IMPRESSIVE performances from two runners new to the Dartmoor Discovery (DD) on Saturday, June 4 meant that both the men’s and ladies’ trophies went to DD newcomers for a second successive year. 

Torbay AC runner Simon Longthorpe, the overall winner, completed the challenging 32-mile course in 3:48:01, while Holly Rush of Avon Valley Runners took the ladies’ trophy with a time of 4:03:15.

Saturday’s DD was Longthorpe’s first ultra-marathon. Rush was tantalisingly close to the female course record of 4:02:36.

The conditions, in true Dartmoor style, asked much of the runners. The race started with cool temperatures and an overcast sky. But, after two hours, the temperature and humidity rose significantly, taxing the resilience of participants.

Michael Robinson, of the MudCrew Trail Runners, was second overall, in 3:56:23. Robinson and Longthorpe had tussled for the leadership before Longthorpe eventually drew away after the marathon point. Marshall Milton Keynes athlete Gary Blaber came third, crossing the line in 4:02:48. First lady Rush claimed fourth place overall, underlining the high quality of her performance.

The Dartmoor Discovery takes in some of the most challenging hills in any UK road race. First run in 1998, the race was conceived by Phil Hampton, who continued to organise it until his retirement in 2010. Originally, the course was 34 miles. It was shortened to 32 miles in 2002, to avoid runners having to cross a busy road in Princetown.

The DD, which starts and finishes in Princetown, is organised by leading South West running club the Teignbridge Trotters. Renowned for breathtaking views, equally breathtaking hills and weather that always surprises, the DD is the UK’s longest single-lap road race. The event has been steadily growing in popularity since 2010, when the Trotters took over its organisation. This year, 195 finishers crossed the line, out of a record starting line-up of 217 runners.

Staging a 32-mile race across Dartmoor presents a huge logistical challenge to the organisers. An estimated 150 people supported the runners as they tackled the moor. Specialist teams from the Dartmoor Radio Club, Medical Events Training Services and The Massage Clinic worked alongside scores of volunteer marshals, timekeepers and caterers.

See the Thursday, June 9 edition of the Times for more photographs and results of local club members.