Debbie Does Dorset

Ten Trotters hit the road this weekend to West Dorset for the Blackmore Vale Lions Half Marathon. The group were treated to more benign conditions than recent weeks with sunshine and a cool breeze. They were presented with an undulating route on quiet country roads, with a speedy downhill start to get some early momentum.

James Saunders led the way for the Trotters, finishing 30^th overall in a fine 1:27:45, also earning him first place in the men’s over 60 class. He was followed home by two of the most consistent high performers in the club. Helen Anthony was 44^th in 1:34:21 and Jack Woon 53^rd in 1:40:05. Helen was third female overall and the duo each won their respective age groups of F40 and F55.

Husband and wife duo Ben and Debbie Elphick came next in 59^th and 60^th in a shared time of 1:41:33, the chivalrous Ben pacing his other half to a three minute PB. Debbie’s fine result also ensure that Teignbridge Trotters won the ladies team prize.

Other Trotter finishers were Neil Rutley (1:46:02, 74th), Joanna Randall (1:48:53, 80^th), Tim Synge (1:49:24, 84^th), Kathryn Steemson (1:50:29, 88^th) and Keith Anderson (2:12:33, 135^th). There were 151 finishers.

The previous day saw the latest event in the Endurance Life Series return to its spiritual South Devon home with a coastal and inland route starting and finishing at Beesands. The course had Devon’s endless glorious scenery, but with that came the endless gruelling hills.

Not an event for the faint-hearted, it required all the fortitude of those battle-hardened veterans Derek Skinner, Ruth Johnson and Mark Wootton. Derek was 89^th and Ruth 96^th in the marathon distance in 6:25:54 and 6:44:02 respectively with 114 participant. Mark was 10^th in the 10k in 1:27:51. There were 146 finishers.