The Exeter Marathon took place on Sunday in perfect conditions, albeit with a headwind.

The two lap race route was chiefly flat along the cycle tacks and footpaths following the Exe Riverway and the old Quayside.

Seven of the Clubs top marathoners took on the challenge, and all passed the test.

Alan Kember took centre stage with a stunning run. His training had gone very well, so a good performance was always on the cards, as long as everything went well for him on the day. Alan smashed the previous MV65 Club record held by Peter Kirby back in 2014. He sliced a massive 06:24 secs off the old record while recording a new PB time of 03:33:19. Not only that, Alan won the MV65 age category prize. A highly successful day for Alan. Well done.

Sharon Sharples, our only female competitor, notched yet another marathon to her growing haul. Sharon, ably assisted by her husband Paul, clocked an impressive time of 04:50:16.They both crossed the line hand in hand to finish 200^th &201^st respectively.

The other Trotters positions & times were: Kris Ward (21, 03:09:35), Roger Hayes (57,03:32:07), Christian Robinson (134, 04:03:04), Derek Skinner (162, 04:21:00).

The Plymouth Half Marathon took place this weekend.

Hundreds of runners gathered at the start on the Hoe Promenade at 0830. Weather conditions were perfect for this popular event in the racing calendar.

From the start, the runners headed towards Millbay Docks, before making their way up Royal Parade, cheered on by the enthusiastic road side supporters. The stream of runners then headed out past The National Marine Aquarium and out onto Embankment Road, which runs parallel with The River Plym, heading out of the city. An about turn, half way along, before crossing Laira Bridge and onto the first major climb at the 4.5 mile point. A 4% gradient hill proceeded, before the runners received a rest bite as they travelled along Haye Road towards Saltram Park. A 7% gradient hill within the park, tested the runners, before a long downhill stretch through the park down to the banks of the River Plym. At the 10.5 mark, the runners crossed Laira Bridge for a second time, before heading back towards the city. They then skirted the Barbican, where the streets were lined with excitable spectators. The final stretch took the runners along The Hoe and up onto the Promenade to a raucous finish.

Mike Border, one of the Clubs newest members took on the tough Half and posted a new personal best. Mike clocked a time of 01:51:25 to finish 523^rd.

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Seven Teignbridge Trotters travelled up the M5 to compete in the Weston Super Half on Sunday 14^th May, which signalled the next round of the Club Championship.

The runners set of from Marine Parade at the entrance to the Grand Pier. A one mile lap eased the runners into a false sense of security, as the second mile was on soft sand. This completed the first loop before repeating for a second time! The route then took in the glorious sites of Weston-super-Mare and the surrounding picturesque Somerset villages. There were a couple of ascents, with a mile long hill at miles 9-10.The race was run on closed roads. The pièce de résistance was a totally unique opportunity to finish quarter of a mile out to sea on Weston's Grand Pier.

The weather at start time was overcast and a keen breeze blew.

Helen Anthony led our team of Trotters home. Helen clocked a great time of 01:34:50 to finish in 75^th place.

Ben Elphick followed closely behind, posting a time of 01:37:45 to take 108^th spot.

There were one age category win and two second places! Jacki Woon won the FV55 age category having clocked a super time of 01:39:03 for 131^st place overall.

Mandy Wheeler was runner up in the FV50 category (121, 01:38:34) & Debbie Elphick repeated her fellow Club member’s achievement in the FV35 class (193, 01:43:18).

There were also two new personal bests for Steven Major & Callum Price. Stevens’s new target is now 01:49:05 & Callum posted a very respectable time of 01:57:39.