Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run
Obelisk Trotters preparing for action
Lap of the playing fields to start with
Teignbridge Trotters took part in the Dawlish Coasters O My Obelisk races. Sam Galvin reported " this was my first crack at this iconic challenge, and the weather certainly made sure it was one to remember—wild winds, relentless rain, and that special kind of sideways drizzle that only Devon can deliver. Despite the conditions, the camaraderie among runners was brilliant with everyone swapping encouragement as we battled our way up the seemingly endless climb to Mamhead. The marshals were absolute heroes, standing firm in the wind and rain with unwavering enthusiasm. And just when I thought the worst was behind me, the return to Dawlish served up a few spiteful hills of its own. A tough day out, but a memorable one. "
Ryan Astbury's view was "very wet, muddy and windy, with the climb feeling relentless and some nasty little rises even after the obelisk just when you thought the hard work was done. I saw my fiancée (and
the dogs!) around halfway in the forest which gave me a boost, then promptly managed to fall fully over in a puddle not long after. I was really pleased to come home in 1:45:46 by my watch. Definitely
one where effort mattered more than splits. Great camaraderie with all the other trotters racing and in support even in that weather made it still fun".
A superb turnout meant the club Vest was visible everywhere including under anoraks to keep it clean in the muddy conditions. There were a few slips, slides and falls but no serious injuries.
Lone Trotter passing The Obelisk
Laura Holland in a rare puddle free zone
Based on feedback to date; Personal Bests were achieved by Sarah Blanchard and several others. Many completed the challenging course for the first time or first time in ages (Paul Vowden) and survived to tell their story ....for years to come. Winds were reportedly gusting close to 45mph on parts of the course.
Top Trotters from each distance were recorded as follows; 9 Miles; Briony Calderwood 24th 1:37:35, Amy Davey 50th 1:48:38, Karen Peters 52nd 1:49:04, Ali Clayton 65th 1:56:49, from 79 finishers.
13 mile; Won by Sam Kelly of Exmouth Harriers in 1:20:45 a super time in the conditions, Roger Easterbrook 7th 1:35:21 1st V50, Tim Pratt 17th 1:41:46, Jon Pressling 25th 1:45:25, Ryan Astbury 1:45:46, Guy
Jary 38th 1:52:18, Ben Tampkins 51st 1:57:27, Andrew Fox 62nd 2:00:32,
Our leading ladies were; Laura Holland 86th 2:05:31, Lucy Evans 111st 2:10:42, Kathryn Steemson 113th 2:10:57, Corinne Bright 139th 2:20:57, Joanna Randall 142nd 2:21:07 - fresh from the Cornish North Coast hills the day before.
Paul Vowden in action for the Trotters after a multi year break
Dash to the finish with Ian being chased
Endurance Life North Cornwall Half Marathon with hills
Jo Randall, Tim Synge in taking on a Cornish coastal half marathon of brutal proportions
Endurancelife North Cornwall Half Marathon – 10 January, Jo Randall and Tim Synge represented Teignbridge Trotters at the Endurancelife North Cornwall Half Marathon on 10 January. Despite recent storms, conditions on the day were ideal for trail running, with sunshine and a gentle breeze making it feel more like spring than mid-winter.
Jo said "The challenging course delivered steep terrain and magnificent coastal views throughout, with a spectacular start and finish on Polzeath Beach. The event was, as always, excellently organised by Endurancelife. I completed the race in 2:45:03, rounding off a superb day of coastal trail running in North Cornwall.
Jo said "The challenging course delivered steep terrain and magnificent coastal views throughout, with a spectacular start and finish on Polzeath Beach. The event was, as always, excellently organised by Endurancelife. I completed the race in 2:45:03, rounding off a superb day of coastal trail running in North Cornwall.
Tim commented "I finished in 3h 13m on what is probably the toughest Half Marathon course I have ever done 2900 feet of ascent. (To think I once ran a full marathon quicker than that!!) It’s a beautiful part of the coastline and the views were of course stunning. Endurancelife roll out these events in a very slick way and I’ll be doing it all again thing in South Devon in two weeks’ time."
A downhill of serious steps