In the words of Captain Ben Elphick "The ColyTen was a tough test, with some hard climbs, technical sections, and a few dicey downhills but a thoroughly enjoyable race all the same. I definitely feel a bit beaten up after that one! It was very well marshalled, and thankfully there was a little less H₂O to negotiate compared to the Honiton Hippo river. Great to see so many Trotters (24) in Club Championship action with lots of outstanding performances and a few runners showing just how much they’ve improved this year. Congratulations to all of today’s prize winners!

Including Helen Anthony 2nd Female, Chloe Weeks 1st Senior Female, Kathryn Steemson 1st FV50, Lucy Payne 1st FV70, Roger Easterbrook 1st MV50, Alan Kember 1st MV65. A fine haul of prizes which included bespoke Mugs

A great day for a beautiful run through the mostly undulating woods of East Devon, with the occasional steep climb. There were some exhilarating fast descents, and a slightly soul-destroying lap around the field to finish—but, a fantastic route, highly recommended said Kathryn Steemson. 

There are just a few races remaining in the Club Championship with the next two running club organised races also featuring hills in East Devon at the Herepath Half and Budleigh Blister.

Rebecca Smallshaw reported after the Templar Event, "After the recent set-up of Running Club at Kingsteignton School, it was an absolute joy to be joined by many club members, along with other Kingsteignton School representatives, to partake in the Stover Fun Run.  

Over 15 of our children ran 1 mile around Stover School grounds. They were unbelievably excited to get a real running number and a chip to calculate their time along with, of course, their participation medal for crossing the finish line!

Every single one of our racers showed a whole heap of determination, resilience and enthusiasm. Miss Smallshaw, Mrs Peters and Mrs Evans were incredibly proud of what they achieved today and they represented Kingsteignton School impeccably. Well done to them all!

Bob Small reported from the Berlin Marathon recently had read with great interest Ben Akyol’s own report on his recent epic Cheshire 100 mile run. Akyol's sheer physicality was daunting but his mental toughness, his obstinacy, his grit and determination was just outstanding - a real stalwart, an inspiration.

In direct contrast Bob’s own, rather pedestrian Berlin effort paled into insignificance. He had entered the race specifically to try and set a PB quicker than 4hrs 30mins - running just to finish was not in his mindset - and so ran with the 4.30 pacer. The temperature had been predicted to be between 23 & 25 with high humidity - and there was the rub. Most sensible runners took notice of these conditions and acted accordingly, perhaps starting more slowly or by backing off their initial pace; not so Bob who optimistically continued at his predetermined pace. At 3K the usual light glow of perspiration was replaced by significant sweating and at about 15K his easy breathing had become just a little more laboured - surely this might have been the point to back off the pace? The halfway point was passed just a little in front of schedule; but soon that easy opening pace seemed to have become harder and faster; maintaining contact with the pacer was more and more of an effort. So it was that, at just after 30K, it was all over and Bob dropped out...

With only the dreary prospect of the lonely journey back to the hotel! Where, Bob asked himself afterwards where was the determination, the toughness and the mental grit that Ben Akyol showed? Bob was down at heart - his end of term report read ‘must do better’! It was later reported that the temperature had risen to 27.6.

Ewan Walton on the other hand showed far more restraint. He had taken notice of the conditions and, when the pace stopped feeling comfortable, he changed strategy and slowed things down, making good and unhurried use of the drinks stations. Running without a watch as usual he finished in 3:45.55. Ewan said 'I was glad that I made good decisions early on and listened to my body. I could then turn my attention to enjoying the event and finishing in one piece.'

In general terms the Berlin Marathon, part of the Abbott Major Series, was very well organised with about 55,000 runners. The whole city seemed to be alive and buzzing in anticipation and it was exciting to be just a little part of the event. One surprising moment, amusing even, was in the start pen; with toilets, toilets, toilets as far as the eye could see, one young lady boldly decided to relieve herself against a tree stump in front of anyone and everyone! Marathons will find you out if under prepared but surely.......'

James Saunders took part in the Bruges HM with the weather perfect for fast times. The first couple of kms was run around the cobbled streets of the picturesque city before heading out along the canal passing through the village of Damme before heading back to the city. "I paced my race well clocking a time of 01:27:33 to finish 305th. 

Taking brilliantly 1st MV60, I would thoroughly recommend this race to our Trotters, the full marathon or half. Bruges is beautiful, known for Beer, and the atmosphere was great but relaxed at the same time! A sell out of 12000 runners but you wouldn't have known. Come to Bruges and enjoy what the city has to offer.