TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters’ very own Pipin Shanklin completed her first ultra marathon on Saturday, April 11.

The She Ultra 50km, an all‑female ultra marathon, takes runners along the exposed coastal trails of the Pen Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. As expected for the region, conditions played a significant role in shaping the race, from hail to 50mph wind.

Representing the club, Pipin finished the 50km distance in a time of 08:26:28. This performance followed a disrupted winter of training, during which Pip was affected by significant abductor tendonitis that limited her ability to train consistently.

Despite this, she managed her race well in difficult conditions to complete a demanding event. Well done Pipin!

As part of the ABP Newport Running Festival, Mike Border travelled “over the border” to Wales to take on the Newport Marathon, a well‑established event that continues to grow in reputation. Conditions on the day were favourable for marathon running, contributing to an enjoyable and well‑organised race experience.

Mike produced an excellent performance, completing the marathon in a time of 3:56, securing his first sub‑4‑hour marathon and a personal best by 17 minutes. Executing a strong and controlled run throughout, this represented a significant milestone and a reward for consistent training.

The event was described as having the feel of a major marathon while remaining slightly more compact than races such as Manchester, striking a balance between atmosphere, organisation and scale. Mike would readily recommend the Newport Marathon to others looking for a well‑run event on a fast course.

And finally, a f field of 171 runners gathered under grey skies for the opening race of the Run Exe 5k series, with pre‑race rain clearing just in time for the start.

Conditions proved fair, though the course itself offered a stern test. The race was split into two waves (sub‑19 and over‑19 minutes), with Trotters represented in both fields.

Alex Sparks produced a standout performance, finishing second overall in a personal best time of 15:40. Ben Thorn recorded a strong run to finish 50th in 18:13, also a PB. Further solid performances came from Steve Weeks (81st, 19:33) and Chloe Weeks (85th, 19:40).

A strong opening to the series, with encouraging performances across the board for the Trotters.