Winding Paths 10km Trail Race
On New Years Eve four ORC’s ended 2024 by joining Winding Paths for its 10km trail event. The event started on Sidmouth seafront, heading up towards the South West Coast Path trail and then inland for a loop around Mutters Moor and nearby woodland trails before beginning the descent to finish in Connaught Gardens.
Given the weather forecast had suggested high winds, runners were lucky to enjoy some good weather – even some sunshine – and just a little light shower at the beginning of the event. The beginning of the route provided hills and mud but stunning sea views.
Claire Watkins was the first ORC home in a time of 49 minutes and 10 seconds. Claire also achieved First in the V50 category.
Paul Evison achieved a sub-1 hour time of 59 minutes and 48 seconds, thanks to his speedy start! Pearl Barnes came in soon after in 1 hour and 6 minutes with Lucy Gooding enjoying a more leisurely race finishing up in 1 hour and 19 minutes.
Finishers were greeted by cheering spectators and received a beautifully designed bespoke medal.
Walter Raleigh Half Marathon
Mother and daughter duo Sarah and Molly Marvin shook off any post Christmas malaise to run the Walter Raleigh half marathon on Sunday in very cold and windy conditions. They had a great time and loved the views along the coast path. They ran together and finished in 2:28. The Walter Raleigh Round Half Marathon visits the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child. The route includes, quiet back lanes, unsurfaced county roads, little known footpaths, the Otter valley, High Peak, the Jurassic Coast and a dismantled railway. The race started and finished in the coastal town of Budleigh Salterton (the route was clocked as 13.6 miles).
First Chance 10k
Organised by South West Road Runners this race is a popular choice for many with a field of over 750 runners. It is a flat and fast course making it excellent for anyone trying for a personal best 10k. Starting and ending at Haven Banks the course is narrow and windy at times as it winds its way in a loop down and back along the river Exe.
Five ORC’s braved the cold, results are as follows:-
Claudine Benstead 1st female V65 41.49
Mark Peck 42.13
Paul Evison came 1st in the V70 category in 49.38
Mike Westland in 56.48 and Andrew Thorne 57.33.
