After windy and wet weather including gales, the Exeter flat and fast First Chance 10K took place on January 5th. The South West road runners sell out event takes place around Exeter riverside valley park with the opportunity for P.B's if conditions allow and the initial bun fight start is accepted. A total of 617 runners took part in the post gale and downpour race with expectations high from trotter christmas training and dieting. The club came 2nd in the overall results, a super achievement and a big pat on the back to all.  First Trotter home was Alex Sparks as 3rd senior male, starting where he left off last year in fine form, last but not least for the club was Claire Farrar. 

The top placings included; Mr & Mrs Brooks took 1st vet 45 prizes each, with accomplished athlete Donald donning our special blue vest for the first time. Mel repeated her success of last year on the same event, with Liz Nuttal coming 3rd FV45. Lucy Payne took 2nd in the FV 70+.

Alex Sparks was followed by Donald Brooks, James Saunders took 2nd MV60+, Trevor Irons also continuing his improvement with 2nd MV70+, and Bob Small as 2nd MV75+.

P.B's that have been declared include; Corinne Bright achieving 53:21. and taking 15 seconds off her 2023 time in her first race as a FV50. Samantha Galvin said  "I had a great run this morning with plenty of friendly trotter faces and tons of encouragement on the out and back sessions. The weather held out for the race though the damp and puddles are obviously good for me as I got my 10km PB and nearly 2 mins off my last year's time in 57:09. Lisa Bennett like Donald ran her first race as a Trotter with a PB taking almost a minute off in 1:01:48

Club records included Bob Small yet again, coming 2nd in the male over 75 category in 50.45. although he confirmed there should be more to come.

Nathan Elphick after years of injuries completed his first race race in 4 years, a super achievement.