Fun in the sun for the trotters...................

On Saturday 25th June the “Killerton Kanter” took place at Killerton House in East Devon .The South West Road Runners event ,Although billed as a low-key event, a number of top local runners packed out the start line, to ensure our Trotters wouldn’t have the gentle training run that they were hoping for!The Weather was sunny and very hot and humid, with everyone soaking with sweat by the end. The course was described as “undulating”; however this rather understated the gruelling nature of what the runners had to traverse! Steep hill, tricky descents and treacherous steps all had to be negotiated, along with a very narrow bridge, which had to be tackled side-ways! All through the finest National Trust forest and grounds.

Daryl “Tarquin”Milford lead the 8 trotters home in a fine 41.40 on the tough course gaining him 10th out of the 130 runners. Ian Langler appeared in 25th in 46.12 with Mark Wotton next trotter in 52.15 59th place. Graham Penn ever up for a tough race did 57.19 and 83rd.The first Trottettee was Rebecca Weare in 1.03.39 101th.Stella Imong did 1.06.03 107th and Amanda Milverton was just 34 seconds behind her in 1.06.37 109th.Catherine Barnes decided to try this race out as her first ever race and did brilliantly on the difficult course running 1.13.52. Runners were greeted with a T-shirt at the finish for their effort.(thanks Tarquin)

On Sunday 26th June the intrepid duo of Roger Hales (Smokes) and Roger Hayes (Chair) set off for Woolacombe to take part in the “ North Devon Marathon.” Having left the mist and drizzle behind them, they arrived to find a cloudless sky and warm sunshine.

The race has a reputation of being one of the toughest on the circuit, with over 3300 feet of climbing. There is a half marathon that starts 15 minutes after the marathon and sole Trotter representative, Craig Churchill, took on the challenge, finished.(time unavailable at the moment)

As the temperature rose, reaching 30 degrees by midday, the going got tough. Chairman Rog recalls "From 16 - 20 miles it was really hard work, the hills are relentless, the only option was to have to walk. It then became a case of survival. The heat just added to the pain!" He goes on to say "Smokes caught me up at 15 miles and we decided to run together. The views were simply stunning, with the course taking in large sections of the coastal path, thankfully they provided loads of extra water stops, which were a real life saver!"

This was Chairman's 50th marathon; Smokes had already reached that milestone, as this was his 58th. They ran their first marathon together at the New Forest back in 1993, so it was rather fitting that Smokes was there to accompany Chair on his 50th. They crossed the line together in 4hrs 38 minutes. Chair had run the race last year, finishing 50 minutes quicker, which gives you some idea of how hot it was this year.(Thanks chairman)

 PHOTOS-Top-before the “KILLerton Kanter-back-Mark,Tarquin,Ian,Front-Stella,Rebecca and Inky. Middle-Rather hot Amanda,Rebecca and Stella after Killerton. Bottom-the Two Rogers before the North Devon Marathon.(Thanks Inky and Chair )

Report compiled by Sharon (Fizz) Bowman