The Great West 40th anniversary run took place in Exeter recently with good number of Trotters racing. Described as a well organised race with good atmosphere and crowd support. The new route included more city centre running and still plenty of undulations. Reported P.B's included Rebecca Smallshaw, and Lucy Evans. The full details are here. RESULTS

Exmoor in a Day marathon by Climb South West. Sam Galvin reported "What an awesome run, one for everyone’s bucket list. It is the last section of their Devon Coast to Coast Ultra marathon. We set off from West Anstey at 9.00am, after a series of steep climbs we reached the iconic Tarr Steps, then following the lovely Barle River we reached the small town of Withypool. After another climb and a descent back down to the river we continued upstream to Simonsbath and the checkpoint. It was really hot at this point so the checkpoint was welcomed. Then, as I had now come to expect, another climb to reach the highest point of the run on the Chains an amazing section of remote moorland, stunningly beautiful.

After the descent from The Chains and my watch indicating a few miles to go, there was one more climb up to the Myrtleberry Iron Age Fort and one more cleave which drained the last energy out my legs, this was followed by a very steep descent into Lynmouth where the Wire Man waited patiently at the end. I finished in 6 hrs and 36 mins (per my watch) and was hugely surprised to get the Ladies 3^rd place prize!

I would definitely recommend this run, though just to mention it is not marked therefore requires navigation so brushing up on your skills and learning the course beforehand will pay huge dividends on the day!

21 Trotters ventured down to St Budeaux, Plymouth on Saturday afternoon to take part in the Muskie Madness, in the 8th Championship race reported Sam Galvin. The Plymouth Musketeers put on a great event, after an absence in recent years. there was something for everyone including a mixture of urban run running for the Roadies and a woodland sections for the Off Roaders. There were 104 runners creating a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, the marshals were brilliant, shouting out directions trying to keep us on track on what was quite an interesting and not always a very intuitive route! as evidenced by the leaders reappearing in the woods again mid race.

Also taking place in Plymouth on a lovely evening was the Burrator 10k on Saturday, with a good turnout of Trotters despite the championship race a few hours earlier nearby. Weather was good and we were treated to stunning views over the reservoir (and a fly-past of the Red Arrows earlier in the evening!). See Callums photo for the view. Alex Sparks had a good performance coming 2^nd overall in a super-speedy 33:40 (just 7 seconds behind the overall winner). Freya Morrissey was happy with taking 3^rd Senior female, with a PB of 42:46. Callum Price managed a respectable 51:43.  

In Princetown the fire fighters charity 10K took place in great weather with scenic views on the undulating course. The well supported event had nearly 200 runners, with Roger Hales taking 48th in 51:54, and Teresa Holmes 152nd in 1:15:36

Thank you to everyone who contributed, the club need more people to help with Press duties, its not difficult or lengthy, but it raises moral, encourages us all to push on and try different events in many locations. Look forward to hearing from you, regards Roger Easterbrook