Powderham Castle 5 & 10 mile, Vale of Glamorgan 18.5 mile, ORC New Club Sunday Social Run & JP’s Exe to Axe

Powderham Castle 5 and 10 mile

Wind and ground water added to the challenge of the multi terrain races this weekend, taking runners through the beautiful riverside gardens and farmland of the castle. Jane Richardson did the 5 miler in 1:02.

Vale of Glamorgan 18.5 mile

Lucy Gooding was yet again off on her travels to run the Vale of Glamorgan 18.5 mile event with friends. The Vale of Glamorgan Ultra and Coastal Races are the original trail races along the Vale of Glamorgan Coastline, now proudly in its 9th year. There are three distances to choose from, 32.5, 18.5 and 10 miles. Her 18.5 mile event started at Porthkerry Park in Barry and ended at Ogmore-by-sea. Runners followed the coastal path over cliffs and rolling hills. Conditions were made more difficult due to recent rain contributing to the thick mud that covered much of the route and Storm Kathleen let her presence known on the open cliff tops! She ran this race last year in much easier conditions. She was pleased she had returned and completed the race in a time of 5 hours and ten minutes.

ORC New Club Sunday Social Run

Thanks to run leader Daniel Heggs the club is now offering members an opportunity to go out as a group on Sunday mornings. 7 club members set out on the inaugural Sunday Social Run from the pavilion in the park. A bit of an uphill start from the park to the station then fairly level through the golf course to Meldon village. Hints of spring along the way and not just the water coming out of the ground! Definitely signs of bluebells in Meldon woods and some heavy breathing as we worked our way through the woods and onto the Granite Way. Simple downhill route back to the station and park. Great efforts from all who attended. This run is for members of all abilities. 

JP’s Exe to Axe

This race starts at the Foxes Hole Car Park on the Exmouth Sea Front and follows the South West Coast Path for 22 miles, finishing at the Esplanade at Seaton. This year was the 20th year of the race. Originally the distance was just over 20 miles but a land slip in June 2012 on the outskirts of Seaton has led to a detour which means the distance is now nearer 22 miles. The race, organised by Sidmouth Running Club has been renamed JP’s Exe to Axe in memory of John Perratt, founding member and long term treasurer of the club. 

This year four ORC members took on the challenge. Angus Farrelly was the first ORC home in 5.03.52 followed by mother and daughter duo Sarah and Molly Marvin in 5.13.07 and 5.13.08. Simon Partridge completed in 6.07.05