From Fast Roads to Fierce Trails: Trotters Take On Bideford, Granite Way & The Grizzly

Bideford Half Marathon

Thirteen Trotters braved the early, fog‑soaked drive to North Devon for one of the most popular events on the South West racing calendar: the famously fast and furious Bideford Half Marathon. This race holds a special place in Trotters history, boasting an impressive seven club age‑category records set on this course—two by our women (FV35 and FV60) and five by our men (MV40, MV45, MV60, MV70 and MV75). Among those legends is Bob Small, who set his MV75 record here in 2025.

Despite the gloomy fog lingering throughout the morning—helping to sweep runners home—conditions were actually near-perfect: cool, overcast, dry, and mercifully wind‑free, making for ideal PB‑hunting weather. The usual challenge at Bideford is resisting that all‑too‑tempting fast start. Kevin admitted he may have fallen into that trap, but he dug deep, held on well, and was delighted with his result—particularly impressive given he’s tackling five half marathons in March, with Weymouth up next!

The Trotters also helped themselves to some prize money, securing two age‑category wins. Lucy Payne stormed to 1st FV70, while Bob Small added another accolade to his collection by taking 1st MV75. Freya Morrissey narrowly missed an FV35 podium, coming an excellent fourth FV35 in a competitive field. A special mention must go to Jaydon Taylor, who demolished his half marathon PB by an incredible ten minutes, finishing in 1:57:40. With London Marathon only weeks away, his form is clearly moving in exactly the right direction.

Thirteen Trotters completed the race in total. On the women’s side, Chloe Olford led the trio home in an impressive 1:29:00, followed by Freya Morrissey in 1:33:27 and Lucy Payne in 2:11:39. For the men, Luke Reynolds was first back in a superb 1:14:15, with strong performances behind him from Jon Pressling (1:22:25), Graydon Widdicombe (1:32:50), Darin Dodd (1:38:23), Allen Taylor (1:47:02), Nigel Barnett (1:49:11), David Prestwich (1:53:29), Bob Small (1:56:24), Jaydon Taylor (1:57:40), and finally Kevin Besford (2:03:05).

The Grizzly

The Grizzly is a race so infamous in the local running scene that it barely needs an introduction. Steeped in mud, hills, and hardship, this off‑road challenge is as much a battle of will as it is of fitness. Demand is so high that runners must enter a ballot for a chance to take part—making every accepted entry feel like a small victory in itself. For those lucky enough to toe the line, the reward is a route that winds through some of the most rugged coastal terrain in East Devon, backed by incredible spectator support and an atmosphere unlike any other race in the region.

After missing out in last year’s ballot, one delighted Trotter finally got her chance to take on the full Grizzly today—and the race did not disappoint. For Laura Holland the course delivered everything it is known for: lung‑busting climbs, churned‑up mud, energy‑sapping bogs and technical coastal sections. Yet the atmosphere lifted spirits throughout, with bagpipers, drummers and jelly babies appearing seemingly around every corner. For an off‑road event, the level of support was exceptional, with crowds turning out in Seaton, Branscombe and Beer to cheer runners on. Despite misty conditions limiting the usually glorious coastal views, the weather was kinder than in previous years—no rain, but plenty of classic Grizzly mud.

In the shorter Cub race, Carl Bennett represented the Trotters brilliantly, completing the route in 01:31:10. Over the full Grizzly distance, Ben Akyol was the first Trotter home in an excellent 02:37:22, just holding off Oli Reynolds, who finished in 02:56:17. Our first female Trotter was Laura Holland in 03:40:56, continuing her impressive form over the longer distances. Strong performances followed from Andrew Rattlidge (03:40:47), Guy Jary (03:50:07), Kathryn Steemson (04:34:21), Lucy Evans (05:11:18), Andrew Morton (05:11:19), Sue Tremlett (05:11:19), Adam Doherty (05:30:00) and Michelle Doherty (05:30:00).

Once again, the Grizzly proved why it remains one of the most sought‑after and celebrated challenges in the local running calendar. Tough, atmospheric and brilliantly supported, it offered every competitor a reminder of what makes off‑road racing so exhilarating—and why securing a place in the ballot is worth every ounce of mud that comes with it.

Full results are available here: The Grizzly - 2026

The Granite Way (10 and 20 miles)

The Granite Way 10 and 20 mile event offers runners the chance to experience one of Devon’s most scenic routes, following the Granite Way footpath and cycleway with stunning views across Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect test for anyone preparing for a spring marathon or half marathon, with the choice of one lap (10 miles) or two laps (20 miles) through this unique and picturesque landscape.

In the 10-mile race, Tim Synge ran a strong, steady performance, finishing in 01:35:42. His effort earned him 128th place overall and 6th MV60 in a field of 237 finishers—a solid outing on a deceptively tiring route.

Three Trotters took on the 20-mile race, an out‑and‑back course completed twice—described by many as a real war of attrition. While the hills weren’t steep, they were long, drawn out, and relentlessly energy‑sapping. James Saunders, using the race as part of his London Marathon build‑up, ran superbly to finish 12th overall in 02:23:48, securing the MV60 prize. Rachel Harrison was also in London preparation mode clocking in at 3:03:24 - a fantastic effort on her furthest distance to date. Finally, Darren Petch, also treating the race as a training effort, clocked 03:57:07, openly admitting that the final three miles became a serious mental and physical battle.

This well‑organised event once again attracted runners of all abilities and provided the perfect long‑distance test ahead of spring’s major races. A great morning’s work from all Trotters who took on the Granite Way challenge.

Full results are available here: Granite Way 2026 - 20 Miles | Resources.ws.RaceResults | Webscorer

Submit your race reports by Sunday 7pm each week to Jo Randall - press@teignbridgetrotters.co.uk