THE Grand Canal Canter delivered a serene start to the weekend’s racing, giving runners one of Devon’s rare flat routes along the peaceful towpaths of the Grand Western Canal.

In spring, the course is especially beautiful, with wildflowers lining the banks, sweeping willow branches touching the water, and swans and moorhens nesting in the reeds.

Fishermen and Sunday walkers looked on as runners enjoyed the calm, quiet landscape, making the early miles feel more like a gentle nature run than a race.

Teignbridge Trotters’ Kevin Besford took on the half marathon in a small field of around 100 runners. The warm sunshine made for a pleasant start, but heat and accumulated fatigue from recent events made the later stages challenging. Kevin held a steady pace through the opening miles and finished strongly in 2:07:30, a solid effort on tired legs.

The standout club results came in the 20‑mile race, where the Trotters secured both a victory and another top‑ten place.

Jon Pressling produced an excellent run to win in 2:16:19, showing strength and consistency across the long, flat miles.

Mike Border followed with a top‑ten finish, taking 8th place in 2:56:47. He found the sunny conditions ideal and felt the route made an excellent warm‑up ahead of the Newport Marathon.

The ever‑reliable Lucy Payne also impressed, completing the distance in 3:37:40 and proudly representing the club as the sole female Trotter in the 20‑mile event.

In the marathon, Jo Randall tackled the 26.2 miles with determination, finishing in 4:52:48. Her sub‑five‑hour result was especially pleasing given it came only a week after the demanding Pi and Pasty Challenge. The long, flat path can become mentally testing during the second out‑and‑back, but Jo handled it with real perseverance.

It proved to be a successful outing for the Trotters at Tiverton—calm water, quiet paths and strong performances on a picturesque yet deceptively tiring route.

Meanwhile, the weekend continued in Cornwall with the St Austell Skyline 10, a multi‑terrain event showcasing the dramatic clay mining landscape that defines the area.

Runners enjoyed perfect conditions, with sunshine and clear views as they navigated trails, permissive paths and undulating sections that offered a mix of speed and challenge. The route featured several climbs and sweeping viewpoints, supported throughout by excellent marshals and enthusiastic spectators.

Among the 232 runners, the race was won by Garth McColville of St Austell Athletes Running Club in 1:05:41, while Nayana Jain of Cornwall AC claimed the women’s title in 1:10:52.

Teignbridge Trotters’ Derek “Del” Skinner represented the club well, completing the tough 10‑mile route with 1,142 ft of elevation in 1:39:47, placing 110th overall. He enjoyed the lively atmosphere and the strong support along the course, rounding off a memorable day in St Austell.

Trotters training takes place from Newton Abbot Recreational Trust, Newton Abbot (TQ12 2AR) on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7.00pm sharp.

Anyone wishing to go along for the first time is more than welcome, they cater for all abilities. Please take a look at the sessions available and choose one suitable to your standard of running. There is no obligation to join, try it out for two or three weeks before deciding!