TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters have been busy recently, racing in both Devon and Ireland.

The infamous City to Sea event took place on September 1 with many Trotters involved on course and supporting.

In the half marathon, Alex Sparks came 1st helped by local knowledge and supreme fitness for the Shaldon to Babbacombe section along the SW coastal path in 1:36:19. Alex enjoyed the moral support in muggy conditions and would do it again next year.

Michael Border, 18th 2:42:33, Laura Holland 25th, 2:51:18 and Chris Nichols, 74th, 3:58:14, from 108 finishers. In the full marathon from Exeter to Babbacombe, Oli Reynolds was in fine form coming 2nd, 4:06:03, followed by two delighted runners making their first attempt at the challenging course, Sarah Blanchard 94th, 7:00:34 and Frances Bowler 127th, 8:06:

Cheryl Dunn and Vicky Hales completed the Lions 10k Trail Run Woodbury Common. It was a hot, wet, muddy one and an enjoyable trail run, with Cheryl 124th in 1:24:43. and Vicky 134th 1:31:40. from 144 finishers.

Elsewhere, Ian Langler & Roger Easterbrook took part in the undulating Dartmouth Royal Regatta road race, a 4.5m undulating new route around the town and Naval College grounds. There was plenty of crowd support, good atmosphere, twists and turns around back streets and some long, gruelling hills to deal with for the 135 runners.

Roger came 5th, 1st MV 50 in 29:09 whilst Ian came 19th, 3rd MV40 34:15.

Recently, the Lustleigh 10K took place as part of the annual rural show- a multi-terrain race with some fine scenery and plenty of wiggles.

The Bank Holiday race always attracts a good crowd and is well supported. First Trotter home was Alex Sparks, 2nd place in 38:22 who said "brutal, hot, undulating, and yes worth doing again."

Followed by Luke Reynolds, 11th, 41:50, followed by Phil Reynolds, 21st, 45:27 1st MV50. Chloe Olford was 3rd lady in 47:05, "A tough course with the midday start, it's a lovely mix of terrain and a favourite race close to home. I went off a bit fast.” Sue Tremlett, 124th, 1:06:03 said "

shout out to Suzie Mills for being at the finish line with a pint of cider for me" and 157th Susanne Westgate 1:15:21.

Finally, Derek Skinner took part in a fairly flat Irish road marathon for his 90th effort. "Not the most inspiring course but great support from all the locals and the 21st edition of the Longford Marathon. It turned out dry and perfect conditions if not a little windy- a lovely place Longford, between Galway and Dublin. His finish time was 04:19:35, coming in 173rd place.