THE final Teignbridge Trotters race of 2026 proved to be a huge success, with the Sibelco Templer Ten selling out more than a week before race day and attracting a record field of 335 runners.

Held in glorious autumn sunshine, the popular 10-mile race once again showcased the very best of local running, community spirit and club organisation.

Starting and finishing within the beautiful grounds of Stover School, the route takes runners through Teigngrace, along Summer Lane and around Stover Country Park before returning to a warm welcome at the finish. Conditions may have been warm, but that didn't stop some outstanding performances at the sharp end of the field.

With last year's winner and course record holder unavailable to defend his title, the door was left open for a new record and Sam Kelly (Exmouth Harriers) seized the opportunity in spectacular fashion.

Fresh from victory at this year's Haytor Heller, he stormed around the course in 54:31, taking more than a minute and a half off the previous course record.

Host club runner Alex Sparks produced an excellent performance to finish second in 55:42, a time which would itself have been a course record prior to this year, while Callum Crawford (Exeter Harriers) was third in 58:33.

The women's race was won by Helen Pryde in 67:50, ahead of Teignbridge Trotters' Chloe Olford, who continued her excellent season with second place in 68:57. Lydia Stimson (Exmouth Harriers) completed the podium in 69:19.

Other Teignbridge Trotters finishers were: Harley Law (15th, 1:08:05), Ryan Astbury (28th, 1:12:24), Kathryn Steemson (93rd, 1:26:04), Kevin Appleby (130th, 1:30:59), Laura Law (151st, 1:34:50), Daniel Eaton (158th, 1:35:49), Kelly Dean (168th, 1:38:10), Catherine Bray (187th, 1:42:43), Sophie Thomson (192nd, 1:44:17), Katie Williams (207th, 1:48:43), Jamie Moore (208th, 1:48:55), Darren Petch (226th, 1:56:18), Amanda Gibbs (230th, 1:56:50) and Amy Mactaggart (255th, 2:05:25).

The equally popular 1-mile Fun Run also attracted a record turnout, with 122 young runners taking part on the traffic-free course within the school grounds. In a thrilling finish, William Rattlidge edged out Toby Easterbrook by just one second to secure victory in 5:48, while Lily Wilson was first girl home and fourth overall in 6:26.

Away from the racing, there was a fantastic atmosphere throughout the morning, with runners, spectators and volunteers enjoying coffee, cake and a barbecue while soaking up the sunshine. The event also raised valuable funds for Rowcroft Hospice, and a special mention goes to Honiton Running Club, who made the Templer Ten their club outing of the year, arriving in force with 46 runners and a coach-load of supporters.

Race Director Roger Hayes was delighted with the success of the event, particularly after achieving his goal of a sell-out race, with entries increasing year on year during his four years at the helm.

With another successful Templer Ten complete, attention now turns to 2027 and the club's flagship event, the Dartmoor Discovery Ultra Marathon, with early bird entries opening on November 1.