Teignbridge Trotters Running Club
Newton Abbot, Devon
Established 1982
Born to Run
Trotters fly into July
The Forest Flyer - Saturday 4th July
The Forest Flyer, organised by Haldon Trail Runners, returned to Haldon Forest Park near Exeter on Saturday evening, offering runners a fast and challenging 5-mile trail race through one of Devon's most popular forest venues.
Teignbridge Trotters enjoyed an outstanding evening, with Alex Sparks storming to overall victory in a superb 26:34. He was joined on the podium by fellow Trotter George Tranckle, who claimed third place in 29:01, while Donald Brooks crossed the line in 29:18 to secure first MV40 honours.
The club also dominated the women's race. Chloe Olford produced an excellent run to take the women's title and finish as the first female Trotter home in 33:18. Making it a memorable one-two for the club, Chloe Weeks finished second lady overall in 35:31.
Further strong runs came from Steve Weeks (35:43), Duncan Knight (35:51), Ben Tampkins (36:48), Andrew Rattlidge (37:15), Alan Kember (37:15), Paul Vowden (37:23), Neil Rutley (38:48), Laura Holland (40:00), Kathryn Steemson (40:30), Michael Border (40:41), Del Skinner (40:57), Lucy Evans (41:48), Charlotte Knight (42:57), Steven Holmes (43:03), Kim Knight (43:11), Allen Taylor (44:57), Corinne Bright (45:34), Jayden Taylor (45:37), Neil Tampkins (46:35), Andrew Morton (46:38), Patricia Atkins (47:10), Rachel Harrison (48:01), Deb Skinner (49:24), Amy Davey (49:50), Karen Peters (49:51), Samantha Galvin (51:39), Darren Petch (55:19) and Teresa Holmes (1:04:24).
The Forest Flyer also represented the final opportunity for runners to score points in the mixed category of the Teignbridge Trotters Club Championship. Following the Dawlish Dash, the current women's standings are led by Kathryn Steemson, with Patricia Atkins in second place and Sue Tremlett in third. In the men's competition, Andrew Morton currently heads the table ahead of Ewan Walton in second and Roger Easterbrook in third. With the mixed category now concluded, attention turns to the Cornwood 10K later this month 25th July.
The English Riviera 10K - Sunday 5th July
The English Riviera 10K formed part of the wider English Riviera Running Festival, an event that combines fast routes, spectacular scenery and a vibrant atmosphere within one of Devon’s premier multisport weekends. Held alongside triathlons, biathlons, swimming and cycling events, the festival creates a real celebration of endurance sport and offers runners the opportunity to race on professionally managed closed roads while taking in stunning coastal views.
Representing Teignbridge Trotters, Ryan Astbury was the club’s sole competitor in the 10K and was grateful for the support of familiar club faces lining the route. Despite the warm conditions, which became a major talking point throughout the day, Ryan produced an outstanding performance. Having targeted the race as an opportunity to achieve a personal best following the injury setback he experienced at the Easter Bunny 10K earlier this year, he exceeded expectations by taking almost three minutes off his previous best time. Completing the course in an impressive 41:55, Ryan finished 14th overall and secured second place in the MV40 category, a result he was rightly delighted with.
While advertised as a fast course, the route proved more challenging than expected, with climbs reminiscent of Speed Camera Hill ensuring runners had to work hard for their times. Nevertheless, Ryan rose to the challenge and delivered an excellent run in difficult conditions. Ryan would also like to thank his ever-supportive fiancée for providing the race photograph and for her continued encouragement on race day. As for the weather, one thing was clear – it was hot!
Ryan racing to a massive PB at the Riviera 10K
Sue gets ready for her 60th marathon
Ham & Lyme 50K Ultramarathon - Saturday 4th July
The Ham & Lyme 50K Ultramarathon, organised by Albion Running, returned on Saturday with runners tackling one of the South West’s most scenic and demanding ultra-distance challenges. The event, which was the very first Albion Running race back in 2015, has grown into a hugely popular fixture on the regional ultra-running calendar, attracting runners from across the country to experience a stunning point-to-point route showcasing the best of Somerset and Dorset countryside before finishing on the coast at Lyme Regis.
Representing Teignbridge Trotters, Sue Tremlett took on the 50K distance just one week after completing the Boscastle Scramble Marathon along the rugged northern section of the South West Coast Path. Undeterred by the challenge of back-to-back long-distance events, Sue embraced another demanding day of running, travelling from Ham Hill in Somerset to Lyme Regis on a route featuring plenty of climbing and predominantly off-road terrain.
Despite admitting to having “scrambled legs” following the previous weekend's marathon effort, Sue enjoyed an excellent run in warm and sunny conditions. The course wound its way through lush green countryside, picturesque villages and rolling hills, rewarding runners with spectacular views across the surrounding landscape and, towards the latter stages, breath-taking glimpses of the sea from the higher ground approaching the Dorset coast.
A huge thank‑you to everyone who contributed to this week’s race report.
To help keep things running smoothly, please send the contributions by 7pm each Sunday to Jo at press@teignbridgetrotters.co.uk.