Run Exe 5km Summer Series
Five ORC members took part in the final race for the summer series.
First home was Shaun Fryett with an outstanding time for his Series debut, 18:16. Jo Page was the first female finisher in her age category in 19:54. Paul Evison was the second finisher in his age category in 23:56. Claudine Benstead was “taking it easy” but still achieved a brilliant time of 24 minutes exactly and was the first finisher in her age group. Jackie Osborne Dawes was the last home in 26:44.
The series results have also been released. Competitors need to have run at least four races to quality and the four fastest times are added together for final places.
In the ladies, Jackie was 1st F55, Claudine was 1st F65, Andrew Vernon was 1st M55 and Paul Evison was 2nd M70. Well done, everyone!
The Saints Way Challenge
Setting off at 7am from Padstow, Mary Roberts, Lou Duffield, Matt Grint, Izzi Davison and Keeley Phillips set off on a 28mile/45km adventure to Fowey along the Saints Way. This is a coast-to-coast route across Cornwall consisting of both road and trail running taking in Helman Tor and Crift Downs.
Everyone had a great day out enjoying the Cornwall sunshine and exploring this historical route. Thanks to ORCs Carole and Lorna for volunteering at this event and helping to make it happen. After re-hydrating in the pubs of Fowey, Lou, Matt and Izzi took part in some team-building exercises fixing the minibus door before returning to Padstow.
First home from Okehampton was Keeley Phillips in 6.03, followed by Matt Grint (6.20), Mary Roberts finished with Izzi Davision in 6.28 and Lou Duffield (7.17).
Special mention to Lou Duffield for not only finishing her first ultra, but also extending the course by over 2km (encouraged along by her husband Ian who sent her the wrong way out of checkpoint 3!). Lou said that the mini bus door was jammed on the way back to base and commented: “I’m not sure what was more life threatening; the actual race or going up the A390 with the minibus door slightly open!” Lou was pleased to finish, having not felt 100% but as always with Lou, trooped on through with her friends.
Dartmoor in a Day
Deane Andrews and Peter Roissiter ran the 50km route with 1500m ascent. The route starts at Okehampton, passes through Postbridge and finishes in Ivybridge. The route takes in the East Okement valley, Hangingstone Hill, the East Dart Valley, Bellever Tor and the Dartmoor Volcano.
Peter Roissetter completed the course in 7 hours 23 minutes, 25 minutes faster than last year. Deane came home after 7 hours and 18 minutes of running, a 50km PB for him and added “could not have asked for better conditions for running a glorious route”
Haytor Heller
On Saturday, summer made a return for the 39th running of the Haytor Heller.
Six ORCs joined the 244 strong field to take on the 6 mile course with approx 1300ft of climb including climbing up Haytor Rocks (twice!) and Hound Tor. It’s a beautiful course and amazingly dry underfoot considering all the rain over the last few days. Some lovely winding, technical sections through trees, tall bracken and over rocky ground and a fun, super fast descent to the finish. The bagpiper on top of Haytor Rocks was enjoyed as the runners made the final hard climb! A BBQ and lots of yummy cakes were provided by Teignbridge Trotters and lots of prizes!
Tom Poland was first ORC home (28th overall, 51:18) followed by Ian Duffield (30th overall, 52:09), Joe Lane (52nd, 55:00), Claire Watkins (4th female/1st F50, 56:48), Ian Ripper (75th, 59:10) and Pearl Barnes (3rd F60, 1:18:30).
Treggy 7
The club’s incredible Ged Fitzgibbon headed down the A30 to join in this 7 mile circular route starting in Launceston Town Square and ending in the grounds of Launceston Castle. Ged, regularly breaking club records, managed a strong time of 1 hour and 4 minutes. Well done Ged!
Bridgewater 10km and half Marathon
Four speedy ORCs were at Bridgwater on Sunday. Two events were taking place; a 10km and a half marathon route. The route of the 10K uses the experience of the Half Marathon and follows the same course out until the junction with Stawell Road, where it turns around and follows the same picturesque route back to Morganian’s Rugby Club through the beautiful village of Chedzoy.
Jo Page and Claudine Benstead were taking part in the 10km event. Jo was first lady back in 41:47 and Claudine won her vet category in 42:10.
Chris Turner and Robert Kelly ran the half marathon together with Robert first back in 1 hour and 18 minutes and Chris in 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Woodbury Common 10k
Pearl Barnes as at Woodbury on Sunday for her second race of the weekend, the Woodbury Common 10km. 900ft ascent and more like 10.5km, this single-loop trail takes in some stream crossings and just a few climbs! Pearl said she finished up just before the rain started and achieved a time of 1 hour and 11 minutes. Well done Pearl!
Great North Run
Furthest to travel this weekend was Ben Wood. Ben was one of 60,000 participants taking part in the Great North Run on Sunday, running a half marathon distance from the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne to South Shields. Ben says that his watch died before finishing, any runner’s worst nightmare, but that he completed the event in 2 hours and 20 minutes. Congratulations, Ben!
ORC Parkrun Takeover
Saturday’s Simmons Park Parkrun was taken over by red and yellow vests as Team ORC were marshalling to bring attention to our upcoming Couch to 5km which starts again on September 9th. Our unique opportunity allows runners to go beyond with a 10km programme to follow. Please see our website for more information. All welcome!
