Dartmoor Winter Pairs
Ian Ripper described the 2nd Dartmoor Winter Pairs Race as “beautiful, if cold” and added that the race format was “fun” with pairs going out in a staggered start.
The Dartmoor Winter Pairs Race is one of the South West Fell Runners’ longer courses at 21km with over 715 metres of climb (before deviations!). The route is approximate as there will also be specific markers and a halfway marshal. A gentle start close to Bellever tor, runners turn north via Powder Mills to Longford tor, across the valley to Beardown Tors then north to Routh tor. Runners then take a North-East traverse to East Dart Waterfalls then off to Sittaford Tor, White Ridge, Stannon and Hartland tors before a welcome rest at the pub. At each point, runners hunt about for the hole punch to perforate their cards and navigate to the next point.
The event raises money for Dartmoor Search and Rescue and the pub kindly donated a few deserved beers for the runners.
It was Ian’s first time taking part in a proper navigation run and said it was a “lot of fun. You can see people choosing different routes and getting it right or wrong.”
There was a good showing of ORCs at the event. Chris Turner and Paul Crease came second in the event overall with a finish time of 1 hour and 41 minutes. Joe Lane teamed up with Tavistock runner Rob Jinman to come in at a time of 1 hour and 54 minutes, as did Tom Poland and Robert Kelly. Eddie Kingdom was next home teaming up with Paul Cross in 2 hours and 6 minutes, rounded up by Ian Ripper and Bernard Stricker in 2 hours and 25 minutes.
Couch to 50km Half Marathon
Sunday 16th saw the half marathon event take place as part of Head Coach Robert Richards’ Couch to 50km scheme. The scheme is designed by Robert to help encourage and motivate runners to achieve increased distances beyond the 5km distance. Many club runners taking part last year managed to successfully achieve the 10km, half marathon, marathon and 50km distance, supported by Robert and others in the club.
Sunday’s event saw Lorna Critchlow achieve her first ever half-marathon. A total of 15 ORCs, including Lorna, met up at the Pavilion in Okehampton and made their way up to the Army Camp. The route continued over Black Down before dropping down to Meldon Quarry. Runners took a scenic journey around Meldon Reservoir before climbing up and around Sourton Tor. The route returns past Prewley Moor, Meldon village, through the bluebell forest and across the golf course to finish back at the Pavilion.
The day was made even better by the glorious sunshine and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Some of the runners will now begin marathon training in preparation for the next big event!
Bath Half
Also enjoying the fine weather and a half marathon distance were Garry Wallace and Mary Roberts. Mary and Garry travelled over to Bath for one of the UK’s “most prestigious half marathons” which also happens to be the largest charity fundraising event in South-West England. Since 2000, more than £30 million has been raised for charity at the Bath Half.
More than 12,000 runners took to the streets for the city’s largest sporting event, setting off at 10.30am from Royal Victoria Park. The two lap route heads west along the north of the River Avon, taking runners along the south side and looping back towards the city at Great Pulteney Street. Runners then run back past Royal Victoria Park for the second lap before finishing on Royal Avenue, just past the Royal Crescent.
Garry completed the event in a time of 2 hours and 5 minutes, maintaining a steady pace throughout and said he was “very pleased” with his success. Mary wasn’t too far behind completing in a time of 2 hours and 13 minutes.
Well done to you both.
