The Teignbridge Trotters staged their annual Totnes 10K and 1-mile Fun Run on Sunday 4th August in good conditions. The 6.5m undulating trail race was confirmed for the third year running with all records up for grabs as 519 runners took part. 149 took part in the Fun Run won in 05:02 by Leon Snell of Torbay AAC from Tara Ferguson last years winner 2nd 05:07 for Windsor Slough Eton & Hounslow AC.

The scenic route through the beautiful Dartington Estate was won by local Ceri Rees improving on last year's 2nd finishing in a time of 38:39, followed by the improving Oli Reynolds of Teignbridge Trotters 2nd 38:54, Matthew Gilvear of Erme Valley Harrier came third again 40:38. Richard Edwards 4th 41:04, and 5th Joel Heatley South West Road Runners 41:21. 

First lady across the line was the visiting Louise Flynn of Les Croupiers RC in a new record of 44.14 winning £125 followed by Fiona German South West Road Runners 44:33, long standing race top finisher Ellie Dominey 3rd in 45:38, Lauren Knox Storm Plymouth 46:07, Amy Jones 5th, SWRR 46:20. Rod Payne Race Director said: ‘The race and Fun run were well supported, it was a fabulous event. We will be delighted to be make another large donation to our chosen race charity, Totnes Caring who we have supported for years due to our many volunteers and the event competitors. Our thanks to Sibelco, Empire Scaffolding, The Albert Inn for their continued sponsorship of the event and Totnes Leisure Centre for all their help.

There were many standout performances with over 40 prize winners. 7 new vet category course records were set with serious competition across multiple categories for cash prizes. New comer Corey Date 50:27 in his first ever race won the U18 male prize for Teignbridge Trotters plus featuring in the winning mens team. 1st female U18 Sophie Gilvear 1:02:55.

MV 40 1st Joel Heatley 41:21 SWRR, 2nd Harry Gee 41:47 (6th overall), FV 40 1st Louise Flynn Les Croupiers 44:14, 2nd Ellie Dominey 45:50

MV45 1st Stephen Collier SWRR 48:49, 2nd David Kilgore Storm Plymouth 50:52, FV45 1st Mary George 1:01:50, 2nd Nicola Laing 1:02:35

MV50 1st Ceri Rees 38:39, 2nd Mark Ferguson Datchet Dashers 42:57, FV50 1st Rebecca Edwards Corsham RC 57:15, 2nd Helen Chapell Erme Valley Harriers 50:29

FV55 1st Sharon Daw, East Cornwall Harriers 56:43, 2nd Helen Frow 1:03:01, MV55 1st Graham Bale, Plymstock Road Runners 43:22 2nd Colin Peters SDAC 50:00

FV60 1st Anthea Board, Haldon Trail Runners 54:24, 2nd Wendy Urban, Torbay Tri Club 54:45, MV60 1st Richard Smith, Torbay Tri Club 47:26, Jimmy Joy, Exmouth Harriers 49:36

FV65 1st Alison Engledew, Erme Valley Harriers 59:45, 2nd Alison White Exmouth Harriers 1:08:13, MV65 1st Hugh Marsden, Exmouth Harriers 53:53, 2nd Michael Cork, Plymouth Coasters 55:02

FV70 1st Lesley Nesbit, Yeovil Town 1:14:21, 2nd Carol Pollard East Cornwall Harriers 1:20:56, MV70 1st John Shapland Bideford AAC 51:12, 2nd John Outhwaite 1:01:01

1st Ladies Team Haldon Trail Runners in 3:31:48, 2nd Erme Valley Harriers 3:54:54, 1st Mens Team, Teignbridge Trotters after 14 years of domination by Torbay AAC / Torbay Tri Club 4:31:32, 2nd SWRR 4:44:43

Runners were able to refuel after the race with the wonderful selection of home made cakes, tea’s & coffee’s, a BBQ and an award winning Albert Ale beer brewed in The Albert Inn, Totnes. 

Full Results are available on the Teignbridge Trotters website along with thousands of free race photos.

On Friday at Paignton Velopark the South Devon AC relays took place, the latest qualifying race in the club championship. The cool and breezy weather helped delivered some sublime and smooth performances from the almighty turnout of Trotters directed by Club Captains Deb & Ben Elphick. The teams size was something to behold as other clubs stood in awe of the mighty Trotters.

The Elphick's hard work in putting together multiple teams for the 3k relay across age graded categories paid off with a handsome car load of prizes and alot of fun.

The Atmosphere was great, moral was high, and the gurning was brilliant as nearly 70 Trotters pushed themselves hard on the sprint distance 3000m. Fastest trotters were Oli Reynolds, and Chloe Weeks.

The prize list of 1st in age category out of 69 teams included, Senior mens, Senior Ladies, MV50, FV50, MV60, MV70+. It was a memorable evening as the photos highlight and the last relay event of the year.

The participants included many who normally run longer and or slower but still gave it their best efforts which is what its all about. Hopefully next time we can get even more Blue, Green & Yellow on the start line.