Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run
Derek Skinner completed his landmark 50th Marathon while competing in the Dorset Hillfort Ultra on Sunday 17th October. Derek began his marathon quest back in 2012.
A 35 mile, mostly off road very hilly race, enjoying the history and hills of West Dorset, running from one ancient hillfort to another. Derek actually ran 39.5 miles?
The race was a self-navigating race, hence the extra 4.5 miles Derek travelled!! Maps and notes were provided for each section of the course. There were marshals positioned at busy crossings. Cake was in abundance at most of the aid stations. The weather conditions were perfect with warm sunshine throughout.
Derek was given the No 50 to help celebrate his achievement which was a nice touch. Derek completed the tough challenge in 08:20:00.
Derek has a spell before completing a half century
Trotters half marathon line up at Exe Estuary
On Sunday 17th October on a very misty autumnal morning, ten Teignbridge Trotters tackled the Half, Marathon & 50K distances on offer at Winding Paths Exe Estuary event.
In the Half Marathon, the route took the runners from Budleigh Salterton to the far end of Exmouth Promenade where the field turned at the Imperial Recreation Ground, before heading back to the finish.
There were two stand out performers from the Club. Duncan Knight finished in 2nd place overall, crossing the line in 01:38:35 and Clare Youngman was the 2nd female finisher, clocking a time of 01:49:17 to finish in 9th place. Congratulations to both of you.
The other Trotters positions & times: Adrian Youngman (24, 02:07:04), Susanne Westgate (28, 02:10:28), Eleanor Taylor (30, 02:10:33), Scott Knight (53, 02:31:28).
There were 72 finishers.
Duncan Knight still has time for a clap on his way to 2nd place
Clare celebrates her 2nd female finisher in Exe Estuary Half
Neil Rutley looking strong at Exe Estuary Marathon
Gavin and Neil keep each other company along the seafront
Neil Rutley plumped for the full marathon alongside Gavin Forbes and Neil Pallant. The marathon started at Budleigh Salterton by the beach, before heading towards Exmouth on the picturesque SWCP. At this point the runners ran alongside the Exe Estuary through the villages of Lympstone and Topsham. An aid station signalled the half way point, and a u turn back to the finish at Exmouth.
The course was multi-terrain with paths, trails and country lanes to negotiate.
Neil led our Club trio home clocking a superb time off 04:12:29 to finish 15th. Gavin and Neil ran side by side, finishing in joint 28th position, posting a time of 05:12:31.
There were 36 finishers.
Karen O’Brien was the Clubs sole representative in the 50K Ultra. The course mirrored the marathon course but the first 5 miles followed the River Otter. Karen finished 38th, clocking a time of 07:54:50.
On Saturday 16th October. Puretrail staged the 4th edition of their Deep River Trail races, which included a half marathon and a 10K.
Alexis Marsh and Matthew Neale plumped for the shorter distance, but the undulating, very technical route tested out two Trotters.
The starts were set high above the Teign Valley at Piddledown Common on the approach to the iconic Castle Drogo, Kingsteignton. The underfoot conditions were treacherous in places as the runners ran through the Big Woods of Fingle. The weather conditions were sunny with temperatures reaching a balmy 17 degrees.
Matthew ran superbly to finish in 13th place, clocking a great time of 00:54:59.
Alexis also did herself proud whilst recording a time 01:13:26 to finish in 70th spot.
There were 99 finishers.