Total Coastal Half Marathon and Ultra
On Saturday, 3 ORC’s conquered Total Coastal, an event consisting of a choice of 3 distances (50k, half marathon and 10k), all of which end at The Ness, Shaldon. All distances follow the South West Coast Path with fantastic views and lots of ascent (7000ft for the 50k ultra, 3000ft for the half marathon and 1700ft for the 10k). The routes are multi-terrain with 75% on trails.
Deane Andrew finished the 50k event (his first ultra) in an amazing time of 7:27:35. After having some time to recover Dean said, ‘it was a great race all round and really well organised’. Lou Duffield and Matt Grint finished the half marathon together in 3:07:38. Matt described it as ‘a fantastic day out with stunning views along the whole route, made even better by the cracking weather. Some tough hills, especially near the end!’.
The Way of the Dead
Also on Saturday, Peter Roisetter took part in the Way of the Dead 50k. A east to west traverse across Dartmoor. Starting at Trenchford reservoir, heading through Lustleigh wood before reaching Grampound. There was a quick fuel stop before heading to Postbridge which is the halfway point.
Then it was out onto the open high moor to Merrivale before the long descent into Tavistock. Peter finished in 7:34hrs, describing the race as having ‘great views but hard going in places.’ He said the free beer at the end at Stannary Brewery made it all worth it!
Ruby Red Minster Challenge
Another event on Saturday was for Lucy Skye who completed the Ruby Red Minster Challenge 12k trail run. The Ruby Red Minster Challenge is organised by Ruby Red running, in association with Axe Valley Academy and offers 3 different distances, 12k, 5k and 3k. Lucy finished as 2nd lady out of a field of 88 runners in an impressive time of 1:01:35 and summarised her run in 3 words – ‘hills, hills, hills’.
Dartmoor series – Belstone Loop
On Sunday, the ORC’s turned out in force for the first of the Dartmoor summer fell series, with 14 runners completing the 12.8k Belstone Loop course. Starting near the green in Belstone, the race heads towards Cosdon, then on to Steeperton tor, followed by Oke tor and finally Belstone tor, before finishing at the gate of the village hall.
All ORC’s put in a fine effort on the day and achieved the following finishing times : Luke Stannus (1:03:53), Chris Turner (1:04:56), Tom Poland (1:06:52), Ian Duffield (1:12:27), Stewart Taylor (1:14:11), Joseph Lane (1:14:15), Bernard Stricker (1:15:46), Katie Littlejohns Riches (1:15:57), Charlie Temperley (1:20:35), Eddie Kingdom (1:20:54), Ian Ripper (1:26:50), Claire Grubb (1:26:57), Daniel Heggs (1:27:11) and Jen Spencer (1:35:38).
A special mention for Katie who came in as first female, by over 5 minutes. Well done all.
