Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run

Winding Paths hosted the 3rd running of The Final Countdown, on New Year’s Eve. Situated within the stunning grounds of the Dartington Estate, this 6.3 mile mainly trail race attracted a host of local runners, in what was a sell-out race.

six out of seven ladie trotters at final countdown.jpg Sextuplet of Trotters at The Final Countdown

The route was altered slightly from 2020 due to the very boggy conditions on certain parts of the course. The runners ran across fields, through forests, stony trails, & some tarmac roads. The incessant rain in the days leading up to the race meant that the course was sodden. Therefore, the underfoot conditions were treacherous, especially on the downhills and there were deep muddy puddles that could not be avoided!

The rain held off at the 09:30 am start time but became heavier as the morning wore on.


Ten Teignbridge Trotters supported the event and were all in good spirits at the off.

Susanna Goffe capped a memorable 2022 by finishing in 3rd place in the female competition and the first Trotter home. Susanna clocked a cracking time of 00:48:37 to finish in 11th spot overall.

The other Trotters positions & times were: John Holland (41, 00:57:05), Tim Synge (63, 01:02:17), Tamsin Cook (123, 01:13:44), Susanne Westgate (134, 01:15:01), Mark Wotton (137, 01:15:42), Sue Tremlett (147, 01:16:31), Karen O’Brien(148, 01:16:32), Yasemin Jeffrey (165, 01:19:26), Teresa Holmes (239, 01:33:12).

There were 255 very tired and mud splattered finishers.

The race was very well organised by Brian Lewis and the marshals were all very supportive and enthusiastic. All finishers collected an aptly designed medal with midnight approaching!

susanne westgate battles on after her fall in the woods.jpg Susanne Westgate kicks on after eating mud at Dartington
karen o'brien struggles to keep her balance.jpg Karen O'Brien wallowing in the mud
mark wotton looks at home on the trails.jpg Mark Wotton looking at home on the trails
mud larktamsin cook.jpg Tamsin Cook loving the heavy going
sue tremlett looking in control.jpg Sue Tremlett still has time for a cheeky word

Running Events Devon staged their New Year 4 in 4 Bell Challenge, starting on 30th December and finishing on 2nd January.

The route followed the old disused railway near Exmouth and each out and back lap was 5.3k.

Darren Petch was due to compete in the half marathon on all 4 days, but blisters after day 2 meant that he regrettably had to pull out. Darren performed tremendously well to win both races in times of 03:05:00 & 03:16:55 respectively.

Darren is planning on running 12 half marathons between Feb 2022 & Feb 2023 in aid of Dawlish Action for Youth.

darren on his way to victory at 4 in 4 bell challenge.jpeg Darren Petch on his way to a half marathon victory
darren petch with his medal and goodie bag.jpeg Darren with his well deserved medal and goodie bag