On Sunday 11^th June, eight Trotters travelled to Dorset in search of Championship points at the Puddletown Plod. Egdon Heath Harriers were the race organisers.

The race was run on quiet country roads, running through a downhill wooded section early on before the course became very undulating, with a testing two mile uphill finish! Elevation totalled 650 feet. Overcast conditions led to very warm humid conditions at race time.

James Saunders was first Trotter home, clocking a super time of 01:30:30 to finish 36^th. James was 2^nd in the MV60 age category.

Christian Robinson took part in the Dartmoor Discovery, a 32 mile Ultra only 7 days ago, but showed great resilience to finish 52^nd in a great time of 01:34:52.

Mandy Wheeler ran another solid race to finish 79^th, posting a time of 01:40:47.

The other Trotters positions and times: Ben Elphick (61, 01:37:57), Alan Kember (62, 01:38:03), Joe Hornsby (94, 01:45:11), Debbie Elphick (95, 01:46:35), Patricia Atkins (130, 02:00:35).

There were an array of cakes on offer after the race. A well organised race with a nice atmosphere.

The racing week started early with the Coastal Dash getting things under way on Thursday 8^th June organised by the Dawlish Coasters. A 4 mile, multi terrain race which included a mile stretch on the sand, along the sea wall towards Dawlish and the coastal footpath.

The race started at Dawlish Warrren, beginning with an out and back section along the beach, before following the sea wall before crossing the railway line by way of a footbridge. The runners headed back to the finish on the coast path, negotiating another footbridge on route.

A warm summers evening enticed eight Teignbridge Trotters to take on the dash. Tim Pratt backed up his fine run at the Muskie Madness by finishing 3^rd in a rapid time of 00:21:40. Susanna Goffe also ran a great race, finishing 2^nd female & 15^th overall in a time of 00:25:08. Sam Crowe continues his fitness comeback having been travelling to the Far East and beyond making running difficult due to the humidity and terrain. Sm finished in 11^th spot clocking a time of 00:23:59.

The other Trotters positions and times: Kathryn Steemson (38, 00:28:46), Corinne Bright (65, 00:32:55), Eamon Crowe (67, 00:33:11), Chris Andrews (80, 00:34:14), Sarah Blanchard (87, 00:35:47).

There were 125 finishers.

Roger Hayes & Derek Skinner added yet another marathon to their ever growing haul by completing the Salisbury Plain Summer Edition marathon on Saturday 10^th June.

A half marathon and a 50 mile ultra was also on offer and were all run on the largest military training area in the UK. The route was fully signed on well-established footpaths and byways.

Derek described the race as relentless, hot and tough with many of the paths offering little shade. There were three water stations at miles 10, 15 & 21 which made our duo think more seriously about their fluid intake on route. The course was very undulating with one huge hill to climb, 5 miles from the finish.

Roger finished in 8^th place, clocking a useful time of 03:57:43. Derek found the going tough but still finished in a very creditable time of 05:03:37 to finish 46^th. There were 80 entrants.

Also on Sunday, Winding Paths staged the 10 mile Shiver Me Timbers race. A trail event along the SWCP. Runners were invited to join the hunt for the Pirate King of Torbay and pirate fancy dress was encouraged.

The hunt started at the Bay of Goodrington, before heading out across coastal trails, through woodland, across bays and coves in search of Pirate King of Torbay, rumoured to be hiding out past the Golden Hind at Brixham Harbour. If each runner found him he will try to bribe them to keep quiet with a piece of eight. Return this to the finish to Captain “Trailfleet” Lewis and he will reward them with some shiny booty!

Kate Heaton ran well to finish the tough, very warm race in 01:51:02 to finish 19^th. Sharon & Paul Sharples needed no encouragement to dress up! They finished together in a time of 02:28:06.

Mark Wotton found the going tough but still completed the tough challenge in a time of 02:31:49 to finish 118^th.

Teresa Holmes gave her all to finish 144^th whilst clocking a time of 02:56:48.