TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters took part in South West Road Runners’ hilly and scenic Castle Drogo 10 near Okehampton.
The long-established fell race has near cult status and attracts a decent field of competitors ready to sample the autumn colours, forest trails and undulations of the Teign Valley with a total climb in the region of 1760 ft (535m).
Grip required with some slippery sections, twists and turns, and the final dreaded Hunters path before a flat last 600m into the finish.
Alex Sparks reported that it “Was absolutely brutal but I would do it again, it was an amazing route. There was nothing I could do as the eventual third came racing past- I had nothing left but held on for fourth.” He finished, as third senior male, in a watch time of 1:05:16.
Cheryl Dunn, who finished in 416th in a time of 2:14:51, added that “The Drogo 10 miler was a truly beautiful but challenging run. The view at the top of the hills were lovely.”
The Trotters’ other finishers were 76th Ewan Walton 1:22:30, 321st Paul Sharples 1:53:37, 396th Shaz Sharples 2:08:05 and 444th Teresa Holmes 2:34:18.
Elsewhere, there was the penultimate race of the Club Championship, with five Trotters tackling the Cornish Marathon.
Starting from Millenium House, it takes a scenic circular out and back route which passes King Arthur’s legendary Dozmary Pool amongst other cool landmarks.
Sue reported "It’s all on road, hilly at the beginning, flat in the middle, hilly at the end. Weather was perfect, dry, not too warm or too cold. Hoodie, medal, bag, route map picture, pasty & a cuppa all included! My comrades finished in: 42nd Kris Ward 3:27:19, 172nd Jo Randall 4:22:53, 173rd Martin Randall 4:22:53, 283rd Sue Tremlett 5:11:38, 209th Ruth Johnson 5:13:36.