A weekend of contrasts as Trotters raced in Spain, London, and Wokingham

Chloe weeks reported from Parliament Hill, home of the 2025 National Cross Country Championships. The best way to describe it was a mud fest from the start and it only got worse with each race. By the time the last race happened, senior men, it was pure bog the whole way round with shoes buried underneath. We had an amazing time representing the Trotters. There were over 800 women in the senior ladies race and over 1,700 in the senior men’s race. The event included multiple youth races, and by all accounts was a great occasion in ok weather.

Lucy Payne took part in the Wokingham Half Marathon in aid of Rowcroft Hospice, due to the Torbay Half being cancelled. " I ran it in 2.10:26 and was 2nd in my age category. The race starts in Wokingham town and heads out into country lanes, a little bit undulating but no big hills. The weather was much better than expected. No rain but quite windy the last hour. The race was busy but really well organised. I'd just like to thank everyone who sponsored me." A fine effort with Lucy again being in the prizes.

A posse' of Trotters went to the Seville marathon for some sunshine and good fast marathon course. Conditions were good at the beginning and the course is flat and fast. Runners get to see some sights such as the very impressive Plaza de Espana. Water stations were a bit ‘traumatic’ but otherwise it was well organised. It did heat up in the latter stages which did impact some of the runners, but some great times were achieved.

Debbie Elphick ran a 3.32.23 - 5 min pb, and Ben Elphick did a 3.21.49 a brilliant 9 min PB. A great course in a beautiful city. The warmer weather came as a little shock to the system, having done all our training in freezing conditions. Everyone did so well. Fantastic break away with our fellow Trotters! Helen Anthony 3.09.57 has now done 20 years of road marathons, Mandy Wheeler setting a new FV50 club record in 3:20:49, Alex Sparks got a 13min PB, Graydon 3.31:19, Ruth Johnson 4.56.43, Sara Keatley in 5:19:51