TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters’ Totnes 10K and Fun Run enjoyed another hugely successful day on Sunday, August 2, with both events proving more popular than ever.

The Fun Run attracted a record 176 entrants, surpassing the previous best of 174 set in 2017, while the main race sold out weeks in advance. Despite the warm conditions, 546 runners completed the challenging riverside course, which remains just over 11km following permanent route changes introduced after erosion affected the original course.

Warm temperatures made for testing conditions, but that did little to dampen spirits as runners of all ages gathered at Borough Park for one of the South West's most popular summer races. The scenic off-road course follows the River Dart before returning to Borough Park, offering a challenging but rewarding route and continuing to raise valuable funds for local charity Totnes Caring.

At the front of the field, Tom Merson (Exmouth Harriers) claimed overall victory in 38:39, while Rebecca Ezra-Ham (Tamar Trotters) was first female in 44:29. The day also saw four veteran course records fall.

Merson's winning time established a new MV40 record, while James Baker (Chichester Runners & AC) set a new MV45 mark with 39:00. In the women's categories, Clare Prosser broke the FV50 course record with 52:18, and Cathy Newman (Exmouth Harriers) set a new FV60 record of 48:32.

The event also marked the final year at the helm for Race Director Rod Payne and Assistant Race Director Lucy Evans, who have overseen the race for the past three years.

Reflecting on the day, Rod said: "Lucy and I have been proud to head up the Totnes 10K and Fun Run for the past three years. We look good because we have a wonderful team of people that bring it all together.

“It is a joy to see the enjoyment that the Fun Run brings and such an honour that so many people want to take on the 10 (11+)K. It is our last year and we will work closely with our successors to ensure a smooth handover. Well done to everyone involved in this race, long may it prosper."

As always, the success of the event relied on a huge team effort from volunteers, marshals, sponsors and club members, helping to deliver another memorable day for runners and spectators alike.

25 Teignbridge Trotters were among the 546 finishers, with Alex Duff leading the club home in 9th place overall in 42:37, followed by Roger Easterbrook in 43:55, Tracy Elphick 58:34, Olivia Mills 58:55, Michael Border 59:35, Conor Mellamphy 1:00:47, Allen Taylor 1:01:23, Jayden Taylor 1:05:59, Tonya McGauley 1:07:39, Robert Faulkner 1:09:21 and Sam Wingrove 1:09:15.

Continued: Lucy Peacock 1:11:48, Mark Norgate 1:11:51, Amy Davey 1:12:14, Wayne Babey 1:13:26, Carly Hales 1:13:47, Kevin Besford 1:14:06, Georgie Harris 1:15:43, Darren Petch 1:20:08, Emma Barley 1:20:34, Amanda Lacey 1:24:48, Rakki Sadavarte 1:25:21, Amanda Gibbs 1:36:59, Julie Villis 1:38:18 and Andy Distin 1:40:07.

With a sold-out race, a record Fun Run field, four veteran course records, 546 finishers and 25 Teignbridge Trotters completing the course, the 2026 Totnes 10K once again demonstrated why it remains one of the South West's most popular running events.

The day prior, six Trotters took on The Crossing event, a demanding 33.5-mile route.

Leading them home was Lucy Evans (7:02:58), followed by Guy Jary and Rachel Steele who finished together in 8:13:48, Tim Synge (8:50:08), Sue Tremlett (8:54:01) and Adam Doherty (9:23:12).