THIRTEEN Teignbridge Trotters made the fog‑soaked journey to North Devon for the ever‑popular Bideford Half Marathon, an event renowned for its fast course and its place in Trotters history.

Seven club age‑category records have been set here over the years, including Bob Small’s MV75 record in 2025.

Despite the persistent fog, conditions were ideal—cool, dry and still—perfect for quick times if runners could avoid the classic Bideford mistake of going off too fast. Kevin admitted he may have fallen into that trap but was delighted with his run, especially as he’s tackling five half marathons in March.

Two age‑category wins went the Trotters’ way, with Lucy Payne taking 1st FV70 and Bob Small claiming 1st MV75. Freya Morrissey narrowly missed a podium spot, finishing fourth FV35, while Jaydon Taylor earned special praise for smashing his PB by ten minutes with a superb 1:57:40.

On the women’s side, Chloe Olford led the trio home in 1:29:00, followed by Freya in 1:33:27 and Lucy in 2:11:39.

For the men, Luke Reynolds finished first Trotter in an impressive 1:14:15, followed by Jon Pressling (1:22:25), Graydon Widdicombe (1:32:50), Darin Dodd (1:38:23), Allen Taylor (1:47:02), Nigel Barnett (1:49:11), David Prestwich (1:53:29), Bob Small (1:56:24), Jaydon Taylor (1:57:40), and Kevin Besford (2:03:05).

Meanwhile, the Granite Way offers runners sweeping Dartmoor views across a scenic cycleway and is a perfect test for anyone preparing for spring marathons or half marathons. Participants choose between a one‑lap 10‑mile route or the more punishing 20‑mile double out‑and‑back.

In the 10‑mile race, Tim Synge delivered a strong performance, finishing in 1:35:42, placing 128th overall and 6th MV60 among 237 runners.

Two Trotters tackled the demanding 20‑mile challenge, a race widely known as a test of grit rather than speed.

The long, gradual climbs make it a true war of attrition. James Saunders, using it as London Marathon prep, ran superbly to finish 12th overall in 2:23:48, winning the MV60 prize.

Darren Petch also used the race as training, clocking 3:57:07 and admitting the final three miles were a real battle. The event once again proved its value as a tough but rewarding long‑distance test.

Few races are as legendary locally as The Grizzly, a ballot‑entry epic of mud, hills, bogs and coastal trails.

This year’s edition delivered everything runners expect—technical terrain, steep climbs, and huge spectator support through Seaton, Branscombe and Beer. Though mist limited the usual dramatic views, the atmosphere was electric with bagpipes, drums and jelly babies lining the route.

After missing out last year, Laura Holland finally secured a place and embraced every muddy mile, finishing in an excellent 3:40:56 and continuing her strong run of long‑distance form.

In the Cub race, Carl Bennett ran well to finish in 1:31:10. Over the full Grizzly, Ben Akyol was first Trotter home in 2:37:22, just ahead of Oli Reynolds in 2:56:17.

Strong performances followed from Andrew Rattlidge (3:40:47), Guy Jary (3:50:07), Kathryn Steemson (4:34:21), Lucy Evans (5:11:18), Andrew Morton (5:11:19), Sue Tremlett (5:11:19), Adam Doherty (5:30:00) and Michelle Doherty (5:30:00).

Tough, atmospheric and unforgettable, The Grizzly once again proved why securing a place is worth every muddy step.