Wednesday 20th July, saw the Erme Valley Relays take place. This hugely popular team event took place in Ivybridge at the rugby club and was superbly organised by the Erme Valley Harriers.

89 teams took part this year, including 10 teams from Teignbridge Trotters. A team comprised of four members and the leg was approximately 2.4 miles long. The hilly loop took the run around the quiet country lanes of Ivybridge.

It was a frantic evening of racing and a very enjoyable one. The support was amazing and the weather perfect for a great spectacle.

Teignbridge entered six men’s teams, three ladies team and a Couch to 5K team. Special thanks must go to Natalie Clare and newly sworn in Men’s Captain, Ben Elphick for their hard work behind the scenes.

The Clubs first team home comprised of Hamish Rae (13:59), Sam Crowe (14:25), Jake Gluyas (14:26), and Joe Hornsby (15:02). The team’s combined time (00:57:52) positioned them in a superb 7^th place.

The MV60 team also won some vino, winning their age category comprehensively. The team finished in 41^st place overall. The team comprised of James Saunders (15:09), Alan Kember (16:56), Neil Rutley (17:58) and Derek Skinner (18:00).

The MV40 team of Roger Easterbrook (14:37), Ian Langler (15:34), Ben Elphick (15:41) & Carl Bennett (17:07), finished in a highly creditable 18^th place and also won the MV40 team prize.

The first Trotters senior female team did the Club proud, finishing in 60^th place overall. The team were represented by Debbie Proctor (18:23), Sarah Pike (19:40), Jemma Bennet (19:07), and Isabelle Cummins (19:08). Jemma and Isabelle were making their Club debuts, so well done to them.

Congratulations must go to the Club’s Couch to 5K team. Cheryl Dunn, Vicki Hales, John Skinner and Lucy Evans gave their all on the night. Hats off to the quartet.

It was also great to see Club stalwarts John Tweedie, Hylda Stewart, Nathan Elphick and Bruce Campbell giving their all for our Club.

Erme Valley Harriers once again organised a highly successful event. The marshals were very supportive and the start/finish team coped superbly with the frantic action.

This weekend signalled the lad’s away trip to Barry in South Wales. Pick up was from the Recreation Club before stopping for breakfast. Then onwards to Ashton Court for nine holes of pitch and putt. Check in at the accommodation was followed by a night of song and cheer with the occasional beer!!

Up bright and early, with some nursing a hangover, for a 9am start at the Cardiff Epic Trail 10k race organised by Tough Runner. The trails were within the Fforest Fawr, with some outstanding views once the steep climbs were negotiated.

Julian Scanes was the first Trotter home finishing in a fine 15^th place, clocking an impressive time of 00:52:06. Jules also finished 2^nd in the MV 50-59 age category.

Lance Mason continuing his comeback from a lengthy spell on the side lines won the MV60+ age category prize. Skippy finished in 29^th place in a great time of 00:54:58.

The other Trotters positions and times were: ian Langler (25, 00:54:02), Christian Robinson (32, 00:56:27), Roger Hayes (41, 00:57:55), Bon Rymel (48, 00:59:46), Derek Skinner (95, 01:05:42), Stephen Barker (134, 01:09:49), Steven Major (145, 01:10:43), Nigel Barnett (189, 01:16:57), Mark Wotton (216, 01:22:57), Travis Wood (234, 01:26:24), John Tweedie (246, 01:28:09), Ryan Anthony (262, 01:33:02).

There were 275 competitors. 

Laura Law competed in the Land & Sand Exmouth 5K on Friday 22^nd July, organised by Greenbow Running Club. The 19:30 pm start from Orcombe Point consisted of 4K of running across the soft sand on Exmouth beach and 1K on land. It was a beautiful evening with blue skies above and cool temperatures.

Laura performed admirably to complete the very tough endurance race in a time of 00:29:30,placing her well up the final standings in 39^th.

There were 94 competitors.

Ruth Johnson, the Clubs sole representative, took part in the Sibelco Cornwood 10K Challenge on Saturday 23^rd July starting at 18:30pm. There was also a 4K fun run for the under 16’s.

The 10K route was run mainly on roads and some tracks and fields around Cornwood and Lutton. The start and finish was located in Cornwood Square. Weather conditions at race time were overcast with a stiff breeze.

Ruth drew on her endurance to complete the challenge in a great time of 01:01:34 to finish in 92^nd spot.

There were 136 finishers.

Having only just taken part in the Erme Valley Relays the day before, Roger Easterbrook made the short trip to take part in the Kingsbridge Fair 10K Road Race, on Thursday 21st July.

 The race started by the model railway station called “Ria End”, which reflects that Kingsbridge is situated on a ria, and not an estuary!! The warm sultry weather conditions were not conducive to a tough hill run.

The start was a tough one, with a climb up the main street, before heading out along quiet roads towards the ridge. This signalled the highest point of the course. From here the runners descended down a picturesque part of the course, heading back towards the finish at The Recreation Park in Kingsbridge. The runners were given so much vocal support in the latter part of the race. The marshals were also very supportive all around the course.

Roger Easterbrook was again in good form, finishing in 3rd place,.