TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters enjoyed an outstanding evening at Haldon Trail Runners’ The Forest Fyler on Saturday, July 4.

Offering runners a fast and challenging 5-mile trail race through one of Devon's most popular forest venues, Alex Sparks was able to storm to overall victory in a superb 26:34.

He was joined on the podium by fellow Trotter George Tranckle, who claimed third place in 29:01, while Donald Brooks crossed the line in 29:18 to secure first MV40 honours.

The club also dominated the women's race. Chloe Olford produced an excellent run to take the women's title and finish as the first female Trotter home in 33:18. Making it a memorable one-two for the club, Chloe Weeks finished second lady overall in 35:31.

Further strong runs came from: Steve Weeks (35:43), Duncan Knight (35:51), Ben Tampkins (36:48), Andrew Rattlidge (37:15), Alan Kember (37:15), Paul Vowden (37:23), Neil Rutley (38:48), Laura Holland (40:00), Kathryn Steemson (40:30), Michael Border (40:41), Del Skinner (40:57), Lucy Evans (41:48), Charlotte Knight (42:57), Steven Holmes (43:03), Kim Knight (43:11), Allen Taylor (44:57), Corinne Bright (45:34), Jayden Taylor (45:37), Neil Tampkins (46:35), Andrew Morton (46:38), Patricia Atkins (47:10), Rachel Harrison (48:01), Deb Skinner (49:24), Amy Davey (49:50), Karen Peters (49:51), Samantha Galvin (51:39), Darren Petch (55:19) and Teresa Holmes (1:04:24).

The Forest Flyer also represented the final opportunity for runners to score points in the mixed category of the Teignbridge Trotters Club Championship.

Following the Dawlish Dash, the current women's standings are led by Kathryn Steemson, with Patricia Atkins in second place and Sue Tremlett in third.

In the men's competition, Andrew Morton currently heads the table ahead of Ewan Walton in second and Roger Easterbrook in third. With the mixed category now concluded, attention turns to the Cornwood 10K later this month.

Elsewhere on Saturday was the Ham & Lyme 50K Ultramarathon, organised by Albion Running.

This is a stunning point-to-point route showcasing the best of Somerset and Dorset countryside before finishing on the coast at Lyme Regis.

Representing Teignbridge Trotters, Sue Tremlett took on the 50K distance just one week after completing the Boscastle Scramble Marathon.

Undeterred by the challenge, Sue enjoyed an excellent run in warm and sunny conditions despite working on “scrambled legs.”

The English Riviera 10K formed part of the wider English Riviera Running Festival, an event that combines fast routes, spectacular scenery and a vibrant atmosphere within one of Devon’s premier multisport weekends.

Held alongside triathlons, biathlons, swimming and cycling events, the festival creates a real celebration of endurance sport and offers runners the opportunity to race on professionally managed closed roads while taking in stunning coastal views.

Ryan Astbury was the club’s sole competitor in the 10K and was grateful for the support of familiar club faces lining the route. Despite the warm conditions, which became a major talking point throughout the day, Ryan produced an outstanding performance.

Having targeted the race as an opportunity to achieve a personal best following the injury setback he experienced at the Easter Bunny 10K earlier this year, he exceeded expectations by taking almost three minutes off his previous best time.

Completing the course in an impressive 41:55, Ryan finished 14th overall and secured second place in the MV40 category, a result he was rightly delighted with.

Ryan evidently rose to the challenge and delivered an excellent run in difficult conditions.