Trotters swamp Ivybridge

Twenty eight Teignbridge Trotters attended the annual Ivybridge 10k on Saturday evening. Organised by Erme Valley Harriers, the race starts rather conveniently at the railway station car park and ends at the Rugby club, after what is described as a fast course, with one short intense hill section.

Fast it was for Ronnie Jones, who stormed across the line in 36:14 as 1st Trotter home and 7th overall, out of 676 finishers. Close on his heels was Dave Tomlin in 10th position, with an enviable time of 36:32, followed by Garry Smart, 20th, in another fine time of 37:34.

Other Trotters racing that night were: Ewan Walton (38:04), Mike Eveleigh (40:50), John Tweedie (40:54), Mike Hill (40:56), Mike Roberts (41:13), Roger Hales (41:36), Wilf Taylor (41:42), Mark Hamling (43:00), Gary Watson (43:35), Mark Wotton (44:01), Nigel Penwarden (44:36), Jimmy Donovan (45:22), Cathy Burgess (46:10), Tracy Elphick 3rd FV35 (46:26), Helen O`Malley (46:47), Graeme Baker (48:43), Syd Willocks (48:58), Neil Turner (49:10), Sharon Bowman (49:14), John & Tina Caunter (51:50), Eleanor Taylor (51:51), Steve Rawlinson (52:37), Marion Witham (1:03:13) and Julie Crump (1:04:13).

The following day saw Mark Wotton stretching his legs again, across the border in Kernow, at the Whitemoor 10k near St Dennis. This small village event is run to aid the upkeep of the recreation ground and is limited to 130 entries. Mark crossed the line in 47th position out of 97 finishers, in a time of 48:43.

Also on Sunday, the ever adventurous Michelle Willocks-Watts, accompanied by new member Belinda Collins, travelled to Tewkesbury for the Half Marathon. Run from the Rugby club, the flat course with a slightly altered route from 2008 was however very challenging for the 957 runners, due to the hot conditions. Michelle finished in 1:49:41 with Belinda posting a time of 1:51:46.

Photo: Mark Hamling at the Great West Run