THE Teignbridge Trotters staged their annual Haytor Heller race on Saturday, September 6, the 39th running of it.

291 people entered, a figure well up on last year and the start time was brought forward to allow for the pending darker evening.

Ben Perry won the race a time of 41:47, representing Exeter Harriers.

In second place was Ceri Rees in 42:07 and third was Oliver Paulin, from Coventry Godiva Harriers, in 43:56.

First lady to cross the finish line (16th overall) was Elizabeth Dyson, from Haldon Trail Runners, in 49:09. In second place was Jo Meek from Winchester RC and third was Cathy Newman, from Exmouth Harriers, in 54:56.

Ladies winner Liz said that “The Haytor Heller is always a tough event, but the stunning views and support from the marshals and other runners more than make up for the tired legs.”

Race Director, Kim Knight, was full of praise for all those that took part; “This was my first time as Race Director and I really didn’t know what to expect. I needn’t have worried as I was delighted to be part of a fantastic team of Trotters who really knew how to put on a great event. The runners, of course, made the event everything it should be.”

First Trotter home was the ever-consistent Roger Easterbrook who added to his impressive collection of trophies this year when he picked up second MV50, in a superb time of 47:59, giving him 12th place overall.

Also running for the Trotters were: Ryan Astbury (52:31), Steve Weeks (55:12), Chloe Weeks (57:26), Gregory Wilgar-Jones (1:00:10), Jim Marshall (1:05:02), Laura Holland (1:05:49), Kate Williamson (1:08:55), Cheryl Dunn (1:18:19), Amy Davey (1:24:25), Rebecca Smallshaw (1:24:27), Char Lee (1:24:27) and Sarah Blanchard (1:30:21).

Erme Valley Harriers won both the men’s and ladies' team awards. There were a total of 244 finishers.

The Trotters were very grateful to this year’s sponsors: Sibelco, Ocean Physio & Rehab and MI Plant.

Away from all the action on the moor, a small band of Trotters took part in the Treggy 7 on Sunday 7. The race was a 7-mile circular route starting in Launceston town square. Husband and wife team, Sharon and Paul Sharples, along with Steve Major, took on the challenge.

Steve brought the trio home in a time of 1:01:37 (195th place). Paul finished in 1:03:52 (221st) and Sharon crossed the line in 1:07:44 (277th). There were 437 finishers.

Roger Hayes and Nigel Barnett took part in the Crediton Crunch (also on the 7th), a 10K multi-terrain race organised by Crediton Running Network. Conditions were surprisingly firm underfoot, considering the rain that morning before the start of the race.

The first three miles contained a lot of downhill with the final three miles being more undulating, with one very steep off-road climb. Nigel was full of praise the race, saying, “I really enjoyed it, the route was interesting and varied. It was very well marshalled and the bottle of beer at the finish was a particularly nice touch.”

For the record, Roger finished in 53:16 (54th) and Nigel 56:43 (76th). There were 158 finishers.