TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters enjoyed a highly successful evening at the Torbay Twilight 10K, held on the fast and flat Velopark circuit at Torbay Leisure Centre in Paignton, on Friday, August 21.

The event, raced over an officially measured and certified 10K course, is renowned as one of the best local opportunities to chase a personal best, with runners completing 6.75 laps of the tarmac circuit accompanied by music and a fantastic atmosphere throughout.

Despite forecasts suggesting showers, conditions proved ideal for racing, with cooler temperatures than of late, minimal breeze and no rain, creating near-perfect PB conditions for the 211 finishers.

The race was won by Matthew Bradley of COPAC in 34:27, while Jo Meek of Winchester & District AC was first female home.

Teignbridge Trotters were led by Chloe Weeks, who produced an outstanding performance to finish in 39:45, claiming second Senior Lady and smashing the 40-minute barrier for the first time.

Chloe set off with the 40-minute pacer, who judged the pace perfectly, and soon found herself running alongside fellow Trotters Steve Weeks and Ben Elphick as part of a group targeting a sub-40-minute finish.

Although the plan was simply to stay with the pace for as long as possible, all three dug deep and held on, helping one another through the closing stages. Chloe was delighted and surprised to achieve her first ever sub-40-minute 10K, while crediting both her dad Steve and Ben for helping drive the pace all the way to the finish line.

The club's strength in depth was reflected in the team results.

Teignbridge Trotters secured the overall third team prize through the efforts of Ben Elphick (39:38), Steve Weeks (39:39) and Chloe Weeks (39:45). The ladies' team of Chloe Weeks (39:45), Tracey Elphick (46:27) and Joanna Randall (47:25) claimed second female team, while the men's team of Ben Elphick (39:38), Steve Weeks (39:39) and Graydon Widdicombe (40:42) took third male team.

There was further individual success for Alan Kember, who was first MV60 in 45:16, and Jamie Moore, who finished third U21 male in 54:45. Joanna Randall was also pleased to record her second-fastest ever 10K with a time of 47:25 on a course well suited to fast running.

The evening was made even more special by the excellent support from Teignbridge Trotters members around the circuit, with cheers and encouragement helping runners maintain their effort throughout the multiple laps. The club would also like to thank Rod Payne for his beautiful race photography, which captured the event and the club's memorable performances.

Full Trotters results were: Ben Elphick 27th in 39:38, Steve Weeks 29th in 39:39, Chloe Weeks 31st in 39:45, Graydon Widdicombe 40th in 40:42, Michael Jones 54th in 43:13, Michael Border 76th in 45:00, Alan Kember 80th in 45:16, Tracey Elphick 86th in 46:27, Joanna Randall 94th in 47:25, Laura Holland 95th in 47:31, Caitlin Moss 122nd in 50:57, Jamie Moore 148th in 54:45, Eric Moore 150th in 54:55, Mark Norgate 155th in 56:06 and Lucy Payne 175th in 58:30.

Huge congratulations to the excellent performances by the team on Friday night.

Disclaimer: the times quoted are believed to be gun times rather than chip times. Apologies if that means anyone has accidentally been done out of an official PB in this report!