Mandy Wheeler and Susanna Goffe took part in the ABP Newport Wales Marathon on Sunday April 16th.

The route was devised by double Olympic marathon runner Steve Brace. The route is one of Europe’s flattest marathon races – ideal for first timers or those looking for a fast time. 70% of finishers in the race’s history have claimed a PB.

The race started and finished on Newport’s vibrant riverfront and offered iconic landmarks, like the city’s Transporter Bridge and the stunning scenery of the surrounding Gwent Levels – with coastal wildlife and picturesque medieval villages.

The single loop route took the runners past the University of South Wales and the bustling Friars Walk shopping centre, before heading over the SDR Bridge, through the east of the city and into its rural areas. The runners headed on towards the village of Magor in Monmouthshire where the runners were met with a carnival atmosphere around the main village square.

Supporters will have the perfect opportunity to catch a glimpse of their loved ones and elite runners in the medieval town of Redwick, before the runners headed back towards the revamped city centre.

Before a sprint finish along the River Usk, runners will get the chance to take in the coastal wildlife on show at the Gwent Levels and Newport Wetlands – one of the UK’s most popular bird watching sites.

Weather conditions on the morning of the race was perfect. Mandy had put in a solid training block but was still feeling apprehensive on the eve of the race. Mandy put her nerves to one side to clock a superb time of 03:28:08. Mandy also created a new Club record for the FV50 age category. The original record was held by Jacki Woon back in 2014. Mandy lowered the old record by a massive 7 minutes 11 seconds.

Not to be out done, Susanna set a new personal best for the distance. She flew around the course in a time of 03:17:43.

The 2^nd edition of the Bodmin Way Beacon Beast took place on April 16^th. A multi terrain challenge that took in the delights of Lanhydrock NT estate, Redmore nature reserve, the Bodmin Beacon and Cardinham Woods.

The route took the runners over bridges, through streams, over countless numbers of stiles and bogs. The views were spectacular but to revel in them meant hills!! Over 3000 feet of elevation over the 27.27 miles.

Three Trotters were amongst the field of 82 runners. Phil Smith finished a fine 12^th while clocking a rapid time of 04:19:00. Sharon and Paul Sharples continued their relentless quest to the magic century of marathons! They ran together, finishing 50^th & 51^st respectively in a time of 05:46:44.

The Dorset Ooser Half & Marathon took place on Sunday 16^th April, organised by Badger Trail Events.

Both races started from an ancient thatched barn in a tiny hamlet of Turners Puddle, Bere Regis, in the heart of Dorset. The start took the runners uphill & then followed farm tracks, fields, trails that meandered through ancient woodlands & old historic drover routes. There were also short road sections which took the racers through picturesque hamlets, managed woodland tracks, heathland, over seven styles and two fords to negotiate all set in the glorious Dorset countryside!!

The Marathon route included 3km of short tarmac sections, the longest being 1km. The route consisted of thirteen hills, amounting to 2800 feet of ascent. The underfoot conditions were soft with stretches of mud especially in the wooded areas.

Four Teignbridge Trotters lined up for the Marathon, all serious marathoners. Roger Hayes notched his 190^th while finishing 22^nd in a great time of 04:12:35.

Ruth Johnson also reached a notable milestone for ultras and marathons. Ruth reached her half century on a day to remember. Ruth finished 141^st, posting a time of 05:44:04.

Steve Barker continues his marathon quest as he reached number 40. Steve clocked a time of 04:57:03 to finish a handy 67^th.

Christian Robinson ran superbly having only just competed the Ibiza marathon. Christian blazed a trail to finish 32^nd in a time of 04:29:19.