The Teignbridge Trotters staged their last race of the year on Sunday, October 5. The Sibelco Templer Ten which starts and finishes in the beautiful grounds of Stover School.

Before the main 10-mile race took place there was the small matter of the 1-mile fun fun. This had a record entry with 113 youngsters signing up to take part. There was almost a photo finish for first place with Teddy Harbron winning the race in 6:05, just one second in front of Toby Easterbrook. First lady to cross the finish line was Georgina White in a great time of 6:38, this gave her 4th place overall.

A strong field lined up for the start of the 10-miler. Tom Merson of Exmouth Harriers, went out hard from the start and managed to stay in front of last year’s winner, Alex Sparks. As he came into sight with half a lap of the school field to go, it was clear that he was going to be close to breaking the course record that had stood since 2015. The crowds cheered, the man on the PA system almost lost his voice. It was very close but he did it with two seconds to spare, finishing in 56:07.

Next home was Alex Sparks running for Teignbridge Trotters in a time of 56:59 and third was Richard Hardy, Axe Valley Runners, in 58:05.

Elizabeth Dyson, Haldon Trail Runners, was first lady in 66:44, retaining the title she won last year. Second was Chloe Olford, Teignbridge Trotters, in 70:47 and third was Cathy Newman, Exmouth Harriers in 71:15.

Assistant Race Director, Liz Barnett, said: “Massive congratulations to Tom on beating the course record that has stood for 10 years, it’s quite an achievement. Race entries were up on last year for both races.”