Naomi makes it a hat trick of wins at the Ladies 10K

The Teignbridge Trotters staged their annual Ladies 10K race on Sunday 24th September. Dornafield Caravan and Camping site, near Ipplepen, was, for the 26th year, the race venue.

The Trotters are very grateful to the Caravan & Motorhome Club, the new owners of the site, to allow them to continue to stage the race from there and to be able to use their wonderful facilities.

The weather was fairly kind to the 198 runners that lined up on the start line. It was dry and mild, however, it was very blustery. This didn’t seem to phase the race winner, Naomi Flanagan, from Torbay Tri Club, who flew round the undulating course, crossing the line in a very impressive 38:46. This made it a hat trick of wins for Naomi, having previously won the race in 2016 and 2021.

In second place, and certainly a name to look out for in the future, was Molly Shorey, running for the City of Plymouth AC in a time of 40:46. Molly is only sixteen years old and this was her first ever 10K! In third place, matching the 3rd place she achieved last year, from the Teignbridge Trotters, was Chloe Olford, in a time of 41:29. Fourth was Lauren Knox, going one better than the 5th place she came last year. Lauren finished in a time of 42:03. In fifth place was Hannah Bown from Exmouth Harriers AAC, in time of 43:33.

The race takes places on quiet country lanes through the hamlets of Ogwell and Denbury. Runners finish with a lap of the campsite, with many of the campers turning out to cheer them home. Each finisher was presented with a signed watercolour print by well known local artist, John Skinner, who also happens to be member of the Trotters.

The team event is always a hotly contested affair, and this year was no different, with the first four runners counting for a team. In third place were the Teignbridge Trotters B team, in third place were Exmouth Harriers AAC. First place and retaining the title they won last year were the Teignbridge Trotters A team, who were; Chloe Olford (41:29), Elizabeth Nuttall (43:59), Chloe Weeks (45:03) and Jacki Woon (47:59).

A special mention for Jacki Woon, who also won her FV60 age category, as that category had more ladies in it than any of the other vet categories.

There was also silverware for her fellow Trotters; Mel Sheehan was 3rd FV35 (49:26), Elizabeth Nuttall was 2nd FV45, Kathryn Steemson was 1st FV50 (49:34), and Clare Youngman was 3rd FV55 (53:58).

The Trotters are keen to encourage youngsters into the sport and offer all under 18’s a free place in the race. There is a U18 category with prizes for the first three. This was dominated by members of the City of Plymouth AC, who came first, second and third (Molly Shorey, Molly Gilbey and Phoebe Timson).

The race has raised over fifteen thousand pounds for Bowel Cancer UK, this year the Trotters were able to add to that total as they presented the site manager, Terry O’Reilly with a cheque for £396.00. This represented £2 for each finisher.

This was Race Director’s, Jason Trevenen, last year in the hot seat, having taken on the role in 2019. He was ably assisted by his partner, Kate Williamson. The club would like to thank them both for all their hard work and dedication during that time.

Of course to stage the race takes a big team effort and thanks must go to everyone who played a part in helping make the race such a great success. Thanks also to our race sponsor, Sibelco.

The Trotters now look ahead to their fifth and final race of the year, the Sibelco Templer Ten which takes place on Sunday 8th October. The wonderful grounds of Stover School is the setting for the start and finish of the race. There is also a 1-mile Fun Run that takes place before the main 10-mile race. Both races are open for entries via the Trotters website.

A huge thank you to our team of official photographers; Rod Payne, Lucy Payne and David Barrett