Mud and Med

It was an eclectic weekend of racing for Teignbridge Trotters with club members racing on the toughest of terrain, overseas and into the evening with a hint of Christmas festivities thrown in.

On Saturday, eight Trotters took on the familiar territory of the Cockington Christmas Caper. The annual festive classic sees runners tackle a 7.5 mile multi-terrain course in and around the heavily thatched Torbay village.

The leading club runner was Jason Trevenen in 30^th in 1:12:20. He was followed by Derek Skinner 46th, 1:16:05, Kate Williamson, 91st, 1:30:10; Peter Blakesley 92nd, 1:30.11, Tamsin Cook 107th, 1:34:18; Phil Norden 110^th, 1:35:53; Paul Sharples 121st, 1:47:00; Sharon Sharples 122^nd, 1:47:01.

Del reported: “It was a chilly morning, fairly dry under foot to previous years but still a challenge and always well organised with Christmas cake back at the finish.”

On Sunday, six Trotters stepped up to the white line for one of the most high-quality foot races in the county, as they represented the club at the Devon County Cross Country Championships in Exeter.

In the men’s race Roger Easterbrook led the way, placing 68^th in 29.38, he was followed by Ewan Walton in 31:05 who placed 96^th, just overhauling Joe Hornsby in 105^th in 31:33. Keith Anderson was 178^th in 49.22. Wendy Goldthorp was 90^th in 25:03 and Hylda Stewart was 143^rd in 35:11.

Friday evening saw Lucy Evans and Laura Law take on the Haldon Night 10k. They finished in close proximity in 65^th and 66^th in 75:11 and 75:12.

Meanwhile, away from the biting cold, Christian Robinson was in the Balearic Islands taking on a 3 Diaz Trail Ibiza.

The event consisted of a 10k, marathon and 10k over highly challenge undulating multi-terrain. Christian reports: “It started with a night time 10k around Old Ibiza Town. Starting at the monument to the Corsairs and run entirely in the vicinity of Dalt Vila.

“On Saturday we started the marathon from San Joseph with 1600 feet of elevation in the first 4.5 miles. With some really technical terrain. Plenty more miles to come with over 6000 feet in elevation in all.

“There were amazing views. It took almost 8 hours to complete it with the winner doing it in under for. Easily the hardest race I have ever done. Sunday was the final day with a 10k starting in Talemanca out around the coast and back. Finally got my medal and t shirt!”