The 22nd running of The Totnes 10K hosted by the Teignbridge Trotters Running Club was held on Sunday 7th August 2022, an event, which supports Totnes Caring, a local charity. This favourite South West Devon summer race is growing in popularity, and attracts runners from all over the south west and visitors to the region. This year’s event attracted 452 entries.

The mostly flat off-road course started at Borough Park, ideally situated close to the Totnes Leisure Centre, followed the meandering River Dart through the Dartington Estate. Unfortunately there was a slight course change due to substantial erosion alongside part of the river bank. The change in the route took the runners over fields above the aforementioned river path before re-joining the original route shortly afterwards. This course alteration would test all the runners stamina in the very hot conditions.

The weather conditions on the big day were sunny and hot, great for the spectators but not for the runners! The underfoot conditions along the 10K route was hard due to the lack of rain of late. 

The atmosphere was terrific as the one mile Fun Run got under way. The 118 runners of all ages set off around Borough Park, some with their mums and dads in close attendance. The race was won by Frankie Barret (J10-12) in a great time of 0:7:30. Harry Ayling representing the host Club finished 2^nd in the same age group in a speedy time of 0:7:40. Harry’s big sister, Lucy, won the J13-14 age category in a fine time of 0:8:13. First girl home was Maya Rees-Durham (J10-12) representing Erme Valley Harriers in a very respectable time of 0:7:53.

The other positions and times from our clubs youngsters: Toby Easterbrook (J8-9, 10, 0:8:17), Toby Langler (J10-12, 43, 0:9:46), Kieran Collman (J0-7, 57, 0:10:09), Lewis Collman (J10-12, 102, 0:13:07).

It was great to see so many youngsters just having fun and enjoying the great atmosphere. There were various age category prizes awarded and a bespoke medal for all finishers.

The main event was won by Tom Merson, representing Exmouth Harriers in a great time of 00:38:25.

The ladies race was won by Naomi Flanagan representing Torbay Tri Club winning in a time of 00:46:57.

Roger Easterbrook was the first Trotter home, continuing his fine form of late. Roger finished in 5^th place posting a great time of 00:42:37. He also won the MV45 age category prize.

Jake Gluyas-Harris finished in 9^th place clocking a time of 00:43:17 and was the 3^rd senior home.

Jaydon Taylor, one of the Trotters starlets, finished in 3^rd place in the junior division, clocking a very respectable time of 01:00:15 to finish 138^th overall.

Listed below are all the positions & times for all the other Trotters who ran so well.

James Long (14, 00:46:10), Jason Trevenen (60, 00:53:04), Oliver Thomas (91, 00:56:49), Alex Lyons (94, 00:56:58), Callum Price (193, 01:04:28), Craig Churchill (247, 01:08:17), Rebecca Hext (284, 01:11:46), Rod Payne (286, 01:11:40), Lucy Evans (377 ,01:20:50), Lilly Styles (389, 01:22:23), Zilpath Walton (429, 01:30:55), Claire Farrar (434, 01:31:51).

Bob Small,race director, would like to thank Dartington Estate for allowing us to run on their wonderful grounds again, which has helped raise a substantial amount for Totnes Caring. £24,555.00 has been raised for the charity since the inaugural event in 2000, which helps the elderly and disadvantaged people living in the area. The Trotters are proud to be able to help with such a worthwhile cause. The 140^th finisher received a special prize, as this was when the £25,000.00 barrier would be reached. Also, the 267^th finisher received a special prize for becoming the 10,000^th finisher since the birth of the race.

Bob Small was supported by Ruth Johnson, Assistant RD. They both worked extremely hard behind the scenes to ensure that all the arrangements and equipment were in place on the day. Derek Skinner, Chief Marshal, was ably assisted by his large team of friendly and supportive marshals. John Skinner did the race commentary and kept the spectators highly amused as ever. Susanne Westgate and her team worked tirelessly on the cake stall, and would like to thank all the budding bakers within the club for their contributions.

On Friday 5th August, XX Teignbridge Trotters travelled the short distance to Haldon Forest for the Forest Flyer organised by the Dawlish Coasters. This popular event was the next instalment of the Club Championship, hence the good turnout from the clubs members.

The route was run mainly on trails that took the runners through the pine forests. The first 4 miles was either undulating or steep downhill sections. The final 0.8 miles was a steep uphill finish that tested all the runners.

Hamish Rae took an early lead for the Trotters, but couldn’t hang on. Hamish still finished in a fine 4^th place as he led home the large Trotters presence. Hamish clocked a rapid time of 00:30:29. Chasing him home was Roger Easterbrook, finishing just 7 seconds behind, in 5^th place.

The performance of the night must go to Chloe Olford who, on her Trotters racing debut, won the ladies race. Chloe clocked an impressive time of 00:33:23 to finish 17^th overall. Susanna Goffe also ran superbly to finish in 2^nd place and 20^th overall in a time of 00:33:57.

The other Trotters positions & times: Sam Crowe (9, 00:32:06), Julian Scanes (10, 00:32:20), Ben Elphick (16, 00:33:22), Tim Pratt (19, 00:33:56), James Saunders (24, 00:34:23), Matthew Steele (26, 00:34:54), Christian Robinson (27, 00:35:10), Alan Kember (31, 00:36:17), Mandy Wheeler (36, 00:36:56), Duncan Knight (37, 00:37:00), Derek Skinner (42, 00:37:45), Alan Boone (43,00:37:52), Jacki Woon (45, 00:38:20), Neil Rutley (49, 00:39>26), Jemma Bennett (53, 00:40:00), Debbie Proctor (59, 00:41:15), Kim Knight (69, 00:43:33), Rachel Steele (76, 00:44:59), Isabelle Cummins (78, 00:45:22), Paul Sharples (79, 00:45:34), Sue Tremlett (82, 00:47:18), Dominique Harcourt (85, 00:47:35), Dermot Smyth (92, 00:48:18), Eamon Crowe (101, 00:49:47), Susanne Westgate (102, 00:50:07), Yasemin Jeffrey (107, 00:51:08), Eleanor Taylor (108, 00:51;27), Joanna Griffin (110, 00:51:50), Mark Wotton (111, 00:52:39), Darren Petch (115, 00:56:08), Sharon Sharples (116, 00:56:35), Suzie Mills (118,00:57:05). There were 124 finishers.

The race was superbly organised and the marshals were all very supportive and helpful.