On Sunday 27th February, Looe Pioneers Running Club hosted the 9^th running of the 2022 Looe 10 Miler. The race was also the 3rd Club Championship race of the season, therefore attracting 13 Teignbridge Trotters to East Cornwall. There was also a well-represented one mile fun for the children.

This year’s race was aimed at helping raise vital funds for the Cornwall Air Ambulance and the RNLI Looe Lifeboat Appeal.

The race is an open event and is also part of the Cornish Grand Prix series, which attracts hundreds of runners from the South West and beyond.

The course is an undulating run through West Looe, and then onto the coastal road to Talland. A loop around the Killigarth, Porthallow area brought the runners back down to Talland, before the return leg back to Looe.

Weather conditions at start time were chilly but sunny. The runners set off from Millpool carpark, helped on their way by the vocal support around the start line. The total elevation of the route was over 1600 feet, and some runners described the route as ‘hellish’.

The Trotters all ran superbly, with some notable performances amongst the results. Roger Easterbrook consistently performs well, especially where there are hills, so it wasn’t a surprise to see him finish in the top ten. A 9^th place finish this year, clocking a great time of 01:06:22, 53 seconds quicker than in 2020..Roger also finished 2^nd in the 45 – 49 MV age category.

Julian Scanes continued his good form around the old Cornish fishing port. Julian posted a time of 01:14:01 to finish in 35^th place.

It was great to see Christian Robinson back on the race scene having been badly affected by Covid 19. Christian clocked a Promising time of 01:23:53 to finish 101^st.

Corinne Bright was the Club’s first female Trotter home. Corinne completed a 14 minute course personal best which just shows what giant strides Corinne is making. She clocked a great time of 01:37:03 to finish 213^th.

The other Trotter positions and times were: Derek Skinner (104, 01:24:07), Gavin Parrott (117, 01:25:13), Alan Kember (129,01:26:47), Eamon Crowe (230,01:39:18), Deb Hart (231,01:39:20), Steven Major (262, 01:43:30), Dominique Harcourt (275, 01:44:15), Chris Andrews (323, 01:48:59), Eleanor Taylor (363, 01:53:49).

There were 481 exhausted and relieved finishers.

Race winner was Jacob Landers, representing the Tamar Trotters. The winning time was a staggering one of 00:58:14.

The event was a resounding success. A big well done to the Looe Pioneers Running Club, for organising such a great event, and for all the money that they have helped raised for their chosen charities.

Sunday 27^th February, saw the 6^th and final round of the Westward XC series take place at Central Park, Plymouth. Six Trotters travelled to the Ocean City for the event.

Conditions underfoot were sticky but the weather was just about perfect with spring like temperatures and a light wind.

Joe Hornsby continued his fine form in all forms of racing. His 53^rd place in very competitive time of 00:38:05 proved this.

Carl Bennett made his XC bow and ran superbly. Carl clocked a time of 00:42:35 to finish 82^nd.

Alex Lyons completed all 6 rounds this season. In this round, Alex finished 100^th while posting a time of 00:47:42.

Helen Anthony brought the curtain down on her cross country season in fine style. Helen finished in 24^th place, clocking an impressive time of 00:25:18. Helen has run consistently well all season, backing this up with a 3^rd place finish in the FV40 age category.

The fast improving Natalie Cusack, chased her more experienced Club mate home finishing in 27^th place. Natalie’s time was 00:25:32.

Helen Goldthorp, also ran consistently well throughout the season. Helen finished 56^th, clocking a time of 00:29:20. Helen finished 7^th overall in the FV50 age category.

On Saturday 26^th February, Sue Tremlett targeted Running Events Devon 26.2 Challenge for her 37^th Marathon.

The event was staged at the Old Railway at Littleham, Exmouth. The 5.3k lap meant that 8 laps was required to be tackled to complete the marathon distance.

Weather conditions were dry but with a headwind to negotiate. Sue finished in a superb 8^th place, clocking a superb time of 04:54:30.

There were 23 finishers.