Julian Scanes managed to find a race to compete in whilst visiting his daughter in the London area on Saturday February 11th. The race was the Battersea Park 10K with a 5K also on offer.

Battersea Park is one of the capitals most picturesque parks. The course was largely flat, perfect for a personal best attempt! The start and finish was located by the parks Bandstand.

Weather conditions were just about perfect at start time. Julian certainly made the most of the favourable conditions as he completed the four lap race in a superb time of 00:39:36, to lower his previous best by a massive 2 seconds! 

Julian finished a fine 84^th in a field of 665.

The Exeter Half Marathons were held over the weekend of the 11^th & 12^th February. The flat two lap course started at the Piazza Terracina, Haven Rd and the scenic route took the runners along Exeter’s historic quayside and around the Riverside Valley Park.

On the Saturday, Lance Mason kindly offered to pace fellow Trotters Tim Synge and Roger Moss to target times. Tim was placed just ahead of Lance in 149^th spot in a great time of 01:59:13. Roger was placed 151^st in a time of 01:59:14.

On Sunday, Teresa Homes was the Club’s sole representative. Teresa posted a time of 02:34:50 to finish in 330^th place. Well done Teresa.

Reading Roadrunners staged the Bramley 20/10 road races on Sunday 12^th February. Annabelle Evans used the event as part of her Paris Marathon training. This was the 26^th year for the popular road races, a forerunner to the big Spring Marathons ahead?

The race route was primarily on slightly undulating quiet rural roads. Annabelle ran a storming race and is obviously in great shape for a great time across the Channel. Annabelle clocked a time of 02:46:25 to finish in 186^th. There were 373 entrants. Good luck with your training Annabelle.

On Sunday 12th February, Bustinskin’s staged The Portland Coastal Marathon took place, starting at the iconic Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy. There was also a 10k and a Half marathon on offer. This was a festival of running on such a stunning coastal location. A self-navigating race but due to the well-trodden route on the South West coastal path making a wrong turn was improbable. The weather conditions were just about perfect with dry cloudy conditions and a moderate breeze.

Sue Tremlett and Karen O’Brien rolled up their sleeves and completed the out and back loop, in great times. The trails were tricky and required their full concentration as the descents were gnarly and the ascents were steep with an overall elevation of over 2400 feet. There were plenty of well stocked aid stations on route and lots of friendly marshals including some that ran alongside the competitors. A mandatory kit list was issued with spot checks made!

Sue and Karen finished together in a great time of 06:04:24 to finish in 58^th & 59^th respectively.

Central Park in Plymouth staged the penultimate round of the Westward XC League

Six Trotters travelled south to test their strength and stamina on courses that are always demanding. Plymouth hosted an earlier round, so this time the runner’s ran the same course but in reverse. The weather conditions were almost spring like with warm sunshine at their backs.

Helen Anthony ran superbly as she makes her steady comeback. Helen clocked a time of 00:24:22 to finish in 17^th spot. Wendy Goldthorp, the Clubs XC Captain, ran yet another consistent race finish 43^rd in a time of 00:28:24. Great running ladies.

In the men’s race Roger Easterbrook, arm cast free, led our quartet home posting a great time of 00:35:55 and 39^th place. Ewan chased Roger home to finish in 47^th place in a time of 00:37:09. Joe Hornsby battled bravely to finish 72^nd in a very creditable time of 00:40:25. Keith Anderson is on target for a great category finish and scored more useful points. Keith clocked a time of 00:56:12 to finish 104^th. Well done lads.