Record numbers for Trotters' Totnes 10K

Totnes 10K & Fun Run - Sunday 2nd August

The Totnes 10K and Fun Run enjoyed another hugely successful day on Sunday 2 August, with both events proving more popular than ever. The Fun Run attracted a record 176 entrants, surpassing the previous best of 174 set in 2017, while the main race sold out weeks in advance. Despite the warm conditions, 546 runners completed the challenging riverside course, which remains just over 11km following permanent route changes introduced after erosion affected the original course.

Warm temperatures made for testing conditions, but that did little to dampen spirits as runners of all ages gathered at Borough Park for one of the South West's most popular summer races. The scenic off-road course follows the River Dart before returning to Borough Park, offering a challenging but rewarding route and continuing to raise valuable funds for local charity Totnes Caring.

At the front of the field, Tom Merson (Exmouth Harriers) claimed overall victory in 38:39, while Rebecca Ezra-Ham (Tamar Trotters) was first female in 44:29. The day also saw four veteran course records fall. Merson's winning time established a new MV40 record, while James Baker (Chichester Runners & AC) set a new MV45 mark with 39:00. In the women's categories, Clare Prosser broke the FV50 course record with 52:18, and Cathy Newman (Exmouth Harriers) set a new FV60 record of 48:32. 

The event also marked the final year at the helm for Race Director Rod Payne and Assistant Race Director Lucy Evans, who have overseen the race for the past three years.

Reflecting on the day, Rod said:"Lucy and I have been proud to head up the Totnes 10K and Fun Run for the past three years. We look good because we have a wonderful team of people that bring it all together. It is a joy to see the enjoyment that the Fun Run brings and such an honour that so many people want to take on the 10 (11+)K. It is our last year and we will work closely with our successors to ensure a smooth handover. Well done to everyone involved in this race, long may it prosper."

As always, the success of the event relied on a huge team effort from volunteers, marshals, sponsors and club members, helping to deliver another memorable day for runners and spectators alike.

Twenty-five Teignbridge Trotters were among the 546 finishers, with Alex Duff leading the club home in 9th place overall in 42:37, followed by Roger Easterbrook in 43:55, Tracy Elphick 58:34, Olivia Mills 58:55, Michael Border 59:35, Conor Mellamphy 1:00:47, Allen Taylor 1:01:23, Jayden Taylor 1:05:59, Tonya McGauley 1:07:39, Robert Faulkner 1:09:21, Sam Wingrove 1:09:15, Lucy Peacock 1:11:48, Mark Norgate 1:11:51, Amy Davey 1:12:14, Wayne Babey 1:13:26, Carly Hales 1:13:47, Kevin Besford 1:14:06, Georgie Harris 1:15:43, Darren Petch 1:20:08, Emma Barley 1:20:34, Amanda Lacey 1:24:48, Rakki Sadavarte 1:25:21, Amanda Gibbs 1:36:59, Julie Villis 1:38:18 and Andy Distin 1:40:07. 

With a sold-out race, a record Fun Run field, four veteran course records, 546 finishers and 25 Teignbridge Trotters completing the course, the 2026 Totnes 10K once again demonstrated why it remains one of the South West's most popular running events.

Full results available here: 4Trotters Website|TT Individual Results ex Split

The Crossing - Saturday 1st August

Six Teignbridge Trotters took on one of Devon's toughest endurance events on Saturday, tackling The Crossing, a demanding 33.5-mile route across Dartmoor from Belstone on the northern edge of the moor to Ivybridge in the south.

With 163 finishers completing the event, runners faced a challenging day of rough terrain, long remote sections between checkpoints and unrelenting summer heat. The route includes an opening 11-mile stretch to Postbridge before competitors encounter the first checkpoint, with strict cut-off times throughout the day adding further pressure for those battling fatigue and the conditions.

Leading the Trotters home was Lucy Evans, who enjoyed an outstanding run, finishing in 7:02:58 and claiming 3rd place in her age category. Lucy said: "Really enjoyed today's race and pleased with my time. Very challenging terrain but lots of friendly support from fellow runners. The water stops were well stocked, which was impressive given their remote locations, and the route was very well marked so there was no need to look at my GPS."

Guy Jary and Rachel Steele finished together in 8:13:48, with Rachel helping Guy through severe cramp during the latter stages of the race. Tim Synge crossed the line in 8:50:08, closely followed by Sue Tremlett in 8:54:01, with the pair running much of the route alongside Adam Doherty, who finished in 9:23:12. The trio spent much of the day swapping positions while working hard to stay ahead of the event's cut-off times.

Reflecting on the challenge, Sue summed up the experience perfectly: "The Crossing chewed me up and spat me out!" Adam's verdict was equally telling: "They won't be able to print what I have to say about it."

Despite the hardships, all six Trotters successfully completed the crossing, collected their hard-earned medals and can be proud of conquering one of the South West's most iconic ultra-distance events.

Full results available here: Dartmoor Big Day Out - 2026

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.