The Ivybridge 10K, organised by Erme Valley Harriers took place on Saturday 27^th with a 18:30 start time.

This very popular race attracts runners from all over the region. This year was no exception with 504 entrants. There was great support at advantageous vantage points and the marshals were very supportive.

The course was chiefly uphill for the first 3km before flattening out. On the return back to the local rugby Club there was a nice downhill stretch between 5–7km before becoming more undulated to the finish. Over 400 feet elevation on a particularly warm evening made it a tough race.

Despite that, there were some outstanding performances from our 9 Teignbridge Trotters.

There were two Club records broken by Jacki Woon (FV60) and Alan Kember (MV65).

Jacki has just entered her new age bracket and this race was a great opportunity for her attack the current Club record held by Deb Hart. The result was never in doubt as Jacki sliced a massive 04:27 seconds off the record. The new record stands at 00:48:22. Jacki finished 125^th overall. More records coming Jacki’s way this season for sure.

Alan Kember is in a rich vein of form having broken the marathon record at Exeter two weeks ago. On the back of this run, Alan came into this race full of confidence. The previous record was held by the legendary Dave Foster back in 1998 at Brixham in a time of 00:44:35. Alan’s time of 00:44:23 placed him 68^th and shaved 12 seconds off the record. A fantastic year for Alan so far! What’s the next Club record to come under threat I wonder?

There was a new personal best for the ever improving Ben Elphick. Ben was first Trotter through the line, clocking a great time of 00:41:36 to finish in 35^th place. He lowered his previous best 10K time by 02:45 seconds set at the Ottery 10k last year.

There was some silverware shared amongst our Club runners. Individually, Alan Kember also won the MV65 age category and Helen Anthony was 2^nd in the FV40 bracket.

In the team event, Teignbridge finished 2^nd in the ladies competition. The team comprised of Helen Anthony, Jacki Woon and Debbie Eplhick.

The other Trotters positions & times were: James Saunders (40, 00:42:03), Helen Anthony (51, 00:42:57), Debbie Elphick (105, 00:47:14), Neil Rutley (128, 00:48:28), Tim Synge (157, 00:50:21), Kay Shillabeer (418, 01:06:34).

On Friday 26^th May, the Run Exe Relays took place at Exwick playing fields. Teams of four were selected by our Club Captains, Ben & Debbie Elphick. The approximate 4km legs were on shared paths and the course profile was flat.

There were some outstanding individual performances on what proved to be a very competitive evening of racing. The weather conditions were superb with blue skies overhead.

The Teignbridge Trotters quickest lap time was run by Hamish Rae, who clocked a magnificent time of 00:12:59. Hamish was part of the team who finished 12^th overall in the M18-39 age category. Tim Pratt (00:13:35), Kevin Woodard (00:13:39) & Roger Easterbrook (00:13:51) formed the rest of the team.

The FV50-59 competition was won by our ladies, Mandy Wheeler (00:16:44), Kathryn Steemson (00:17:37), Rachel Steele (00:18:25), & Jacki Woon (00:17:34).

Individually, Susanna Goffe was our quickest runner and was tasked with running two legs! Susanna posted times of 00:15:07 & 00:15:11. Great pacing there.

The other female Trotter times were: Helen Anthony (00:15:40), Liz Nuttall (00:15:52), Debbie Elphick (00:17:14), Kate Heaton (00:17:48), Kim Knight (00:19:19), Deb Hart (00:19:53), Sharon Sharples (00:20:16), Dominique Harcourt (00:21:16), Sarah Blanchard (00:21:49), Hylda Stewart (00;27:46).

The other male times were: Roger Easterbrook (2^nd leg 00:14:11), Ewan Walton (00:14:21), Ben Elphick (00:15:11), Matthew Steele (00:15:20), Ian Langler (00:15:20), Duncan Knight (00:15:41), Andy Gilson (00:16:02), Tim Hassell (00:16:17), Jason Trevenen (00:16:21), Bruce Campbell (00:16:45), Graydon Widdicombe (00:16:46), Derek Skinner (00:16:58), Tim Synge (00:18:27), Paul Sharples (00:18:40), Bob Small (00:19:09), John Tweedie (00;21:52).

A fantastic well organised event with some serious competition. A big thank you must go to Debbie and Ben for finalising the nine teams involved.