THE annual Kingsbridge Fair Week 10K took place on a warm Thursday evening (July 23), attracting a strong turnout for a revised course. This year's route featured a gentler opening kilometre heading towards Slapton, while the closure of the High Street provided a different feel to previous editions.

Representing Teignbridge Trotters as the club's sole entrant, Roger Easterbrook lined up among a large field of enthusiastic runners, many perhaps unaware of the challenging hills that lay ahead. Starting steadily, he showed patience and perseverance as the undulating course wound through the scenic Devon lanes.

As the race progressed, Roger gradually worked his way through the field, moving into fourth place by midway.

Despite the efforts of the chasing pack, there was no sign of the leading trio, leaving Roger to focus on maintaining his position over the demanding second half of the course. His strong run was rewarded with first MV50, an excellent achievement on such a testing route.

The race finished in the Recreation Ground, where a large and supportive crowd created a fantastic atmosphere for runners crossing the line. As always, finishers were rewarded with a commemorative medal and the event's popular bespoke T-shirt.

Moving onto the weekend and the Sibelco Cornwood 10K Challenge, a Teignbridge Trotters Club Championship race, took place on Saturday evening (25 July) in warm summer conditions.

Starting and finishing in the picturesque surroundings of Cornwood Square, runners tackled the challenging 10km route around Cornwood and Lutton, featuring a mixture of roads and tracks and, as always, plenty of testing Devon hills.

A strong turnout from Teignbridge Trotters produced some excellent performances across the field, led home by Roger Easterbrook, who finished a superb sixth overall in 40:05. Roger's run set the pace for the club on a course renowned for its challenging profile.

The club's leading female was Chloe Olford delivered an outstanding race to finish 12th overall in 41:29, making her the first Trotter woman home and second female overall on the day.

There were several other notable performances throughout the evening. Ian Langler continued his remarkable run of form, finishing 19th in 43:38 despite having already completed Bolberry parkrun earlier that morning.

Chloe Weeks crossed the line in 44:19 for 22nd place, while Steve Weeks finished 25th in 45:48. Close behind were Helen Anthony and Duncan Knight, who finished just three seconds apart in 45:59 and 46:02 respectively.

Further down the field, Roger Hayes recorded 48:28, followed by Alan Kember in 49:06. Kathryn Steemson broke the 51-minute barrier with 50:52, with Neil Rutley and Lucy Evans both finishing strongly in 51:16 and 51:34.

Also representing the club were Nigel Barnett (53:00), Patricia Atkins (58:20), Corinne Bright (1:00:19), Amy Davey (1:01:59), Sue Tremlett (1:03:29) and James Farr, who completed the challenging course in 1:19:26.

The evening proved especially successful for the club's women's squad, with Teignbridge Trotters taking the First Ladies Team prize, whilst the Men's Team prize went to Erme Valley Harriers.

Pictured (left) after taking on the Kingsbridge Fair Week 10K on Thursday, July 23, is the Teignbridge Trotters’ Roger Easterbrook.