The Kullamanen
On Friday, Pete Roissetter took on the Kullamanen 100-mile ultra challenge, in very challenging conditions of the cold dark night, with a strong coastal wind and horizontal rain. Over 50% of the competitors dropped out along the course, but Pete battled through and was very pleased to finish in 31hours 10 minutes.
The Kullamanen is part of the UTMB world series with several distances, Ultra 100 miles, Sprint Ultra 100km, Seventh Seal (50k) and North Shore (22km) races. Set along the rocky shores of the Sweden’s Kullaberg, Kullamannen takes runners through the wild, fierce and beautiful peninsulas Bjäre and Kullaberg.
Roadford Lake Races
On Saturday, several ORCs took part in a variety of races at Roadford Lakes, organised by Sportiva events. All runners put in a great performance, Ed Dumpleton completing the trail 10k, Eddie Bragg and Simon O’Neill completing the trail half marathon and LJ and Maria Ward completing the 10k canicross.
A special congratulations to Ed who was competing in his first race in over 6 years. LJ was also over the moon to complete her first canicross race and stay on her feet throughout the whole run, despite slippery conditions and Gilmore being his usual crazy self. Maria also put in a very impressive performance and came in as second female.
Haldon Forest Halloween Twilight Run
On Saturday night seven ORCs braved the dark night of Haldon Forest in an attempt to finish alive and avoid being eaten by the hungry zombies. The course consisted of a 5km loop with both 5 and 10km distances on offer. There were some fantastic fancy dress costumes which added to the atmosphere of the event.
Keeley Phillips took part in the 5km Canicross event with Loki (before the zombies came back alive) and finished in 31.30.
Ruairi Duffield (33.36), Garry Wallace (35.14), Pearl Barnes (36.19) and Louise Chancellor (45.22) took part in the 5km race, running for their lives to get back to civilisation ahead of the undead!
Lou Duffield (1.14.32) was being chased down by Zombie Matt Grint (1.02.44) in the 10km race.
Many thanks to ORCs Ian Duffield and Izzi Davision for scaring the victims (previously known as marshalling) at this event.
Bideford 10 Miler
On Sunday, Several ORCS including Luke Stannus, Chris Turner and Claudine Benstead took part in the Bideford 10 Miler, organised by Bideford Amateur Athletics club. The course heads out on road and then returns on the tarka trail, taking in incredible views of the Taw and Torridge estuary.
Chris said that conditions were much better than predicted, but the headwind on the return leg was a challenge. Despite this, he still managed to set a course PB.
A special mention to Luke Stannus, who set a new club 10-mile record and ran 3rd fastest U20 Brit this year.
The Cornish Marathon
On Sunday, 4 ORCS, Jo Page, Mary Roberts, Rob Kelly and Paul Carter, took on the Cornish Marathon, Cornwall’s only all-road marathon. Starting and finishing at the Millenium Centre Pensilva, the Cornish Marathon consists of a circular out and back route, along the Draynes Valley, with a total elevation of 2200ft (the most memorable of which is the climb to Foredown at mile 24 and 25).
All ORCs put in great performances with Rob Kelly finishing as 7th overall and 4th MV45 (2:26:47), Jo Page finishing as 2nd lady and 1st FV40 (3:15:30- a new FV40 club record), Paul Carter finishing as 2nd MV60 (3:15:30) and Mary Roberts finishing in 4:43:46.
Sunday Social
Also on Sunday, 16 ORCs, led by Lois, ran a 5.5-mile trail social run around Meldon reservoir, consisting of lots of chatter, beautiful views and a nice steady pace. Unlike most of the weekend, the weather was kind, but the coffee and cake, at the Pump and pedal, was still very welcomed at the end. A thoroughly good time was had by all and there are more social runs promised in the near future.
