Run Exe 5k
On Tuesday 5 ORC’s headed to Exeter for Run Exe 5k, the 6th round of the Summer Series which bought this year’s series to a close.
The evening was very warm and still as the 147 runners lined up to run two laps around the Flood Relief at Exwick. With the four best rounds counting towards podium placings there was much at stake for the five ORC’s who had raced regularly throughout the summer.
Bringing the team home, as he had throughout the season, was Stan Wood and his time of 18:58 earned him the Green Vest for 3rd place in the U17 category.
Andrew Vernon followed closely in 19:05. Almost all of his series races this year have been in the category below the one his age dictates, making it very hard to gain a podium place. His 4th placed M50 this time round bodes very well for next year.
Also, at the wrong end of her age category, Claudine Benstead took the Red Vest for 2nd place F60 rounding off what has been an outstanding series for her.
Paul Evison, although well behind the first place man, was able to comfortably claim a series 2nd M70 in a time of 23:53. Victoria Evison had another enjoyable run finishing strongly in 32:37.
Sourton Tors Fell Race
The following evening also saw 5 ORC’s take part in the penultimate race in the Okehampton hosted Dartmoor Fell Series of races at Sourton Tors.
This is a traditional fell run of approx 2.6 miles ascending 300m to Sourton Tors and looping back round the valley. The route is entirely off-road with most on the open moor. Whilst providing a challenge is within the capabilities of most runners, however it was again a very hot evening.
The juniors started the evening with 3 categories – the under 9’s running 1k, under 11’s 2k and under 13’s 3k. There was some good running by Arthur and Jakob Lane.
In the main race, the first of the ORC’s home, and in first place overall, was Sam Priday in a time of 19:46. Joseph Lane was next, second in his age category in a time of 23:26.
Claire Watkins was the next ORC home, second female and first in her age category in a time of 26:00. She was followed by Ross Morley-Trapnell in a time of 27:38, third in his age category and Paul Evison who was running for the second evening on the trot, in a time of 32:38.
The last race in this year’s series hosted by ORC and the SW Fell Runners is the East Mill Tor Loop on Saturday 30 September.
Dartmoor in a Day
Dartmoor in a Day was the challenge for 7 ORC’s on a very, very hot Saturday, not ideal running conditions for any race let alone a 30k or 50k event.
This local race starts in Simmonds Park, passes through Postbridge and finishes in Ivybridge. Highlights along the way include the East Okement valley, Hangingstone Hill, the East Dart valley, Bellever Tor, West Dart stepping stones, Ryder’s Hill, a clapper bridge over the upper Avon river, the Dartmoor Volcano and stunning views along the Erme valley and out to sea.
The 30km challenge starts in Postbridge and follows the rest of the 50 km route from here.
Dartmoor in a Day is a challenge rather than just a race, so cut off times are generous, and runners are encouraged to take part and ‘complete’ rather than ‘compete’.
Competing in the 50k event all the ORC’s did very well with Tom Poland the first home in 11th place in a time of 6 hours 24mins, he was closely followed by Charlie Temperley in 15th place in 6:39 and Ian Ripper in 17th place in a time of 6:45.
The two ladies, Sarah and Molly Marvin finished in 7 hours 29mins 6th and 7th place females.
Angus Farrelly – who found it very challenging completed the course in 9:23 – very well done to all of them for taking part.
In the 30k Lucy Gooding said she enjoyed the river crossings, which due to the heat she sat in! She was 16th female in a time of 5 hours 44mins.
Pirate Run
Finally, on Sunday morning 3 ORC’s headed to Bude for the Pirate Run organised by Bude Rats. This is a Cornwall Multi Terrain Series race along 8ish miles of outstanding trails and coastal scenery with lots (and lots) of hills. It starts and finishes outside The Crooklets Inn.
‘Piratical’ fancy dress is encouraged for this charity event with a substantial proportion of money raised from the race given as a donation to the Bude Surf Life Saving Club.
The route is mostly off road with a wonderful mixture of coast path, fields and wooded area. The participants are advised that if it has been wet then the route will be slippery and muddy – not a problem on this occasion!
All three ladies crossed the line with smiles on their faces and were glad to be handed an unusual wooden pirate themed medal. They agreed that it was very hot running even with the welcome clouds. The free pasty was quickly consumed, and then they headed straight to the sea for an unplanned ORC team swim!
True to form the ladies did well with Jo Page 1st female in her age group in a time of 1:10:06 and Claire Watkins 1st female in her age group in a time of 1:13:08. Lucinda Walsh had a good run finishing in 1:35:24.
If you’re inspired by this and are new to running or want to get back to it, Okehampton Running Club have just started the latest Couch to 5k training. If you want to join in, you can do so now before they get too far in – see the website for more information.
