Fairytale of Newquay
On Saturday, in glorious winter sunshine, 21 ORC’s were on the start lines of Purple Gecko’s festive North Cornwall Fairytale of Newquay coastal races.
Based on Porth Beach, there were three distances on offer: an 8mile Pisky, a 15mile Long Half and a 30mile Ultramarathon with Canicross races alongside so dogs could run too. Runners (and dogs!) are encouraged to get into the Christmas spirit by dressing up and there was some suitably festive attire with some ORC’s going all out including Santa hats, reindeer onesies, waistcoats, shirts, ties plus the odd ORC vest!
Santa Claus himself started the Ultra runners off at 8am, heading out from Porth Beach to Harlyn before making their turn and running all the way back. Ian Duffield was first ORC home in 5hr 04 followed by Tom Poland (5hr 32); Sarah Marvin (6hr 10); Deane Andrew and Izzi Davison (seconds apart in 6hr 21); Eddie Bragg (6hr 24); Matt Grint (6hr 29); Emma Jewell (running her first ultra in 6hr 48) and Lou Duffield (7hr 48).
Keeley Phillips and Loki then ran the 8mile Pisky Canicross finishing strongly in first place setting the course record and earning them a lovely glass trophy.
Setting out at 10am after a bus ride to Harlyn, the Long Half runners ran back to Porth Beach passing the Ultra runners along their way. Claire Watkins was first ORC home in 2hr 25 and 1st FV50 followed by Eddie Kingdom (2hr 29); Ian Ripper (2hr 34 and 1st MV60); Angus Farrelly (2hr 50); Claire Thompson (2hr 57); Mary Roberts (3hr 03); Pearl Barnes and Lu Walsh (seconds apart in 3hr 25); Lucy Gooding (3hr 38) and Chris Fulford-Brown and Kathryn Volkelt-Igoe (together in 3hr 57 with Chris 1st MV70).
The lovely weather with beautiful sea views made the day an absolute pleasure though undulating terrain; muddy and wet underfoot conditions; some energy sapping sandy beach crossings, and lots of big steps made for some tough running. All agreed it was a great event made all the more special with so many ORCs out racing. Thanks also to Keeley Phillips, Carole Loader and Lorna Critchlow for volunteering at the event.
Extremely Jolly 10k
On Sunday, Pearl Barnes was out for some more festive running fun, this time alongside Pete Roissetter at the Extremely Jolly 10k.
Held in the private grounds of the Escot Estate, this is Jolly Running’s equivalent of a Christmas Cracker as it contains lots of surprises including copious amounts of muddy trails and fields, deep puddles and a fun water/mud slide!
Despite feeling tired from her efforts the day before Pearl enjoyed every minute as did Pete (results pending).
