Five Teignbridge Trotters travelled to Taly-bont-on-Usk in South Wales, to take part in the Brecon Beacons trail marathon. Both this race and the longer established Beacons Ultra took place on Saturday 13^th November.

Seven other Trotters made the trip for a great social getaway.

The weather at start time was and during the race was overcast but mild. The course varied in gradients as did the underfoot conditions. After a flat stretch along the local canal, the route steepened over Tor-y-Foel, a grassy hill (551 m) which gave the runners a taste of things to come. Next to test the field was a long steady climb through forest to the open expanse of the Brecon Beacons. The weather took a turn for the worse as Pen-Y-Fan approached. The wind picked up and the visibility worsened. The underfoot conditions were very technical in certain parts of the trail. The spectacular views made for a memorable experience.

Tim Hassell & Derek Skinner opted to run together throughout the tough challenge. Tim finished in 53^rd place, clocking a great time of 05:48:57. Derek was next to finish, just 4 seconds behind Tim.

Neil Rutley ran a solid race, finishing in 61^st place, posting a time of 06:07:23. Ruth Johnson led the female duo home. Ruth clocked a fine time of 06:44:27 to finish 85^th & Sue Tremlett recorded a time of 07:10:45 to claim 96^th spot.

There were 110 finishers, with a number of retirements.

The Cross Country season is now well underway for the Trotters, with the second fixture of the Charles Stanley Westward XC League taking place in Newquay on Sunday 14th November.

The course was slightly altered from previous years, with the detour around the allotments being omitted, the part of the course runners enjoy. The underfoot conditions were just about ideal, with the odd muddy stretch to test the stamina of the runners.

The women’s race was won by Elle Twentyman, representing Taunton AC, winning in a time of 00:16:52. First Trotter home was Natalia Clare, who produced a great performance in finishing 69^th in a great time of 00:21:41. Wendy Goldthorp also put in great performances. Wendy finished 79^th, recording a time of 00:22:37.

In the men’s event, Hugo Hewitt, representing Exeter University, won the round in a time of 00:28:53.

Joe Hornsby led the Trotters duo home, finishing in 92^nd place, clocking a time of 00:35:06. Alex Lyons was pleased with his efforts, finishing 151^st in time of 00:43:28.

Wendy would like to thank all our runners who ran on behalf of the Club. Their efforts were hugely appreciated, given the distance travelled to get to some of these venues.

The next fixture will take place at Exeter on December 5^th and will be combined with the Devon County Championship.