Tom Merson sets a new course record at the Templer Ten by two seconds!

The Teignbridge Trotters staged their last race of the year on Sunday 5th October. The Sibelco Templer Ten which starts and finishes in the beautiful grounds of Stover School.

Thankfully the wind and rain experienced in the two days leading up to the race passed through and runners could enjoy a dry and bright morning.

Before the main 10-mile race took place there was the small matter of the 1-mile fun fun. This had a record entry with 113 youngsters signing up to take part. The course is held within the grounds of the school and is all off road. There was almost a photo finish for first place with Teddy Harbron winning the race in 6:05, just one second in front of Toby Easterbrook. First girl to cross the finish line was Georgina White in a great time of 6:38; this gave her 4th place overall.

A strong field lined up for the start of the 10-miler. Tom Merson of Exmouth Harriers, went out hard from the start and managed to stay in front of last year’s winner, Alex Sparks. As he came into sight with half a lap of the school field to go, it was clear that he was going to be close to breaking the course record that had stood since 2015. The crowds cheered, the man on the PA system almost lost his voice! It was close, very close but he did it with two seconds to spare. It was clear when he crossed the line that Tom had given everything and had left nothing out there. A tremendous effort and very worthy of the £100 Tom won for breaking the record with his 56:07 finishing time.

Next home was Alex Sparks running for Teignbridge Trotters in a time of 56:59 and third was Richard Hardy, Axe Valley Runners, in 58:05.

Elizabeth Dyson, Haldon Trail Runners, was first lady in 66:44, retaining the title she won last year. Second was Chloe Olford, Teignbridge Trotters, in 70:47 and third was Cathy Newman, Exmouth Harriers in 71:15.

There were three other vet course records broken, each runner winning £25 and a trophy. Graham Bale, Plymstock Road Runners was 1st MV60 in 67:24. Louise Dalton, Haldon Trail Runners was 1st FV45 in 71:22 and Cathy Newman was 1st FV60.

Assistant Race Director, Liz Barnett, said: ‘Massive congratulations to Tom on beating the course record that has stood for 10 years, it’s quite an achievement. Race entries were up on last year for both races. The sunshine made an appearance and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. A good day all round to end a busy year for the club’.

There was also a prize for the club with the most entries. This was won by Axe Valley Runners who had 23 entrants, closely followed by Haldon Trail Runners with 21.

The team events were hotly contested with host club, Teignbridge Trotters winning the men’s team. The Trotter men were: Alex Sparks, George Tranckle (60:38), Luke Reynolds (62:13) and Jon Pressling (66:02). The Haldon Trail Runners won the ladies team. Liz Dyson, Louise Dalton, Rhian Davies (76:34) and Anthea Board (80:03).

Also running for the Teignbridge Trotters were: Alex Duff (1:08:21), Guy Jary (1:14:33), Jason Trevenen (1:16:29), Peter Lander (1:22:33), Geoff Woods (1:30:21), Jade Reid (1:32:01), Tim Synge (1:34:44), Jayden Taylor (1:35:25), Cheryl Dunn (1:36:25), Matthew Stout (1:39:55), Karen Peters (1:42:45), Darren Petch (1:54:32), Tracey Taylor (1:55:58).

Behind the scenes the Trotters amassed a small army of members who helped with duties such as marshalling, catering, time keeping, all ensuring the race was conducted in a friendly and professional way.

This year’s sponsors were; Sibelco, Foxy Golf and Classic Windows.