THE Taunton Half Marathon brought a welcome burst of spring energy to the local racing scene this Sunday.

After nearly four decades as a staple in the Somerset running calendar, its recent revival has clearly rekindled enthusiasm with it reaching its 2000 capacity weeks in advance. The move to a town‑centre start and finish proved a triumph, helping create a vibrant atmosphere right from the gun, with crowds lining key points of the route.

Four merry Teignbridge Trotters took part in conditions that turned out far better than forecast.

Despite stretches on live‑traffic roads, runners commented on how safe and supported it felt thanks to the steady flow of participants throughout. Lucy Evans summed it up perfectly: “A well‑organised event with brilliant support throughout.”

A highlight of the day was Laura Law smashing her half‑marathon PB and finally breaking the two‑hour barrier—a brilliant milestone.

Trotters home were Adam Waddle in 1:48:25, Laura Law & Lucy Evans in 1:58:32, and Chris Andrews in 2:06:49.

Meanwhile, the Looe 10-Miler once again lived up to its reputation as a tough but rewarding fixture on the South West running calendar.

The undulating route winds through West Looe before heading out along the coastal road to Talland, with a testing loop around Killigarth and Porthallow before returning for the final push.

Covering around 1,700ft of elevation, the course is not for the faint‑hearted—wheelchairs, pushchairs, dogs, and walkers are excluded for good reason.

Unlike the soaking of 2024, runners were treated to dry skies, with only the coastal wind posing a challenge.

Among the 636 finishers were three hardy Trotters; Steve Weeks, Chloe Weeks, and Callum Price. Runners described the race as “very, very hilly but with lovely coastline views to soften the blow.”

Victory went to Charlene Matthews (Storm Plymouth) in 1:11:37 and Steve Reynolds (Truro RC) in 58:46. A special mention goes to Trotters’ star Chloe Weeks, who secured 3rd Female Under 35- a superb achievement on such a brutal route.

Trotter Results: Steve Weeks 1:25:00, Chloe Weeks 1:25:00, Callum Price 1:40:11.