TEIGNBRIDGE Trotters were in action at the Bridgwater Half Marathon recently.

Alex Sparks reported: "James Saunders and I were ready for the race, it was absolutely chucking it down up to seconds before the start but the powers above had mercy as it stopped as the race started and didn’t really return apart from the odd light shower.

“Course wise, it’s relatively flat, with an undulating section from 5km to 10km. All around the lanes just off the M5 at Bridgwater. There is a cone to turn 180 degrees around at 17km which was brutal on the legs".

Alex ran the entire race on his own, being hunted down rapidly by the fourth position Axe Valley runner with 2km to go but he held on by 10 secs to take a superb third place in 1:15:11. The ladies 10K road race at Ipplepen has places available and is a great experience on September 28. The race attracts both experienced and fun runners participating in a mostly flat course supported by lots of marshals, a water station and some homemade cakes at the finish.

Entry is free to all 15 to 17-year-olds to encourage girls into running, the event offers a wide array of team and individual prizes and a bespoke watercolour painting for all finishers. 2024 had a fantastic 235 finishers.

Soon after, the club’s final race of the year, The Sibelco Templar Ten miler from Stover, takes place on October 5. The flat race includes fields, woods, paths, road, and lovely scenery.

The event includes a popular children's race of one mile that takes place at the start with prizes and medals. Homemade cakes will be available again and the location includes plenty of free parking close to the A38. Enter online at sientries.co.uk.