Club Championship returns as records tumble this bank holiday weekend

Sunday 3rd May *Club Championship Race*: Saltash Half Marathon

The Saltash Half Marathon proved to be another excellent and important outing in the Trotters Club Championship, marking the fifth round of 16 and a key stage of the season as members continue to vie for valuable championship points. Sixteen Trotters lined up for what is widely regarded as one of the best‑value half marathons around. With a fun run and 5K also on offer, championship points were contested over the half marathon distance, with all finishers rewarded with a medal.

Saltash delivered exactly what it promises: a scenic but leg‑testing route, winding through the historic town and out into the surrounding Cornish countryside. The course is famously rolling and undulating, not designed for personal bests, but packed with character. Runners were treated to riverside views, quiet rural lanes and fantastic local support throughout. Conditions were near ideal, with cool, dry weather for most of the race and excellent organisation from start to finish. 

The race was won in fine style by Trotter's star of the season Donald Brooks, who also claimed first MV45, clocking a superb 1:18:41, closely followed by fellow Trotter George Tranckle, first M25, in 1:19:31. Not too far down the early finishers, Ewan secured an excellent 24th place overall in 1:35:52. 

There was more age‑category success for the club, with Neil Rutley taking first MV60 in 1:52:50. Shortly after, the first female Trotter home was Kathryn Steemson, who rocketed in with a time of 1:53:00 to claim first FV50. Nigel Barnett showed plenty of grit on the hills to finish in 1:54:38, followed by Al Taylor (1:57:51) and Derek Skinner, who dipped under the two‑hour mark in 1:58:17 to take 4th MV60. Not far behind were Adam Doherty in 2:01:02, and Corinne Bright, who secured 3rd FV50 with an official time of 2:01:43. 

The latter stages of the field saw some impressive performances, particularly from those coming off recent marathon campaigns. Jayden Taylor crossed the line in 2:06:50, while Patricia Atkins claimed first FV60 in 2:11:11, another excellent age‑group result. Andrew Morton finished in 2:13:04, followed by Sam Galvin, who summed the day up perfectly: “I ran the Saltash Half today — a rolling, leg‑testing course that’s certainly not built for PBs, but full of character. The organisation was spot‑on, the marshals were fantastic, and the atmosphere from fellow runners and spectators made it a joy to be part of.” Sam earned 3rd FV55 with a brilliant time of 2:19:51 and continued the strong Trotters showing. Rounding out the Trotters contingent were Sara Blanchard, 5th FV55, in 2:24:07, and Michelle Doherty, who took 4th Female V45 in 2:34:32.

Next stop: Ottery 10K – Sunday 10th May. Another chance to pick up points and keep the championship momentum rolling. Full results here: Saltash Half Marathon - 2026 - Results. 

Sunday 3rd May: North Dorset Marathon

Perfect running conditions at the North Dorset Village Marathon set the stage for a memorable day for the Merry Trotters, with four club runners taking on one of the friendliest and most picturesque marathons on the calendar. The event is a classic low‑key road marathon, winding through quiet country lanes and a string of Dorset villages. The race offers either the full solo marathon or a four‑person relay option for the very organised, and once again delivered excellent volunteer support and a welcoming atmosphere throughout.

In standout form on the day was Julian Scanes, who produced a superb run of 3:00:38 to finish 12th overall out of 136 finishers. Julian not only claimed 1st Vet 50, but also set a new Teignbridge Trotters club record in the V55 category - a phenomenal achievement on this testing but beautiful course.

Three more Trotters were in action, using the race as an important building block toward upcoming endurance challenges such as the Dartmoor Discovery. Ian Langler delivered an excellent performance to finish 34th overall in a strong 3:24:47, showing solid endurance and pacing throughout the rolling route. Rachel Steele crossed the line in 3:55:14, putting in a determined and consistent effort across the full distance. Lucy Evans completed the quartet, making a fantastic return to form with a time of 4:05:53. Lucy was especially pleased with her run, coming off the back of a recent virus and a demanding Year 6 residential the previous week, making the performance feel all the more rewarding.

Sunday 3rd May: The Exeter Marathon

The 8th Exeter City Community Live Better Marathon took place around the Quays in Exeter on Sunday morning, providing excellent conditions for marathon running. The weather was kind to competitors, with overcast skies, a comfortable temperature of around 15°C, and a light south‑easterly breeze helping runners home on the return sections. The two‑lap course was largely flat, with only a few small inclines to keep runners honest, and attracted 370 starters, including a strong Trotters contingent.

The Trotters enjoyed an outstanding day, with PBs, first marathons, and an age‑category win among the highlights. Leading the club home was Olivia Mills, tackling her very first marathon. Olivia ran superbly to finish 77th overall in an excellent 3:29:56, also placing 5th lady overall, a remarkable debut performance for the club’s rising star.

Not far behind was Ben Tampkins, who continued his fine form by recording a new PB, chopping two and a half minutes off his previous best to finish in 3:31:01 and 85th place overall. A special mention goes to Alan Kember, returning to marathoning after around a year away following surgery. Alan produced a very solid and controlled run, finishing in 4:01:32, which secured him 1st MV65, a fantastic achievement and another example of veteran excellence within the club.

Callum Price also enjoyed a memorable day, running a steady and well‑judged race to claim a new PB with a time of 4:38:42. Callum even managed to find the time to pose for a photo with his three‑month‑old nephew at 19 miles, proving that family support really does make a difference deep into a marathon!

Unfortunately, not everyone’s day went to plan. Alex Duffers, taking on his first marathon, was running exceptionally strongly early on, sitting as high as 8th position and passing halfway in around 1:27, before feeling unwell and withdrawing at 16 miles. He was quickly assisted by on‑course medics and recovered after a short while. While disappointing, the experience will undoubtedly prove valuable as he looks ahead with confidence to the Dartmoor Discovery.

There appeared to be a slight hitch with the course marshalling early on, with runners sent the wrong way on the first small loop, allegedly adding around 600 metres. Organisers attempted to correct this later by removing a section, though many runners felt the course remained slightly over distance, something reflected in IT watch readings. Despite this, the event atmosphere was excellent, with plenty of spectators lining the course around the Quays. Cafés were full, and there was a real sense of the city embracing the runners throughout the morning.

Full results available here: Exeter Live Better Marathon 2026 | Resources.ws.RaceResults | Webscorer

Other bits and bobs!

Southampton Marathon

Laura Holland, a runner going from strength to strength across all distances can now claim "marathon runner" under her credentials. Laura ran an excellent time of 3 hours 57 mins at the Southampton marathon. Laura described the race as having a brilliant atmosphere and a great experience to keep her going towards the full marathon marathon distance.

Keep going and see you at Dartmoor Discovery next Laura! 

Worthing 10K

Congratulations to David Taylor who broke the over 80 club record at the 10K distance in Worthing at the weekend. How to better that? Well do it on your 80th birthday as well - huge achievement and well timed David! David explained that the 10k route followed the promenade for the most part with a short section through the town. Flat and fast, dry and sunny with a light breeze, gave perfect conditions for running. The race was well attended with a great festive atmosphere, and if you fancy something further there is a half marathon as well.

David and Laura rounding off a record-breaking week for the Trotters in style. 

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 Randall at press@teignbridgetrotters.co.uk.