Monkey and Tarquin bring home the bacon.......

Sunday 30th July saw the annual Teignmouth 3 legged race. Teams gathered outside the Ship Inn ready to compete in what is widely regarded as the mother of all 3 legged races. The event is part of the Teignmouth carnival celebrations and although it doesn't attract as many teams as it's sister event in Shaldon, which takes place on Boxing Day, it is never the less quite a spectacle.

Unlike the Boxing Day event which over the years has become very popular with teams from the Trotters taking part, the Teignmouth version rarely has more than one Trotter team. This year was no exception, as Tarquin and Monkey were the only ones flying the flag on the start line. Monkey has a fine history in the event, winning it with Skinns four years on the trot and again last year with Chairman Rog. Prior to that Stef and Skinns were the winners. So a great tradition was at stake to once again retain the trophy.

The race starts with one member from each team having to drink 1/2 pint of beer before they all charge off. Tarq took the first drink and although he downed it in one, they were still left standing by two other teams. The race was on!

I mentioned earlier that the race has a bit of a reputation. This was immediately brought home to all those taking part as the next pub had some dreadful concoction on offer. By the time they had got to the 4th pub they were in second place and looking very strong. The route takes them from one end of the town to the other taking in a total of 14 pubs. They went down the steps in to the Cellars Bar (no easy task when you're tied up at the ankle) in first place but came out a minute later in second place. The panic/look of horror as they headed on to the next pub was a sight to be seen! What the heck had gone on down there?... Was Monkeys and the Trotters proud record finally going to go up in a puff of smoke.

The Kings Arms had a standard lager to drink, this seemed to suit Monk Boy who downed it like he hadn't touched a drop in weeks! They were soon into their stride for the long stretch through the main street, past the old Woolworths and onto the next pub, Molloys. During this time they had overhauled Snow White and the cop in a tutu! and were now in first place. This was when their superior fitness came to the forefront. They had opened up a big lead as they approached the final few pubs and could afford to ease back a little and perhaps enjoy the drinks on offer - but of course that simply wasn't an option for our 'hard as nails' duo. Punishment to the end, which included a vile tasting glass of green liquid at the Crab Shack.

They had done it and in some style. Adding this triumph to the one they had achieved on Boxing Day at Shaldon.

Congratulations boys.