Seven of our runners took on the Lustleigh 10K, a challenging off-road race on bank holiday monday with nearly 1,000ft of elevation. 

As if the hills and muddy tracks weren’t enough, the difficult warm conditions added an extra challenge, making it some of the hottest conditions we had raced in - especially with a midday start. 

There was great success in the team awards, with the men securing 2nd place overall—an excellent result on such a tough course. 

Full Results Ryan Astbury – 46:54, Steve Weeks – 50:45, Duncan Knight – 52:08, Chloe Weeks – 52:52 (4th female, 1st F20–29) Andrew Fox – 55:04, Gavin Parrott – 56:12, Kim Knight – 1:05:59

Recently the Torbay Twilight 10k took place with 6.75 laps of the Paignton Velopark. Lucy Payne reported that "It was very hot and the last lap seemed to go on forever. The marshals were really supportive with lots of clapping and cheering and we passed the water station 7 times.

Results included; Guy Jary - 46th - 44.09, Mike Jones - 64th - 47.25, Lucy Payne - 103rd - 58.24 - 1st FV70, Michelle Bunday - 137th - 1.13:36 with 142 finishers. The fastest runner was under 33 minutes.

Roger Easterbrook took part in the Dartmouth Royal Regatta 4.5m hilly wet road race. The 2nd year of the new course features two sizeable hills and the field was led by three rapid holiday maker lads aged 16.

In wet weather Roger came 4th overall and 1st Vet male behind the three rapid youngsters. In better weather the City to Sea multi distance race took place on the 31st with plenty of Trotter participation.

Sam Galvin said "The City to Sea Half Marathon promised coastal charm and delivered it— along with wind, rain, and hill-induced existential questioning.

We set off from Dawlish Warren, where the sea breeze was flexing its muscles and the clouds looked suspiciously well-fed. The first few miles hugged the sea wall, offering stunning views and a bracing headwind that made you feel like you were running through a car wash set to “gusty.” Showers came and went like moody theatre critics—never quite soaking, but always enough to keep you guessing.

The terrain was flat and fast until Shaldon, where the course turned uphill and the real drama began. The hills weren’t just steep—they were theatrical. Slippery paths from earlier rain meant every step was a negotiation between ambition and gravity. Trail shoes earned their keep. Quads filed complaints.

Despite the climb, the scenery was spectacular with a dramatic coastline, and the occasional cheering local who clearly knew we needed emotional CPR. The final stretch into Babbacombe felt like a victory parade, albeit one where everyone looked slightly damp and mildly traumatized.

Crossing the finish line was euphoric. Not just for the medal, but for the knowledge that we’d conquered the coast, the clouds, and the climb. The City to Sea Half isn’t just a race—it’s a rite of passage for anyone who thinks “undulating” is a polite word. Results; Mike Border 13th 2:37:15, Allen Taylor 20th 2:43:15, Sam Galvin 35th 3:05:30,Mark Wotton 70th 3:40:02, Darren Petch 74th 3:47:12

Ian Langler provided the C2S marathon news. "There were a small group of us running the marathon, the weather was perfect as we started but the first down pour (there were a few!) only took a few minutes to kick in. After running past the Mill on the Exe (away from our destination) we turned to be confronted by the wind which along with the rain made for some hard running. 

The course was well marshalled and signed on the way and the sunny intervals between the showers made it an enjoyable run. The hard work started at the Ness where the coast path awaited for the last 6miles. This was muddy and extremely hilly but knowing the end was close was enough motivation to keep going as we caught up with the half marathon runners. The feeling of completing the last hill on exiting the climb on the cliff railway was such a good feeling as we ran across Babbacombe down."

The marathon was won by Trotter Oli Reynolds leading the charge in a new P.B in 3:33:52, Ian Langler 12th 4:44:49, Jason Trevenen 21st 4:56:35 achieving a P.B minutes faster than previous efforts, Kate Williamson 31st 5:17:48. Adam Doherty 49th 5:50:46

Lucy Evans successfully completed the Mendip Marauder 50 miler. "I wanted to do something special to celebrate turning 50 so back in January I signed up for the Albion Running, Mendip Marauder Trail Race in Somerset from Frome to Uphill sands (Weston super Mare). I knew my fitness level had to improve with training for the advertised 6000 ft elevation and the distance.

The race is very low key and only a handful of runners started the 50, perhaps it's the smallest number I have ever started with. I started slowly but was with the pack but in the first few miles. I got lost/missed several key points during the event. This put me at the back with the sweepers but so glad they spotted us or all the limited tape would of been removed. The conditions under foot got worse as the day went on and the weather got worse as hard compact trail turned into slippy mud, wet slippy rocks and massive stone stiles. With a small field of runner I ran 80% on my own. Despite these issues I enjoyed the event and the challenge being my first 50. I was so right to have trained as I wouldn't of finished. I was pleased with my time of 12:36:17 and 3rd lady after 6883ft of elevation. Well done Lucy.