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Exmouth Harriers at Totnes 10K 2022

Totnes 10K has the extra factor

Devon's popular trail race is more of a trial than usual

Teignbridge Trotters' Totnes 10K was even more challenging than usual this year (Sunday 7 August). Due to substantial erosion beside the River Dart, there was a diversion over the fields above the river that added both elevation and distance to the already generously proportioned course.

Of course, in these parts hills are mere 'undulations' and exact distances are of little concern on such a beautiful trail course through historic Dartington Estate and up the steps in North Wood before the helter-skelter descent to the finish back in Borough Park.

This is a race your correspondent has enjoyed – or endured – a few times and is usually a sell-out with an extensive prize list for individuals, veterans, and teams. There are also cash prizes for course records in various age groups.

It was the men's course record holder Tom Merson (Exmouth Harriers, 38:25) – pictured above in the centre #534 – who was the winner, some 4min30sec slower than his 2014 record of 33:55. No doubt the exertions of his victory in the Forest Flyer in Haldon Forest on Friday evening was a factor, along with the added mileage that took the course to nearly 11K this year.

Runners-up were M50 Harry Gee (unattached, 40:52) and M45 Lee Turner (Torbay Tri Club, 41:16) both of whom may have been joining an orderly queue for a bonus prize on the usual course.

W35 Naomi Flanagan (Torbay Tri Club, 46:57) took the women's race from W35 Ellie Dominey (Axe Valley Runners, 48:29) and the excellent W60 Cathy Newman (Exmouth Harriers, 49:53) who was just seven seconds outside her club mate Jenny Reay's age group best.

This year's Totnes 10K saw the 10,000th finisher complete the course in the 22nd edition of the race and funds raised for Totnes Caring providing services to vulnerable and elderly people in the locality passed the £25,000 mark. 

There was a party atmosphere back at Borough Park, where George Francis (7:30) and Maya Rees-Durham (7:53) of Erme Valley Harriers led the way in the one-mile Fun Run. The famous Trotters cakes went down well; the BBQ was busy, and there was plenty of demand at New Lion Brewery's beer tent.

Race details and results are available via runABC South race listing here

Photo of Exmouth Harriers pre-race courtesy Des White

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