TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters had 49 runners in a 617-strong field on January 5 at the Exeter flat and fast First Chance 10k.

The South West Road Runners’ sell-out event took place around Exeter Riverside Valley Park and the Trotters earned second place overall, a super achievement deserving of a big pat on the back for all.

First Trotter home was Alex Sparks as 3rd senior male, starting where he left off last year in fine form. Last but not least for the club was Claire Farrar.

The top placings included: Mr & Mrs Brooks took 1st vet 45 prizes each (pictured), with accomplished athlete Donald donning our special blue vest for the first time. Mel (92nd) repeated her success of last year on the same event, with Liz Nuttal (126th) taking 3rd FV45. Lucy Payne (434th) took 2nd in the FV 70+.

Alex Sparks (6th) was followed by Donald Brooks (7th), James Saunders (66th) took 2nd MV60+, Trevor Irons (276th) continuing his improvement with 2nd MV70+, and Bob Small (272nd) as 2nd MV75+.

PBs that have been declared included Corinne Bright (301st) achieving 53:21 and taking 15 seconds off her 2023 time in her first race as a FV50.

Also, Samantha Galvin (382nd), who said- "I had a great run this morning with plenty of friendly Trotter faces and tons of encouragement on the out and back sessions. The weather held out for the race though the damp and puddles are obviously good, as I got a 10km PB and nearly 2 mins off my last year's time in 57:09.”

Lisa Bennett (473rd), like Donald, ran her first race as a Trotter with a PB, taking almost a minute off in 1:01:48.

Club records included Bob Small yet again, coming 2nd in the male over 75 category in 50.45 and he confirmed there should be more to come.

Nathan Elphick (391st), after years of injuries, successfully completed his first race in four years, a super achievement.