Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run

Photo finish for dinosaurs

Another busy weekend for the Teignbridge Trotters started on Saturday with five entries at the Jurassic Coast 10k in Budleigh Salterton. Now in its 4th year and with a record amount of runners, the event supports the `Force` cancer charity. In almost perfect conditions, the 253 competitors faced a series of quite challenging hills and cliff paths on the scenic route, before the fast level finish along a winding footpath.


Syd Willocks running with number 118, but sensibly attired in a `Force` singlet and without black wig and false moustache, took the lead from the start. However, in a mad scramble for the line, Syd, Graham Penn and three other runners finished en mass in 76th position, with a provisional time of 50:10.


Next to pass the post was Amanda Milverton, in 1:02:12, followed by Marion Witham in 1:04:20. Angela Weeks with her time of 1:08:45 set an admirable example in her FV65 category.


The previous Saturday saw cross country stalwarts Roger Hales and Jim Donovan tackling the Sticklepath Horseshoe Fell run near Okehampton. The 9.6 mile course involved 1,700 feet of ascent over high moorland and rough unmarked terrain and required self navigation. Roger crossed the finish line 13th in a field of 61 runners, with an excellent time of 1:30:10 and Jim was 34th in 1:43:11.


On Sunday evening twenty Trotters took up the challenge of the Torbay Royal Regatta 10k and scooped five age category prizes on the way. Organised jointly by Torbay AC and Torbay Triathlon club, the race starts at the Pavilion near Torquay Harbour. The mainly level course is similar to that of the Torbay Half Marathon, including the two laps of Paignton Green, before a return to the finish on Corbyn Head.


First across the line in the fine sunny conditions was Dave Tomlin, 2nd MV35-39 (13th overall) in a field of 555 finishers, with a time of 36:22. Next were Adrian Bailey, 32nd in 38:53, Ian Langler, 33rd in 39:01 and Mike Eveleigh (2nd MV55-59) with an impressive 40:07.


Other runners were: Roger Hales (42:44), Wilf Taylor (43:10), Gary Watson (43:18), James Henderson (43:34), Mark Hamling (43:49) and Mark Wotton (44:44). A special mention to Tracy Elphick (45:30) who took the 1st FV35-39 award and Sharon Bowman (47:44) who was 1st FV40-44 and achieved a 3 second reduction in her 10k personal best time!


Matthew Dunn was on top form again, with an enviable 47:53, closely shadowed by his father Dave (47:59), Jim Donovan (48:25), Graeme Baker 2nd MV 65+ in a time of 48:51, Nathan Elphick (50:08), Milos Erben (50:11), Eleanor Taylor (51:03) and Vicky Hales (1:05:07).

Photo (Graham Penn) - At the Jurassic Coast 10k.

L to R: Graham Penn, Angela Weeks, Syd Willocks, Amanda Milverton & Marion Witham.