Heavy rain doesn't stop Atsede Gidey from winning the Ladies 10K

Local running club the Teignbridge Trotters, staged their fourth race of the year, the Ladies 10K on Sunday 22nd September.

The Trotters had to find a new Race HQ for the race having held it at Dornafield Campsite, in Ipplepen, since 1997, as the new owners could sadly no longer accommodate them.

After a lot of searching, Ipplepen Cricket Club agreed to them staging the race there. A terrific new venue to match a great new course awaited the 235 starters.

However, heavy rain made for difficult running conditions but that didn’t seem to effect Atsede Gidey from Exmouth Harriers, who recorded a superb time of 38:24 to win the race by over two minutes.

In second place was Lauren Knox from Storm Plymouth in a time of 40:43. Third was Olive Carthew from Newquay & Par AC in 41:28.. Dawlish Coaster, Kate Saddler-Irvine was fourth in 41:57 and in fifth place was Teignbridge Trotter, Mel Brooks in 42:14.

Debbie Elphick, the new Race Director, was full of praise saying: ‘Atsede’s time was really impressive, especially considering the weather conditions and the undulating course. There’s a challenging hill 5 miles into the race which Atsede simply breezed up. I think her winning time will take some beating’.

The new course takes place on quiet country lanes, skirting the edge of East Orwell before runners pass through Denbury and return via Moor Road to finish on the cricket field.

The Teignbridge Trotters ladies turned out in force with 33 of them taking part. Freya Morrissey was first FV35 in 44:20. Mel Brooks was first FV45. Liz Nuttall was second FV45 in 43:16. Eyvoll Aston was third FV50 in 53:44. Lucy Payne was second FV70 in 61:01.

To try and encourage the younger generation into running, the Trotters offer free entry into the race for all juniors. Lucy Ayling from the Trotters certainly made the most of this generous offer by coming third in the category in a time of 64:15.

Also running for the Teignbridge Trotters were: Chloe Weeks 42:18, Kate Williamson 54:47, Clare Youngman 55:18, Laura Law 56:09, Caroline Clark 56:55, Corinne Bright 56:55, Shelley Rattlidge 57:41, Jade Reid 57:44, Sophie Thomson 59:11, Joanna Griffin 59:11, Kim Knight 59:20, Sharon Sharples 59:38, Rhiannon Waugh-Baker 60:26, Sarah Blanchard 60:44, Becky George 62:24, Mel Sheehan 63:04, Claire Lyons 64:15, Lucy Evans 64:18, Samantha Galvin 65:55, Nicky Swann 66:43, Kay Shillabeer 69:04, Katja Lolke 71:23, Susanne Jervis 72:03, Julie Webb 72:07, Tia Tarr 75:56, Teresa Holmes 78:03, Michelle Wilson 80:48.

To complete a great days work, the Trotters also won the first ladies team with Mel Brooks, Chloe Weeks, Liz Nuttall and Freya Morrissey making up the winning quartet.

This year’s sponsors were Sibelco, Thompsons and MI Plant. The Trotters chosen charity, Pete’s Dragon, who provide comfort after suicide and work towards suicide prevention, will be presented with a cheque for £402.

Attention now turns to the Trotters final race of the year, the Sibelco Templer Ten, which takes place on 6th October. Entries are available via SiEntries.