Exmouth Harriers presented the first running of the Westdown Wander on Sunday 27^th November. This race signalled the last round of the Teignbridge Trotters Club Championship, with points and positions still to contest for.

The race started on Exmouth seafront opposite the cricket club. The runners set off along the beach for a mile, heading towards Orcombe Point. Sunday dog walkers were an added obstacle? An uphill very muddy section along the SWCP towards the golf course near Budleigh Salterton, passing Westdown Beacon, tested the field. Trail shoes were essential as the underfoot conditions could be described as being soft!

At the turnaround point, the route was varied with sloppy fields and some road sections, although a slight descent would prove to be a slight relief. The last mile of nine was run on tarmac, with a great finish at the cricket club.

A misty, dry and mild morning made for great running conditions. Eighteen Trotters swelled the number of entries to 130 as they set off in their quest for vital points.

Roger Easterbrook has had a great 2022 with plenty of podium finishes along the way. Roger finished the year in fine style as he took 2^nd place. His finish time of 01:04:21 was just a second behind the eventual winner Angus Menter.

Susanna Goffe has also made giants strides this calender year. This was highlighted once again as she ran superbly to finish in 9^th place overall and the first female finisher. Susanna clocked a time of 01:10:48.

The ever consistent Mandy Wheeler who has also enjoyed success this year with a Club record to her name, won the FV50 age category prize. Mandy posted a time of 01:17:21 to finish 26^th.

The other Trotters positions & times were: Julian Scanes (12, 01:12:14), Duncan Knight (18, 01:14:43), Ian Langler (36, 01:20:42), Derek Skinner (40, 01:22:00), Deb Hart (76, 01:34:53), Corinne Bright (78, 01:36:20), Dominique Harcourt (90, 01:40:21), Eamon Crowe (94, 01:43:21), Chris Andrews (95, 01:43:22), Tamsin Cook (99, 01:45:49), Mark Wotton (103, 01:47:02), Eleanor Taylor (106, 01:47:24), Joanna Griffin (107, 01:48:13), Paul Sharples (110, 01:53:39), Sharon Sharples (111, 01:53:57).

The race proved to be a huge success. The feedback was very positive and will become a permanent fixture in the race diary. 

All prize winners were presented with a veg box including the hard to come by eggs!

On Saturday 26^th November, Joe Hornsby took on the Endurancelife Dorset marathon.

There were four distances on ranging from a 10K to the Ultra. The event is part of the 2022/2023 trail running season and is No 4 from the 12 in the series.

Given World Heritage status in 2001, the Jurassic coast path through Dorset is a unigue location. The glorious ocean back drop helps take the mind off the countless number of hills (5600 feet for the marathon).

The race started at Tyneham and headed towards Lulworth. The runners then made an about turn before making their way back to the start and then onto Swanage. Right from the gun, the steep ascents came thick and fast, with 7 of the biggest climbs coming in the first 15 miles. The coast paths were very exposed with no shelter from the wind. The weather was dry and mild, leading to Joe taking off layers after only two miles. Joe raced in mid pack, enjoying the comradeship with his fellow runners. The aid stations were very well stocked which is good for morale! The back six miles were the toughest due to well-trodden, boggy trails, littered with exposed sharp rocks, causing rhythm problems. Joe finished in 30^th place, clocking a time of 05:08:27. A very well organised race set in a beautiful part of the world.