Last Saturday, at midday, the hottest part of the day, 68 runners gathered to take part in the new route of this year’s Talaton Trotter which had been shortened to 8k, writes Judy Davey.

The race was won by Simon Minting of Exeter Harriers in the time of 28 minutes 10 seconds.

The ladies for Honiton showed the men how it was done with 15-year-old Flo Swan leading Honiton home to come in eighth overall and first lady in the incredible time of 32:50.

She was followed by Honiton’s next lady Suzanne Spiller who was second lady overall in 10th place in a time of 33:45. Steve Davey was the first Honiton man home finishing 17th in 35:03 with Howard Bidmead hot on his heels just 18 seconds later. Mark Dallyn followed coming 22nd in 36:26 with Bruce Strawbridge finishing 26th in 37:19.

This was the first race Vernon Gillard had taken part in almost a year and he came 28th in 37:44. Linda Pike finished 41st in 43:08 and Bernice Bastin followed finishing 54th in 46:58. Rachel Horwood followed twoplaces later in 47:51 and Kathy Layzell came in right behind her in 48:15. There were 68 finishers.

The Weaner is a shorter version of 3k and Joe Swan did very well to finish fourth overall with 14 finishers.

Runners were greeted back by cheers from a fantastic crowd and a delicious Talaton Trotter cake. Many thanks,to Robin Carter and helpers for organising this event.