Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run

Trotters serve up early festive cheer at Plym Trail event

Firstandlastrunning staged their Plym Trail Merry Xmas Marathon & Half Marathons over the weekend of 12th & 13th December.

The Plym Trail is situated within an AONB on Dartmoor National Park, surrounded by stunning forests and valleys. The trail follows the historic railway from Coypool in Plymouth to the small picturesque village of Clearbrook.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!

james kerr wins the saturday half.jpg James Kerr wins Half Marathon

Weather conditions were dry and bright on the Saturday, with the odd sharp shower.

James Kerr was the clubs sole representative in the 13.1 mile event. James followed up his 3rd place in the autumn races, by winning this time round. James led from start to finish, clocking a great time of 01:41:21. There were 24 finishers.

In the marathon, Roger Hayes & Chris McIntosh performed well. Roger finished 3rd, completing the tough course, mentally & physically in 03:35:53. Chris posted a time of 04:23:37 to claim 12th.There were 31 finishers. 

roger.jpg Chair taking a pit stop
chris mcintosh.jpg Chris McIntosh enjoying the bootiful lDevon scenery

The weather on Sunday was in complete contrast to the day before! Strong winds and persistent rain from the start made for difficult racing conditions. This didn’t deter our Trotters from all putting in encouraging performances!

James Saunders finished 2nd in the Half marathon, clocking a time of 1:30:52. This time was also a course PB, improving his previous best set in October by 37 seconds.

There were 38 finishers.

The race was won by Plymouth Musketeer, Scott Mansfield, taking the honours on his birthday in a rapid time of 01:24:21.

Four Trotters, Kris Ward, Bon Rymel, Sharon & Paul Sharples completed the marathon, a true test of endurance.

Kris Ward ran superbly, to win the race in a new personal best of 03:09:42.Kris smashed his previous best by 00:04:07. A truly great performance from one of the clubs best performers in 2020.

Not to be out done, Bon also lowered his marathon best time by 00:2:04. Bon finished 12th in a time of 04:36:36.

Shaz & Paul kept each other company wearing their festive fancy dress! They both finished rather bedraggled in their Santa attire but still finished 14th& 15th in very respectable times of 04:57:35.

There were 27 finishers.

kris ward on his way to winning the sunday marathon and a pb.jpg Kris Ward on his way to a new Marathon PB
sharon and paul sharples still finds time for a santa smile.jpg Sharon & Paul still managing a big smile despite the heavy rain
me.jpg James before venturing out for the strat of the Half Marathon