The Grizzly
On Sunday 17th, five ORCs arrived at Seaton to take on “The Grizzly”. This is a challenging 20-mile race around the coast paths, beaches, woods, fields and bogs of Seaton. Not for the faint-hearted, this race brings over 3000 feet of elevation. This popular event sells out quickly and is supported by over 300 marshals, local drumming groups and bagpipes. Many competitors arrive sporting fancy dress and thousands of pounds have been donated to various charities over the years. Each member of the group commented on the sheer amount of mud they faced throughout the challenge. The challenging conditions didn’t stop Claire Watkins from achieving first position in her age category with a fantastic time of 3 hours and 19 minutes. Claire described “thigh-deep, warm mud” and the “punishing” pebble beach section. Claire said that the organisers had described this year’s conditions as “some of the worst” they’d seen; luckily, the Seaton fire brigade were on-hand to hose down competitors as they came through the finish line.
Emma Jewel and Matt Grint were late applicants to the race due to two competitors having to drop-out. Emma and Matt had taken part in the club’s Couch to 50km half marathon event the week before so did well to both finish the race in 4 hours and 46 minutes, despite Matt being unconvinced that he would be able to finish! Emma said it was a “great race, amazing atmosphere, I have never seen so much mud!” Matt described the Grizzly as “an incredible race along the beach, up the hills and through the bogs! Such as great atmosphere the whole way around.” This was Matt’s first race as an Okehampton Running Club member and he is looking forward to taking part in many more.
Sarah and Molly Marvin completed the event with a group of friends and came home in a time of 4 hours and 58 minutes. Sarah joked that Molly deserved the prize for the muddiest competitor after several slips in the mud!
English Schools Cross Country
Luke Stannus competed well in the English Schools Cross Country, continuing to make fantastic progress. Luke came 216th, representing the bottom year in the senior boys race.
