Exeter 5K Summer Series
On Tuesday evening, the first of the six race 5K Summer Series took place at Exwick playing fields in Exeter. Windy conditions were never going to help achieve fast times, but two ORCs were up for the challenge. Andrew Vernon finished 2nd MV55 in a time of 19.15 and Paul Evison was 2nd MV70 in a time of 23.26. Great running both of you!
Winding Paths Total Coastal Trails
On Saturday, Winding Paths were back with their series of Total Coastal Trails on the SW Coast Path. Runners have a choice of three distances from a 50km Ultra, a half marathon and new for this year, a 10km route. Lois Rowlands opted to run the 10km which she said was a stunning out and back route between Shaldon and Maidencombe with some challenging hills and steps to test your thighs (approx 1800ft of ascent in total). Lois commented that whilst it was not a route for a PB, it was very enjoyable with its small field of runners and she was pleased to finish in 1.55.17. Well done Lois!
Beltane Brightfire Trails
On Saturday, OuterEdge Events were back with two brand new trail routes at Fingle Bridge with stunning views across the picturesque River Teign valley. With a late afternoon start, the Beltane Brightfire Trail races offer runners a choice of a 10km or a 17km route each with a serious amount of ascent! In his first race as an ORC, Simon Partridge thoroughly enjoyed the wooded trails of the 17km route and said what a great training session it was for practising your ascents and descents as you go up and down both sides of the valley and then again at Fingle Bridge. He was pleased to finish in 2.09.27 and commented that he will definitely be back next year. Well done Simon!
The Green Lantern
Perhaps named so as this race was previously run at night, The Green Lantern by Wild Running follows the Green Circle walking route through and around Exeter. One of the more varied race courses, the 14 plus mile green route takes in streets, parks, lanes and pathways with all manner of surfaces, from tarmac to grass and gravel to mud. With a drier week, thankfully all of the water was gone from the low lying portions.
A good field of runners lined up at the quayside for the green route (there are also two shorter options). Paul Evison was amongst their number alongside Rob Richards who was sweeping. The course was very well marked; in addition to the council’s own signs, the way was marked with degradable paint. Even so runners still had to be ‘on the ball’ so as not to take a wrong turn. Last time he ran it, along with others, Paul did well over 15miles through not being alert. There were no such problems this year and the weather was extremely kind. Handily the route passes Paul’s house and at this point he took advantage of a seat and a chance to refill his water bottle. Additionally to the amusement of other runners, he was attacked with a bottle of sunscreen! Official times are pending but Paul’s finishing time by his watch was 2hrs 46mins. Great running Paul!
TCS London Marathon
Since its first running in 1981, the London Marathon has become one of the most popular marathons in the world known for its festival atmosphere and legendary crowd support. With the runners starting off in waves on Sunday morning from Greenwich Park, the route takes in many of London’s best landmarks. This year in perfect sunny but cool running conditions, approx 50,000 runners took part including five ORCs. They all ran brilliantly enjoying the amazing crowd support with Chris Turner running his first London marathon and first ORC home in 2.56.44; Jo Page in 3.19.17 (running her fastest marathon for five years and setting a new club FV35 record); Ian Ripper in 3.40.34 (running over half an hour faster than his last marathon over 20 years ago); Anne Binns in 3.54.34 (despite an interrupted training build up, still achieving a sub-4 hour marathon) and Vicky Bond had a great run in her very first marathon finishing in 4.57.55. Congratulations to you all.
