TROTs Ladies win Inter Club shield for 2005
December 2005

The TROTs Ladies completed a highly successful year in 2005 as 'run away' winners of the Inter Club competition.

The Inter Club features a series of races throughout the year, contested by runners from Pembrokeshire Triathlon Club, Pembrokeshire Harriers, Sarn Helen and Cardigan Running Club.

The TROTs also finished as runners-up in the men's event, and both the men's and ladies teams had several individual prize winners in the open and veteran categories.

The competition features races over a range of distances and challenging terrains. So congratulations must go to every TROT who overcame mud, snow, sweltering heat and endless hills to gain valuable points for the team.

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TROTs Ladies make flying start to Gwent Cross Country League...Men lead promotion race in Division 3
December 2005

The TROTs Ladies currently lie in 4th Place in the First Division of the Gwent Cross Country League after three excellent team performances at Cardiff, Bridgend and Bath.

Ann Thomas and Mary Bowen Rees have enjoyed top twenty finishes in every race so far, and have both finished first in their age categories. Pauline Thomas has also taken first spot in the Over 60s category. Following their impressive league form, all three ladies were selected to represent Wales at the British Masters Cross Country in Dublin (see below).

In the Open Category, Penny Rees, Claire Cleathero and Rowena Melbourne have also finished well up the field. While Ann Rowell, Helen Williams, Lindy Eynon, Susan Thomas and Tessa Cooper continue to put in strong performances for the veterans.

In addition to Wales's best distance runners, The Gwent League regularly attracts top athletes from running clubs and universities in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and the West Country. The races are often run at a very fast pace in challenging conditions. So this really is an ouststanding start to the season.

Meanwhile the men's team is pushing for promotion from Division Three. Injuries have made it a struggle to field a full team at times this season. Despite this, team captain Ian Morris continues to do a great job in motivating the lads, while brilliant individual performances from Ian Williams (6th in Cardiff and 3rd in Bath!) helped put the TROTS men in pole position after three races. Cyril Walters, Evan Williams, Roger Coombs, Jim Cooper, Dave Griffiths, Malcolm Adams and Martin Davies have also scored valuable points. The men's team now needs to stay injury free and field another strong squad in Bristol in February to extend their points advantage.

The most gutsy performance of the year so far was from Emily Rees, who completed her first Gwent League in the Under 15 Girls category at Bridgend. Up against the best young athletes from Wales and the West Country, she was only a couple of minutes off the pace and shows great potential for the future.

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British Masters Cross Country Dublin - TROTs Ladies bring home the medals for Wales!
November 2005

Three TROTs respresented Wales in the British Masters Cross Country in Dublin in November. Ann Thomas finished 20th overall and was second Welsh female. Mary Bowen-Rees was first Welsh female in the 40-45 years category, finishing 40th overall. Pauline Thomas was 98th, and won team gold for Wales in the Over 60 category. Ann Thomas also won a team bronze in the 35-40 category. A proud moment for West Wales and the TROTs running club!

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TROTs Triumph in Cardiff Half-Marathon
October 2005

Undaunted by a field of several thousand runners from across the country, TROTs team members won a gold and two silvers in the Cardiff Half-Marathon 2005.

A personal best from Ann Rowell secured her the runners up spot in the Over 50 Ladies category. Cyril Walters won silver medal in the Men's Over 50 category, to add to the gold he won at the Welsh 10K championships earlier in the year. Ann Thomas took gold in the over 35 category, despite starting near the back of the field, almost three minutes behind other competitors (on 'gun' time). In the main marathon, Claire Cleathero put in another outstanding performance, finishing well up the field with the leading elite women.

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Big field brave the hills and heat at this year's St Clears 10K
August 2005

Runners from across Wales joined the TROTs St Clears, making for a fast and competitive race on a challenging course. The race was won in 34.44 by Andrew Abbott of Sarn Helen, who overhauled early pace setter Stepehen Paterson of Phoenix, Cardiff, who had to settle for runner up spot in 35.14.

First male TROT home was Roger Coombs in 38.38, however the TROTs ladies swept the board. Ann Thomas was first female in 40.21. Mary Bowen Rees was first female vet and Claire Cleathero won the open female category - helping the TROTs to an emphatic victory in the Ladies team event.

Strong runs from Richard Marks and Haydn Lloyd ensured that Sarn Helen retained the men's team prize.

Thanks to all the runners from near and far who took on the hills and the heat and made this year's St Clears 10K one to remember. We look forward to running with you again next year!

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Tanis and Ann's Success on the Sand
August 23rd 2005

The Trots enjoyed more success in the Poppit Sands 5K series, with Tanis Hand winning the overall F45 title, and Ann Thomas coming home as first F35, knocking over a minute off her previous time in the final race.

Dewi Jones was 2nd F50 over the three races, and Roger Coombs was 3rd equal in the final rankings. Penny Rees also ran excellently over the series, but suffered a nasty fall in the second race, depriving her of the overall placing she deserved.

A special mention must go to Charley Ratcliffe who took part in her first ever race in the final 5K of the series, and looked strong at the finish.

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Cyril and Pauline win Golds in Llanelli
June 26th 2005

The Trots team enjoyed a succesful weekend at the Welsh 10k championships in Llanelli on June 26th.

Cyril Walters (left) took gold in the M55 category, and Pauline Thomas won the F55 title. The Trots Ladies won the team event, and Claire Cleathero was 2nd Open Female. Ann Thomas won a silver medal, and Mary Bowen Rees a bronze in their respective age categories.

With over 600 competitors running the fast course along the Millennium Coast Path, Mike Evans was first TROT in 28th place.

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Over 180 compete in Tenby 10k
July 31st 2005

Over 180 runners took part in the Tenby 10K, which was organised by the TROTs with the support of Tenby Leisure Centre and generous sponsorship from Oakwood. Results were collated by Computer Services Agency, who provided their usual high speed service!

The race was won by Paul Richards of Swansea Harriers in 33.53, over two minutes ahead of the next man. Rhiannon Ace of Pembrokeshire Triathlon was first female, and finished seventh overall - a superb result in a strong field.

Ann Thomas was first F35, with Mary Bowen Rees second in the same category. Claire Clethero received the open female award, and Rowena Melbourne was second open female.

The TROTs won the female and male team awards. The Bucaneer Pub won the business team competition. Runners were presented with their trophies by Mayor of Tenby Clr. Mrs Tish Rossiter.

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