On Sunday 30^th April, The Dorset Doddlers staged The North Dorset Village Marathon.

Five Teignbridge Trotters made the trip to Devon’s neighbouring county to take part in this very popular race. The race was also a Dorset County Championship fixture.

The race start was held at Sturminster Newton High School, and the picturesque route led the runners along country lanes through the villages of Hinton St-Mary, Marnhull, Stalbridge, Todber, Stour Row, Margaret Marsh, West Orchard, Farrington, Child Okeford and Hammoon.

Weather conditions on the morning were great with cool overcast conditions with just the threat of a shower. Our Club runners all ran superbly, but the standout performance must go to Debbie Ephick. Debbie had been laid low with a heavy cold in the days leading up to the race, but she put that set back behind her once the race got underway. Paced by Jacki Woon, Debbie ran a well-judged race to clock a time of 03:42:09 to finish in 63^rd position. This won her the FV30 age category prize and a new personal best by 06:03 secs. Jacki was given the same time as Debbie as they crossed the line together.

First Trotter home was Christian Robinson. Christian is racking up a host of marathons but this one was his second fastest. A time of 03:40:42 was posted placing him 61^st.

Ben Elphick produced an amazing new PB for this gruelling distance. Ben sliced a huge 59:35 secs off his previous best time to post a new target of 03:46:08 to finish 65^th.

Stephen Barker and Tim Synge both ran solid races. Stephen posted a time of 04:02:24 to finish 93^rd and Tim 125^th in 04:27:23.

There were 167 finishers with a hog roast to replenish the calories!!

Eight Trotters travelled five hours up the road to Accrington in the county of Lancashire. A match on the Saturday for Accrington Stanley was enjoyed (other than the poor result) before six Club runners lined up for the Ron Hill Accrington 10K.

The race was in held in honour to the legendary runner and pioneer, Ron Hill. His impact in the running fraternity was unparalleled and he mentored and influenced generations of runners throughout his illustrious career. Born in Accrington, this race was run to celebrate this international and local running icon.

The route took the runners through central Accrington and included a 1.5 mile downhill descent to the finish.

Roger Hayes was in unknown territory at the 10k distance having concentrated on running marathons for a number of years. Roger answered those questions in emphatic style as he clocked a quick time of 00:47:38 to finish 40^th and first Trotter home.

Deb Hart, a local lass herself, ran superbly to win the FV60 age category, while posting a time of 00:55:26 to finish 107^th.

Not to be out done, Derek Skinner, who incidentally was struggling with a rib injury, still managed a fine time of 00:49:11 to finish 2^nd in the MV60 age category.

The other Trotter positions & times: Caroline Hayes (145, 01:01:24), John Skinner (166, 01:06:40), John Tweedie (169, 01:07:57).

There were 201 entrants.

On 29^th April, Ruth Johnson took part in the Sid Valley Half, organised by Climb South West. This was the third running on the newly created Sid Valley Ring walking route.

An uphill start greeted the runners before the route winded along quiet country lanes and footpaths. There were some steep ascents up to 236 metres before dropping down into the pretty village of Sidbury. Another section of back lanes followed leading to the tiny hamlet of Harcombe, the” Valley of Hares” just before a steep climb towards Dunscombe cliffs and the coast path. Stunning views looking towards Lyme Bay stretching as far as Portland and Berry Head were enjoyed at this stage of the race. The route headed inland through the picturesque village of Salcombe Regis, then through a woodland area before linking back onto the SWCP. The final km was downhill in to Sidmouth with more great views to admire.

Ruth ran another consistent and well-judged race to finish 46^th in a time of 02:44:21.

Running Event Devonstaged their Plym Trail Marathon Spring Challenge, on the weekend of the 29^th & 30^th April.

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor, the start took place at Clearbrook Village Hall. The runners set off with a short loop of the village, before heading down Cycle route 27 towards the outskirts of Plymouth, before climbing back towards the finish at the village hall. The loop was then repeated for e second time.

Phil Smith and Sharon Sharples ran on the Saturday and Paul Sharples was the Clubs sole representative on the Sunday.

Phil ran superbly to take the honours with a fine win. He clocked a great time of 03:57:36. Well done.

Sharon notched yet another marathon to her growing haul. Sharon finished 6^th in a time of 05:05:10.

The following day, Paul put in a fine run to complete the challenging course, both physically and mentally, in a great time of 04:13:36 to finish runner up.