury Half Marathon.

853 runners took part in this year’s race, which is increasing in popularity year by year. The course took the runners through villages such as Kemerton, Bredon, Bredon’s Hardwick, along quiet country roads, culminating in a fully closed high street finish with an enthusiastic crowd of spectators to cheer the runner’s home.

Peter ran superbly well to complete the distance in 1:53:14 to finish in 315^th position.

Suzie Mills was the Clubs sole representative at the Dark Ox & Ox 50 mile races! Yes, your eyes aren’t deceiving you! Suzie ran the Dark Ox on Friday 10^th, and then the much longer race on the Saturday!

This was a White Star Running event, located within the Rushmore Estate, Tollard Royal, Salisbury. This was the 5^th year the event has been staged within such beautiful surroundings.

The Dark Ox started at 9:00 pm, just as night fall was descending. The 10.5km race took place in Chase Woods. The runners had to overcome rough woodland trails, with some steep ascents and descents, which would be a taster of the route Suzi would have to negotiate the following day! Flashing lights on signs helped the runners as they made their way through the wood. Weather conditions were cool and dry, for this tough race.

Suzie ran a great race, knowing that she had the 50 mile race the next day!! She clocked a time of 1:30:14 to finish 135^th out of the 187 finishers.

A lovely spring but misty morning greeted the runners on Saturday morning before the start of The Ox 50 mile race. Heavy overnight rain would make things slightly trickier for the competitors! The race start was 7:30 am, so the competitors were up bright and early. The aim of the race was to run as many laps as you could. The first lap was 4.23 miles long, but hereafter the laps were 6.66 miles long. There was a cut-off point, whereby each runner needed to start their last lap before 19:59:59!!

The race was cup less, so the runners had to provide their own fluids. There was a love station positioned, offering sports drinks, gels, cake, jelly babies, beer!

Suzie thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, especially running through the swathes of garlic as the sun burnt through. The support and encouragement that she received, kept her going throughout the day.

Suzie managed to run the full distance of 8 laps, a distance totalling 50 miles in a time of 13:40:00. This on top of her run the evening before!! Having completed the two events, Suzie also claimed the Ox Epic medal. A fantastic achievement Suzie. Well done.

Ruth Johnson and her brother Mark Wotton took part in the Beer Blazer 10 mile multi-terrain race on Sunday 12^th May. The event was organised by members of the Beer Primary School PFTA, raising funds for the school.

The race was part of the East Devon Community race series. The Beer Blazer was first run in 2012, and is growing in popularity yearly.

The start and finish of the race was held at the Pecorama in Beer The location, high above Beer, has a panorama nothing short of awesome which offer fantastic views. Pecorama is well known for the garden. Designed and developed by the original Peco owners, the garden is a delight in all four seasons and is a must for anybody with even a remote love of horticulture.

The route took the runners along some of The Grizzly trail, across fields, along tracks, over cliff tops, and on open common. The pebble beach between Branscombe and Beer Head proved particularly challenging, before passing the Undercliffs and the infamous “Stairway to Heaven”, all while taking in the breath taking views of The Jurassic Coast.

Due to time constraints, there was a cut off time imposed of 40 minutes after 2.5 miles. If this time was not met, the runners were redirected onto a 10k route, enabling them to claim their medal!

Ruth and Mark ran great races, with Mark just having the bragging rights over his sister! Mark ran a time of 1:58:29 to finish in 87^th position, and Ruth clocked a time of 2:03:05 to finish just behind big bro in 94^th spot.

The winner of the event was James Deane, representing Gloucester AC, winning in a great time of 1:10:02.

There were many family activities within the school grounds including storytelling, face painting, temporary tattoo painting, egg and spoon, sack races and loads more. There was also the much needed barbecue and cake stalls to nourish the competitors. 

The Bideford 10k also took place on Sunday. Five Trotters travelled to North Devon to take part.

The race start & finish took place close to the Bideford AAC clubhouse, giving the runners great views of the Taw & Torridge estuary. The runners headed out towards Instow, before returning along The Tarka Trail. The route was moderately flat, with two small inclines.

The weather was perfect, with blue skies overhead and a cooling breeze. The quayside was aligned with spectators, young and old as the runners set off.

Shaun Artell from the home club of Bideford, broke the course record in a great time of 30:38. Bideford filled 5 of the first 7 places!

The atmosphere as the runners sprinted towards the finish line was electric, with flags and banners on view to greet their friends and family members home.

James Saunders was the first Trotter home, finishing in 64^th place, in a new PB time of 41:31. This bettered his previous best by 34 seconds! James also finished runner up in the MV55 age category.

Graham Baker also collected some silverware, by also finishing 2^nd in the MV75+ age category. His time was an impressive 56:23 and 575^th place.

The other Trotters positions and times were: Scott Knight (388, 52:15), Laura Law (901, 1:06:59), Andy Distin (1003, 1:10:05).

There were 1167 finishers, a record number of entrants for the race.