The Classic Quarter
On Saturday 24th May, Claire Watkins took part in The Classic Quarter. Described as “a relentless ultra marathon”, the course travels along the south Cornish coast from Lizard Point to Land’s End. First hosted in 2007, the event has grown in global reputation.
Runners are tasked to run non-stop from Lizard Point (the southernmost point of England) to the western most tip (Lands End) along the South West Coast Path. The event is called the Classic Quarter as it translates to running 90 degrees of the compass.
Following 44 miles of the mesmerising South West Coast Path there are innumerable steep climbs (2200 metres of elevation) and descents. There is also the unpredictable weather to contend with; every runner must be well prepared, both mentally and physically.
Claire says she “survived, but only just!” Claire added that the event was “pretty demoralising at times” as the relay teams were flying past on their fresh legs, whereas Claire found after running 26 miles feeling pretty good, the last 18 miles put her into “survival mode” thanks to severe foot pain. Claire explained that the long, flat tarmac section around Marazion, Penzance and Mousehole caused her foot pain and sent her deep into what’s known in the runner’s world as the “pain cave.” Claire was glad to get back onto the technical trails so that she could focus on something other than her foot pain! Claire said that the weather was perfect for running with a cooling sea breeze and a bit of Cornish mizzle at times. The atmosphere on the course was great and, given the remoteness of parts of the route, a surprising amount of support was provided to runners with plenty of cowbells. Claire said the finish was “awesome” with great crowds and plenty of cowbells. However, when asked if she would do the event again, Claire responded: “absolutely not!”
Brussels 20km
On Sunday 25th May, Emma Jewell joined over 45,000 other runners to compete in the Brussels 20km. The route winds through the streets of Brussels, past the most beautiful monuments and parks. Emma said that it was a race of all seasons with runners starting in the pouring rain and finishing with scorching sunshine. Emma said she thoroughly enjoyed it and finished in a time of 1 hour and 41 minutes.
Langstone Fell Race
A little closer to home, four ORC’s took part in the Langstone Fell Race in the Dartmoor village of Peter Tavy. Covering just under 10 kilometres with 387 meters of ascent, the course features varied terrain including steep lanes, moorland, rocky ascents such as Cox Tor and fast descents past landmarks such as Boulters Tor and Langstone Standing Stone.
The race is part of the Dartmoor Fell Series and boasts a course record of 43:56. Stewart Taylor was the first ORC home in 53:47, closely followed by Joe Lane in 54:09. Lucy Syke was home next in 58:21 with Daniel Heggs rounding up the group in 1:02:00.
Great West Run
There was a strong ORC showing at Exeter’s Great West Run on Sunday 25th May. The event offers a half marathon route and a10km distance combining roads and local footpaths around Exeter. There is always a great support out on the streets with locals coming out to cheer runners on. Thankfully the rain kept away giving runners cooler conditions.
Shaun Fryett was first ORC home. Shaun has been coming to the club’s Tuesday “Coe” sessions and working on his speed, the results of which were seen with a personal best of one hour and 28 minutes. Shaun found the University hill particularly taxing but pushed on through to achieve a great time. Katie Littlejohns-Riches was next back in one hour and 31 minutes, also achieving the 10th lady overall.
Ian Duffield was hot on her heels two minutes later; Ian has been putting the miles in recently and seems to quicker by the week. Deane Andrews was next in with a time of one hour and 48 minutes; Deane recently won the “Most Improved” ORC of the year (voted by club members) as he has been turning out some high mileage each week and taking part in events, including marathons and ultra-marathons. Deane celebrated a good day’s running, also commenting on the hills and the supportive crowds, by heading home for a BBQ and a few ciders.
The ever-smiling Matt Grint arrived two minutes later in his novelty shorts and said that he thought the route was “fantastic” with some miles to test the legs. Matt was pleased with his time of one hour and 50 minutes. Chloe Kershaw rounded the group off nicely with a time of two hours and 25 minutes. Chloe is another ORC going from strength to strength and has steadily increased her distance over the last few months.
London 2 Brighton Challenge
Pearl Barnes took part in what’s described as the “original ultra challenge”, the 100km London 2 Brighton Challenge.
Pearl has been struggling with injuries recently but showed amazing strength by completing this difficult challenge. From leafy Richmond to sunny Brighton, the route travels over the North Downs and the South Downs with some countryside in between.
The route provides 1500 metres of climb, also giving some lovely views and some great trails. Pearl was thrilled to finish with just a slightly sore hip and one blister but all in one piece overall! Pearl was the 16th overall finisher with a fantastic time of 18 hours and 2 minutes. Congratulations, Pearl.
