On Sunday 28th November, The Bicton Blister & Blister Lite took place, organised by Exmouth Harriers. This race was the latest round of the Teignbridge Trotters club championship, so therefore a strong contingent of Trotters took part. The race distances were 4.5 miles for the Blister Lite and 10 miles for the Bicton Blister.

The start and finish of the races were within the grounds of Bicton College, East Budleigh in Devon. The multi -terrain races took the runners across open fields, along rough forest trails, through a couple of stream crossings, and several inclines. In fact there was over 1100 feet of elevation!! The weather conditions were dry and cold for the start and the underfoot conditions were surprisingly good for this time of the year. 

17 Club runners lined up for the start of the Blister. All Club representatives performed well, with some age graded prizes won!

Roger Easterbrook again finished high up the leader board, finishing in 9^th position, clocking a great time of 01:07:44. His performance won the MV45 age category prize.

Susanna Goffe was the first female Club runner home, finishing in a fine time of 01:20:55 to gain 54^th place, Susanna also came runner up in the Senior female category. A superb effort.

There were also age graded prizes for Clare Youngman and Derek Skinner. Clare is in great form at the moment, backing this up with 2^nd place in the FV50 category. Not to be out done, the ever consistent Derek finished 2^nd in the MV60 competition.

Positions & times of the other Trotters: Ewan Walton (18, 01:10:48), Duncan Knight (60, 01:21:24), Derek Skinner (81, 01:25:08), Alan Kember (102, 01:27:47), Bon Rymel (136, 01:31:37), Clare Youngman (142, 01:31:56), Kathryn Steemson (163, 01:34:00), Neil Rutley (171, 01:35:08), Bob Small (173, 01:35:39), Corinne Bright (203, 01:38:09), Kim Knight (226, 01:41:15), Deb Hart (226, 01:42:56), Eamon Crowe (247, 01:43:30), Adrian Youngman (321, 01:56:39), Susanne Westgate (334, 01:58:23).

There were 387 very tired finishers.

In the Lite, the Club had just the one runner, Zilpath Walton ran a cracking race to finish 67^th in a blistering time of 00:57:10. There were 92 entrants.

The event was superbly organised, with plenty of enthusiastic support coming from all the marshals dotted around the course. 

On Saturday 27^th November, Sportiva events staged their Haldon 10k night run. A very popular event with distances to suit all age groups. There was a 1k race for the 3-7 year olds, a 2k race for the 8-11 year olds and a 5k & 10k race for the mummy and daddies!

The trails were centred around Grammarcombe Woods and the routes were clearly marked with reflective poles and arrows. Head or chest torches were required. The evenings weather was dry but on the cold side!

Three of the Clubs crazy gang took on the challenge. Derek Skinner led our trio home, finishing 28^th in a fine time of 00:56:23. Del also won the MV60 age category prize.

Claire Ayling and partner Alex Lyons ran together. I’ve yet to find out who was scared of the dark?? They finished in 78^th & 79^th places receptively in times of 01:10:02.

There were 98 finishers.