It was a much quieter weekend than last with just 3 main events happening for the ORC’s – apart from the myriad of Parkruns that were attended.
Bristol Backyard Ultra
On Saturday Deane Andrew took part in the sold-out Bristol Backyard, which is not a typical ultramarathon. It is a simple, relentless test of patience, pacing, and mental resolve, set within the historic parkland and woodland trails of Blaise Castle Estate in Bristol.
On the hour, every hour you try and complete a 6.7km loop of the estate combining woodland paths, babbling brooks and open parkland. Elevation varies between long flat sections, gentle climbs and descents, oh, and one killer hill to crush you on your way up to the castle.
Deane completed and impressive14 loops (91km); however, he was eliminated as he was 2 minutes late for lap 15.
He said it was a really tough run with the final elevation at 6,775ft and a great day despite the awful weather, which made every step a nightmare on the trails!
EORRC Up and Down Trial/Senior Inter-Counties Mountain Race
After her London Marathon triumph last week Jo Page was on the go again, with Claire Grubb representing Devon on Sunday at Sedbergh in the Howgill Fells in Cumbria.
The Up-&-Down Trial is a tough14.5km course with 980m ascent/descent for the European Off- Road Running Championships.
The rain held off, but it was very windy on the high points and although on tired legs they both did well to finish in 53rd and 61st place respectively.
Runaway Train
In his first race as a member of ORC Alan Stewart happened to be back at his old club on Sunday for the Runaway Train trail race in Shepton Mallet.
The Runaway Train celebrates the Windsor Hill railway path, with a rugged trail race and a feast in Shepton Mallet marketplace. It was very well supported with various bands and musicians along the route.
There is a 3 mile, 6 mile and 8.5 mile option. Alan took part in the 6-mile route. He said it was a great race, perfect running conditions, but brutal uphill’s to start and all downhill to the finish. In a time of 55.55 he came 9th overall and 1st in his age category which both shocked and delighted him – welcome to ORC Alan!
Worcester Woods Parkrun
Mags Jarvis ran her first event for nearly 3 weeks due to illness and it was her first time at Worcester Woods Parkrun, near her daughter’s home.
She enjoyed the course which was mainly on woodland paths. There were 568 participants, so it was very busy especially in the first half mile. She was very pleased with her age grading of 74.33% in a time of 30:27.
