More mud and versatility for the Trotters

On Saturday, five Teignbridge Trotters attended the 5th Cockington Christmas Caper, organised by the St Barnabas Sports Trust - a Christian charitable organisation, established in 2003, with the aim of `nurturing and developing children and young people, of all abilities, in sporting skills`. The friendly and well run event usually sells out well in advance and such is its popularity, this year even attracted two ladies from the Falmouth Road Runners.

The seven mile multi terrain race starts in the grounds of Cockington Hall, with a brief section of road and this year, the 120 runners were favoured with almost ideal weather conditions. Bruce Campbell was lead Trotter from an early stage and despite treacherous mud on the off road sections, he stormed the hill to the finish at the cricket pavilion, in 23rd position, with a time of 1:12:55.

Second Trotter home, was Graham Penn, 47th in 1:21:19, followed by Elizabeth Steeves with a well earned 1:29:45. Marsha Garrard was four places behind in 1:31:40, with Amanda Milverton (1:34:55) completing the team.

On Sunday, the cross country regulars gathered at the Exeter Arena, for the 3rd race in the Brooks Westward League. Four Trotters ran the men`s race of 8.85k, with Roger Hales finishing 100th out of 126 finishers, in a time of 42:52. John Caunter was second royal blue past the post, with 44:04, followed by Dave Dunn (45:16) and Jim Donovan (45:38).

A further quartet ran the 5k ladies race, with Tracy Elphick returning to the fold after injury to lead the group home in 22:44, 43rd in a field of 77 finishers. She was followed by Sharon Bowman (25:34), Tina Caunter (26:12) and Eleanor Taylor (27:05).

Meanwhile, lone Trotter Alan Boone had ventured north to Apedale in Staffordshire, for the 6th Newcastle Dale Dash 10k. The multi terrain event, supported by Newcastle (Staffs) AC was well marshalled and run in sunny conditions across Apedale and Lymedale, with views of Silverdale at the highest point. Conditions underfoot were however wet and muddy for the 147 competitors. Alan had a good race and crossed the line 49th in a time of 48:42.

Photo`s:

Upper (Graham Penn) L to R: Amanda Milverton, Bruce Campbell, Graham Penn, Elizabeth Steeves & Marsha Garrard after completing the Cockington Christmas Caper.

Lower (Nathan Elphick) L to R: Cross Country Captain Jan Caunter, Sharon Bowman, Tina Caunter, Eleanor Taylor & Tracy Elphick at the Brooks Westward League race in Exeter.