Start Fitness Exeter 10k
On a sweltering Wednesday evening, six ORCs joined a field of 290 runners at the Start Fitness Exeter 10k. This two lap course follows the footpaths around Exeter Quay and the River Exe making it flat, fast and perfect for those chasing a personal best time. Andrew reported the route includes part of the Riverside Park Run route that is uneven with loose stones in places making that section slower. There were strong performances all round with Robert Kelly first ORC home in 37.23 (1st MV45) followed neck and neck by Rory Honeychurch in 41.12 and Andrew Vernon in 41.13 (2nd MV55), Katie Littlejohns Riches in 41.43, Mark Peck in 42.10 and Andrew Thorne 54.42 (3rd MV55).
Haldon Forest Flyer
On Saturday, four ORCs braved the heat to run the Haldon Forest Flyer. This is a charity race organised by Haldon Trail Runners, with all profits going to Exeter-based cancer charity Force. Just short of 5 miles, the scenic course features forest tracks, paths and fire roads with a mighty hill right at the end. Everyone enjoyed the lovely trail route though all reported that final hill was not at all friendly in the heat! First ORC home and 8th overall was Oli Hunt in 33:23 followed by Angus Farrelly in 45:40, Peter Roisetter in 48:06 and Paul Evison in 48:57.
Dalwood Fayre 10k
On Sunday, Peter Roisetter was back racing again, this time at the Dalwood Fayre 10k. Organised by Ruby Red Running alongside the Dalwood Fayre, the course takes runners on a multi-terrain course around the beautiful local countryside. It was another very hot morning and with the race starting with a long uphill section, Peter worked out very quickly it was going to be a hard run on legs tired from the previous day’s efforts! He also took a tumble in the final kms landing “in an undignified heap on the stony trail path”. However, undeterred, he managed to get back up to finish in 1:07:53.
Love Trails Festival
Along with Jo Page, Ben Law, Jen Law and Emma Jewell, Matt Grint travelled to Wales this weekend to attend Love Trails, an annual running and music festival held on the Gower Peninsula. Alongside a range of non-competitive group runs exploring coastal trails, forests, bays, beaches and cliffside tracks, there is a varied yoga, movement and music programme. The ethos is on community and inclusivity as opposed to racing, although a choice of race from 3km up to 80km is included in each ticket.
Matt said his personal highlight was the 27km trail race to Worms Head, despite the 30 degree heat and 920m of elevation gain! Over the three days, Matt covered a total 90km on the trails and thought he would be sleeping well once he arrived home!
