Windingpaths hosted the 2^nd running of The Final Countdown, on New Year’s Eve. Situated within the stunning grounds of the Dartington Estate, this 6.3 mile mainly trail race attracted a host of local runners, in what was a sell-out race.

The route was changed slightly from 2019, but did not make it any easier! The runners ran across fields, through forests, stony trails, & some tarmac roads. The incessant rain in the days leading up to the race meant that the course was sodden. Therefore, the underfoot conditions were treacherous, especially on the downhills and there were deep muddy puddles that could not be avoided!

The race was very well organised and the marshals were all very supportive and enthusiastic. All finishers collected an aptly designed medal with midnight approaching!

Nine Teignbridge Trotters supported the event and were all in good spirits. The weather was dry and mild on race day.

James Saunders was the Clubs first runner home, finishing in 15^th place, clocking a time of 00:53:09.

Annabelle Evans ran superbly well to finish 2^nd in the female competition and 16^th overall. Annabelle posted a time of 00:53:18.

The other Trotters positions & times were: Tamsin Cook (75, 01:11:45), Susanne Westgate (86, 01:14:05), Laura Law (89, 01:14:23), Julia Street (97, 01:16:14), Mark Wotton (127, 01:22:48), Teresa Holmes (164, 01:33:50), Sharon Still (166, 01:34:43).

There were 181 very tired and mud splattered finishers.

Running Events Devon staged their New Year 4 in 4 Bell Challenge, starting on New Year’s Eve and finishing on 3^rd January. Three Trotters took the opportunity of adding another marathon to their personal tallies. Roger Hayes, Derek Skinner & Graydon Widdicombe all ran superbly on Day 1, finishing well up the leader board. 8 laps on quiet roads was not only a physical battle but was also a mental one. The temperatures were on the warm side surprisingly

Roger finished in a fine 2^nd place, clocking a time of 03:38:49. Derek chased Roger home to finish in 4^th place in a time of 03:58:49. Graydon completed the war of attrition, posting a time of 04:03:56 while finishing 6^th. There were 18 finishers.

In the Half Marathon, Nathan Bodley made his Club racing debut, finishing in a great time of 02:04:57 to take 3^rd place. A super first race.

On Day 3, 2^nd January 2022, Sue Tremlett & Karen O’Brien also completed the Marathon distance, finishing in 9^th & 10^th places respectively. The duo ran alongside each other to achieve a time of 05:42:48.

On Day 4, Graydon Widdicombe was back again to complete his 95^th Marathon. Graydon finished in 2^nd place, clocking an impressive time of 03:36:28. There were 18 entrants.