Ups & Downs in Devon

The trotters turned up in force for the tough undulating Feighan Fury 10m trail race in the hills of Devon. By SWRR, the challenging trail race raises money for the Calvert Trust and is named in memory of keen runner Mike Feighan who won the legendary grizzly 5 times plus many other events.

Conditions were dry, sunny, with a cool wind from the North, but sloshy under foot meaning energy zapping in many places. It could of been tougher than the infamous Drogo 10 for this championship qualifying run. Paul Sharples fell, although maybe he was pushed. The comments included, "Great scenery and marshalls, Muddiest race ever, Disliked the clean, dry, road section, and lastly No not again" - by Dominique Harcourt after partner Ian Langler seriously misquoted the number of hills.

Roger Easterbrook finished 6th, 1st Vet 50 1.15.28, Helen Anthony 19th claimed 2nd female overall and 1st Vet 40 in a super time of 1.25.17. Steve Weeks, 24th, 1.27.24, Andy Gillson, 31st, 1.31.30, Andrew Rattlidge 56th, 1.37.25, Darin Dodd, 65th, 1.41.15, Adam Waddle, 75th, 1.45.53, Robert Faulkner 78th 1.47.537

Allen Taylor 81st, 1.48.57, Joanna Randall 82nd, 1.49.16, Kathryn Steemson 101st 1.55.59, Paul Sharples 110th 1.59.14, Shaz Sharples 118th 2.02.40, 120th Dominique Harcourt 2.03.38, Chris Andrews 135th 2.11.34, Sue Tremlett 136th, 2.11.37. 

From a total of 166 finishers. The race was won by Henry Irvine of Dawlish Coasters in 1.08.41. The course was well marked and with plenty of marshalls, with additional runners taking part in a 5K Fun Run including dogs. 

Ewan Walton was the lone Trotter in action on the Great Mis Tor fell race, organised by the South West Fell Runners. The first race in the 2024 Dartmoor fell race series.

The course was 11.4km (about 7 miles), starting and finishing in Princetown. The unmarked route took in North Hessary Tor, Hollow Tor, Little Mis Tor, Grimstone Head Weir and Great Mis Tor, before heading back to Little Mis Tor and returning the same way. 

Ewan fought through very strong wind, and heavy ground with some challenging climbs for a tough outing, especially after a long absence from this type of racing. He managed 25th out of 40 runners in 1:10.58. The race was won by Jamie Parkinson of Pudsey and Bramley AC in 49:25 and Lizzie Dyson of Haldon Trail Runners in 1:04.07. The event was well-organised and friendly, not to mention refreshingly good value.

Also taking place on Dartmoor was the 14 mile Race with No Name run organised by Wild Running. As a change from the usual North South transverse of Dartmoor, Wild Running organised this self navigation East West transverse from Trenchford Reservoir to Postbridge. Except for one small detour Fran Bowler and Samantha Galvin's navigation skills stood the test and completed the event in 4 hours. To round it off the route just had to include an ascent of Hammeldown! the visibility and weather was 100% better than Feb when Sam completed the Hammerdown Hammer.

They came 5 and 6th, though there were only 7 runners completing the half, most of field had entered the ultra marathon which finished at Tavistock. The weather was usual Dartmoor and included sun, rain, wind, hail and lots of mud.