Run Exe Summer 5k Series
On Tuesday 2 ORC’s headed to Exeter for the final race in the Run Exe Summer 5k series. This a great traffic free, flat 5km run that takes place on the footpaths and cycle tracks around Exwick Playing Fields and the River Exe Flood Relief. It is popular for people chasing PB’s along with novice runners.
First home was Claudine Benstead, who has been running exceptionally well, in a time of 20:24 first in her age category, and a new course record. Ged Fitzgibbon completed the course in 24:24 which was third in his age category. Ged has never raced at this distance before, and said he was a little shocked by how fast the race was, and the high standard of runners.
Over the 6 race Series ORC achieved three podium places. Times are taken from the best of 4 races to compile the Series Awards. Claudine won the F60, Paul Evison was 2nd in the M70 category and Andrew Vernon 2nd in M55 category. Congratulations to them all and well done to Claudine on her record.
Sourton Tors Race
Saturday saw 9 runners take part in the Sourton Tors Race, organised by Okehampton Runing Club and the penultimate race in this year’s Dartmoor Fell Series.
This year the race has a new route, starting from Sourton Village Hall, heading up to Sourton Tors and looping back round the valley and returning to the village hall. There are compulsory checkpoints and the route goes to the Ice Works, the trig point at Sourton Tors, then a descent to Lake Moorgate and via the pit south west of the tors.
The route is entirely off-road with most on the open moorland of Dartmoor. Just 3 miles but with 837ft of elevation. Feedback on the revised route was positive, with excellent running conditions on the day and a very fast course.
The juniors were first off with the under 11’s racing 2km. Alistair Taylor first male in 9:41 and Esme Prall first female in12:16. In the under 13’s racing 3km Arthur Lane was second male in 15:45 and Ellenor Taylor first female in 19:57.
In the main race first place, and course record went to an U19 runner, Ben Perry in an incredible time of 20:47.
Luke Stannus was the first ORC home in fifth place in a time of 22:23, followed by Sam Priday in 22:47, Tom Poland 25:58, Joe Lane 26:32, Charlie Temperley 26:37, Ian Ripper first in his age category in 29:43 and Euan Ripper 30:32. Lu Duffield was the first ORC lady in 35:57 and Sarah Dean in 46:37.
Tea and cakes were on offer afterwards in the Village Hall, which was a great success. Thanks to the cake makers and the Lane family for running this. Money raised will be split between club funds and Dartmoor Search and Rescue who support these events.
Purple Gecko Events Saints Way Challenge
Early on Saturday morning ORC’s Keeley Phillips and Lucy Gooding headed to Cornwall to take part in the Purple Gecko Events Saints Way Challenge.
This is a supported 28-mile race from Padstow in the north to Fowey in the south, with runners relying on self-navigation following the Saints Way trail. The route passes through cornfields, across Breock Downs, scrambling up Helman Tor and through the beautiful Cornish countryside with 3 checkpoints along the way.
The weather was kind to the competitors, with the rain staying away until the finish. Keeley finished in a time of 6:38:57 and Lucy in 7:21:12, she said she loved the route despite getting lost twice!
Bude Pirate Run
Not content with racing on Saturday, on Sunday Lou Duffield along with Lucinda Walsh took part in the Bude Pirate Run. This race is roughly 8 miles in and around the coast path, enjoying lovely scenery, and lots of hills, with a fun pirate theme. The race starts and finishes on Maer Down, Crooklets.
It was cool and cloudy, so great running conditions, but very wet and muddy underfoot, with all runners on their hands and knees for some of the muddy hills!
Lou Duffield’s time was 1:35:50 which included her stopping to stay with Lu after she took a tumble, grateful thanks to her. Lu was able to carry on and finished in 1:39:45. She said the pasties at the end made it all worthwhile!
Well done everyone on a packed and varied week of running. If anyone is interested in starting their running journey Couch to 5k starts on Tuesday 10 September, see our website or Facebook page for more details – all welcome.
