DAWLISH Coasters held their Dawlish Dash, a 4-mile multi-terrain race including a sandy beach, groins to clamber over, steps, u-turns, and tarmac sections both rough and smooth.

Conditions were challenging on the 13th with high winds and lashing rain on the large turnout. Opinion was divided on whether this was racing or surviving with sandblasting guaranteed in the out-and-back beach first-mile section.

The route followed the railway line on the sea wall in severe headwinds to Dawlish before climbing inland before the easier return leg. The in-form Trotters triumphed, Alex Sparks set off like a sprinter and was gone with the wind before our eyes. Eventually, he slowed down at the finish to win 1st male, Mel Brooks taking 1st lady again. Mel confirmed the challenging conditions were great fun, invigorating in the wind & rain, with really supportive marshals. The medal is unique and ice cream!

Results included; 1st Alex Sparks 22.04, 5th Roger Easterbrook 24:08, 6th James Long 24:41, 13th Mel Brooks 26:36, 15th Steve Weeks 26:47, 16th James Saunders 26:58, 19th Helen Anthony 2nd lady in 27:24, 21st Liz Nuttall 3rd lady 27:32, 22nd Duncan Knight 27:35, 24th Chloe Weeks 27:42, 25th Andy Gillson 27:50, 32nd Gregory Cook 29:02, 34th Alan Kember 29:16, 49th Kathryn Steemson 31:44, 51st Neil Rutley 32:10, 52nd Adam (race every week) Doherty 32:14, 63rd Lauren Smart 33:06, 66th Kim Knight 33:41 "properly loves it ...on the return wind assisted part" describing the race ordeal.

68th Eamon Crowe 34:10, 75th Trevor Irons 34:35, 76th Laura Law 34:40 (desperately needing gloves), 85th Pete Aston 35:35, 96th Jade Reid 36:17, 99th Sue Tremlett 36:39, 101st Eyvoll Aston 36:52, 105th Dominique Harcourt 37:05, 116th Sarah Blanchard 38:10, 119th Chris Andrews 38:36, 124th Stuart Moulson 38:51, 130th Lucy Payne 38:57, 156th Kevin Besford 41:52.

Elsewhere, the new Torbay Twilight 10K took place on June 15 on a fast, flat course perfect for personal bests (Pb's) on a sunny but windy evening. Luke Reynolds was the first Trotter home, finishing fifth in 00:34:39, followed by his dad Phil Reynolds (17th) 00:38:34, claiming 2nd in the MV50 category, 28th James Saunders 00:40:10, gained 1st MV60, Chloe Weeks 45th, achieved a new Pb by 34 secs, in 00:43:01.

55th Michael Jones 00:45:11, 68th Michael Border 70 secs Pb 00:47:30. The opinion was many would definitely participate next year.

Lastly, Ruth Johnson and Derek Skinner took part in the Hampshire Hoppit marathon and successfully completed the 26.2m event.