On Sunday 15^th January, the Oh My Obelisk organised by the Dawlish Coasters took place. The race was the second instalment of the Club Championship season. There were two race distances on offer, a 9-miler and a Half Marathon. The half marathon was the race that counted towards the Club Championship.

Due to the torrential rain of late, the course in places was flooded, with shin deep muddy puddles to navigate. The multi terrain route took the runners across slippery fields, up some very steep ascents (1700 feet elevation), through scenic woodland and along quiet country lanes which were particularly treacherous.

The Mamhead Obelisk, a Grade 2 listed building, was built as a landmark for shipping. The Obelisk was built in 1742 by Thomas Balle, who owned the Mamhead Estate. It was also meant to signify the start of the English Channel. The limestone structure sited in woodland above Mamhead House allows breath-taking views across the Exe estuary and to the sea beyond.

The weather conditions as the runners set off was on the chilly side but bright and sunny. As the race unfolded the runners endured rain, hail, wind and sun. 

Four Trotters took part in the nine mile race. Steph Ross led our Club runner’s home, clocking a time of 01:49:08 to finish in 61^st place.

The other Trotters positions and times were: Alison Clayton (63, 01:50:47), Sharon Sharples (67, 01:51:47), Darren Petch (85, 02:21:10).

There were 86 finishers.

Twenty seven Teignbridge Trotters took part in the Half Marathon race. The Club mud lovers revelled in the conditions and produced some great times.

Roger Easterbrook thrives on this type of race and he didn’t disappoint with a fine display of trail running. Roger finished in 11^th place overall, clocking a time of 01:38:03. Roger’s performance was remarkable as he ran with a plaster cast on his arm having broken his elbow during the week! Roger finished 3^rd in the MV45 age category.

Susanna Goffe produced a magnificent performance to finish first Trotter female and 3^rd female, posting a great time of 01:43:38, 5 seconds quicker than last year. Susanna finished in 20^th place overall and 1^st female senior.

There were also great runs from Mandy Wheeler, Corinne Bright and Paul Sharples who won their respective age categories.

There were also a couple of tumbles amongst our Trotters with Kathryn and Kay hitting the deck, but survived to live another day, as they both completed the tough challenge.

The other Trotter positions & times were: James Long ((23, 01:44:37), James Saunders (37, 01:50:34) – MV60 3rd, Duncan Knight (44, 01:54:01), Mandy Wheeler (51, 01:56:17), Jacki Woon (63, 02:03:15 – 2^nd FV55), Neil Rutley (73, 02:08:35), Natalie Cusack (74, 02:08:42 – 2^nd FV35), Derek Skinner (75, 02:08:50), Gavin Parrott (80, 02:11:18), Joanna Randall (82, 02:11:29 – 3^rd FV35), Robert Faulkner (88, 02:14:16), Tim Sykes (94, 02:17:00), Isabelle Cummins (96, 02:17:27), Kathryn Steemson (98, 02:17:56 – 2^nd FV50), Gary Brooking (105, 02:23:32), Paul Sharples (113, 02:25:27), Corinne Bright (115, 02:26:10), Deb Hart 117, 02:27:08 – 3^rd FV60), Eamon Crowe (134, 02:37:53), Dominique Harcourt (137,02:38:46 – 3^rd FV45), Keith Anderson (139, 02:38:57), Tamsin Cook (146, 02:45:27), Karen O’Brien (153, 03:01:55), Lucy Evans (154, 03:04:22), Kay Shillabeer (153, 03:05:13).

There were 159 very weary and muddy finishers.

A special mention must go to the Trotters who stepped up to the mark to help marshal around the course to help out the Dawlish Trotters. Without them the race may have been put in jeopardy? Standing out there in all conditions for over three hours must have been tough? Thanks very much for all your efforts.

A new event was staged on Saturday 14^th January by Endurance Life. There were four distances on offer from a 10k to an Ultra. Ruth Johnson plumped for the marathon, but wished she hadn’t?

Race headquarters was based at Polzeath. The races started on the village’s golden sand beach and headed north eastwards across miles of unspoilt coastline. The routes packed a punch with some significant elevation gain. The competitors experienced the stunning Pentire Penninsula, picturesque valleys, and peaceful fishing villages, such as Port Isaac and Trebarwith, before heading back to Polzeath.

The trails were particularly muddy across the fields and the woodland. The coast path under foot conditions were very slippery and gnarly. The runners experienced rain at the start, which did clear away, but the wind touched gale force with very strong gusts. It was a war of attrition as runners were blown sideways. Half the field failed to complete the marathon, but Ruth did complete the true test of stamina and endurance. Ruth’s time was 07:42:57. Fantastic effort.