Dust and grit at North Devon AONB

Grit and determination showed on the faces of the runners taking part in the inaugural North Devon AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Marathon and Half Marathon at Woolacombe on Sunday. Three Teignbridge Trotters pitted their wits and stamina against the very challenging, mainly off road course, which took in sections of the South West Coastal Path and the beach at Croyde Bay.

The sell out events were organised by North Devon Road Runners in support of the North Devon Hospice. Stunning views and a light breeze helped ameliorate the dusty and scorching conditions for the 376 competitors, with strategically placed water stations providing vital relief.

Roger Hayes had opted for the Full Marathon and crossed the line in a blistering 3:48:03, 4th overall, in a field of 135, as 2nd FV40. Sally Ingledew, running her 27th such event, posted a hard earned 6:01:50. Graham Penn, competing in the Half Marathon, finished 120th out of 241, in a time of 2:29:15.

Meanwhile, a Trotter duo was further afield at the Great Lanhydrock Run near Bodmin. The 10 mile off road trail event through the National Trust estate, attracted 161 runners on one of the hottest days of the year. Mark Wotton was first to finish, 79th overall, with a time of 1:29:42, whilst Marsha Garrard posted an equally fine 1:39:57.

On the previous Wednesday, a large splash of royal blue was in evidence during the Festival 4 Run at Exeter Quay, as 16 Trotters ran the flat 4 mile course on footpaths and cycle tracks alongside the River Exe and Exeter Canal. The event is organised by Ironbridge Runner Events in aid of the two charities: Prostate Cancer and Mind.

Dave Tomlin led the team home, 4th overall in a field of 162 finishers, with a brisk 24:21. He was followed by Wavell Vigers, 7th in 25:10 and 1st MV40. Third Trotter past the post, in 10th position, was Daryl Milford in a time of 26:08.

Other runners were: Simon Boobyer (27:18), Eyvoll Aston (28:16 and 1st FV35), Mark Wotton (29:50), Emma Sidebotham (31:22), Matthew Dunn (31:34), and Sharon Bowman (32:26 and 1st FV40).
Graeme Baker was close behind in 32:30 (1st MV65), followed by Sarah Schutte (32:44), Dave Dunn (33:04), Craig Churchill (34:10), Rod Payne (34:16), Sally Ingledew (35:00) and Michelle Willocks-Watts (35:22).

On the Saturday evening, six club members flew the flag at the ever popular Killerton Kanter. The six mile circular cross country race is organised by South West Road Runners, with a finish at the National Trust Killerton House near Broadclyst.

Roger Hales was first Trotter home, 29th overall out of 141 finishers, in a time of 46:51. He was followed by the Omni-present Mark Wotton (50:32), Charlotte Crump, close behind in 50:43, Vicky Hales (1:09:22), Julie Crump (1:11:41) and Marion Witham (1:17:14).

Photo:

(L to R) Graham Penn, Sally Ingledew & Roger Hayes before the start in Woolacombe.