Trotters partake of a 10k or four

It was a busy weekend for the Teignbridge Trotters with 35 club members participating in a total of four 10k races. The main event was the ever popular Ivybridge 10k on Saturday evening, with a record number of finishers. Starting from the railway station car park and finishing at the Rugby Club, the on road event, extended to 750 entries for 2010, is organised by Erme Valley Harriers.

First Trotter to cross the line was Dave Tomlin, 10th overall in a field of 698 with an enviable 35:59, followed shortly by Ronnie Jones (18th) with a time of 36:27. Wavell Vigers (37:16) was next to cross the line in 22nd position and not just content with shaving 1:27 off his previous 10k best, he also ran off with the 3rd MV40 award. In addition, the trio received the 1st team prize.

Further runners were: Ian Langler (38:44), Simon Boobyer (40:43), Mark Hamling with a personal best time of 40:46, Adrian Bailey (41:27), Eyvoll Aston (41:39 and 1st FV35), Mark Becker (42:03), Gary Watson (42:27), Mark Wotton (43:48), Tracy Elphick (44:36), Stuart Moulson a joint 44:36 with a 10k personal best by 1:33, James Henderson (44:59), Nigel Penwarden (46:46), Ruth Mundy (47:25) and Craig Churchill (47:55).

Graeme Baker, continuing his recent good form, posted a creditable 49:34 as 3rd MV65. He was followed by Sharon Bowman (49:54), then Sarah Schutte, with an impressive sprint finish and a time of 50:20, Graham Penn (50:21), Sally Ingledew (51:04), Tina Caunter (53:08), Jim Donovan (53:21), Eleanor Taylor (53:45), Steve Rawlinson (55:03), Joanna Becker (55:57), Nathan Elphick, stoically battling knee problems (1:01:12) and Julie Crump (1:03:11).

On Sunday the Bideford 10k attracted the attention of race regulars Marion Witham and Angela Weeks. The route between Bideford and Instow is on road, with a return via the Tarka Trail, alongside the River Torridge. Marion crossed the line 457th in a field of 553 finishers, with a time of 1:00:53 and Angela scooped the 2nd FV65 award with her time of 1:05:19.

Meanwhile, gluttons Mark Wotton and Graham Penn were at the Royal Victoria Country Park near Netley in Hampshire, for the well attended Run in the Park 10k. Organised by Southampton AC, the three lap course is run entirely on traffic free roads. Mark passed the post 174th in a field of 321, in a very respectable 45:08. Graham finished in 52:59.

Finally, two further Trotters were nearer home attending the 4th Karen Hall`s Ottery 10k. Starting and finishing at Ottery St Mary cricket club, the event with a `mildly undulating` course is staged in memory of the late Karen Hall, and this year is supporting the Devon Air Ambulance. In unfavourable wet and cold conditions, Susie Ashleigh-Thomas was 1st FV60 with a time of 56:34 and Angela Howells completed the race in 1:00:02.

Photo`s:

Upper: Prize winners at the Ivybridge 10k

(L to R): Eyvol Aston, Wavell Vigers, Ronnie Jones & Dave Tomlin.

Lower: At the Karen Hall`s Ottery 10k

(L to R): Susie Ashleigh-Thomas & Angela Howells.