Autumn race catch up

Bideford 10 Miles - Sunday 1st November

Nine Trotters were among a field of 775 runners who took part in the popular Bideford 10 Mile, which raises funds for North Devon Hospice. What started as a murky, foggy morning for those travelling from Newton Abbot developed into a glorious sunny day in Bideford, creating near-perfect conditions for racing. The fast and scenic course takes in views of the Taw and Torridge Estuary before returning along the Tarka Trail, including a run through the famous tunnel.

Leading the Trotters home was Alex Sparks, who produced an outstanding run to finish 6th overall in 54:16. Chloe Weeks recorded a two-minute personal best of 1:07:38, closely followed by Graydon Widdicombe in 1:07:45. Steve Weeks continued the strong performances with 1:09:23.

There was further success in the age categories, with Jacki Woon claiming 2nd place in the FV60 category with a time of 1:16:13. Helen Anthony completed the course in 1:16:12, while Tracy Elphick ran 1:18:27.

Callum Price enjoyed one of the performances of the day, clocking 1:31:20 and taking an impressive nine minutes off his previous 10-mile personal best. Sharon Sharples finished in 1:34:44, placing 7th in the FV60 category and recording her fastest 10-mile time for some time.

Several Trotters reported benefiting from the calm conditions on the return along the Tarka Trail, helping the club achieve a number of strong results and personal best performances.

Full results and race information here: Bideford 10 Mile – Bideford Amateur Athletic Club

Lucy Evans Takes on 50-Mile Charity Running Challenge

Lucy Evans has completed an incredible charity running challenge in support of BBC Children in Need and to raise funds for new sports equipment for Kingsteignton School.

Joined by the school's Headteacher, Mr Goodenough, Lucy set out on an ambitious two-day challenge, running to every school within the Education South West Trust.

Covering more than 50 miles over two days, the challenge began on day one with a route from Torquay to Kingsbridge. Day two saw them take on the route from Exeter to Kingsteignton, travelling via Christow.

The challenge was certainly no easy feat. With the routes requiring self-navigation throughout, the pair faced some demanding terrain and a very challenging course, making their achievement all the more impressive.

A fantastic effort by Lucy and Mr Goodenough, combining determination, endurance and community spirit to raise money for two very worthwhile causes.

Everyone at the running club is incredibly proud of their achievement and would like to congratulate them both on completing such a fantastic challenge!

Great South Run & Tavy 7

Two events rounded off October, with Trotters competing in both Great South Run and Tavy 7.

At the Great South Run in Portsmouth on 18 October, David Taylor joined a field of 23,000 runners for the popular 10-mile race. Despite moderate to strong winds, particularly along the seafront, conditions were otherwise sunny and dry on the flat and fast course. David completed the race in an excellent 1:32:45 and believes the performance may have set a new club record for the over-80 age category, subject to confirmation. The event was also notable for its outstanding crowd support, with spectators lining almost the entire route.