Montane Summer Spine Race
Club members were busy dot-watching as our intrepid explorer Claire Grubb took part in this year’s Montane Spine Race. Claire said: “After years of following the Montane Spine Race, both winter and summer editions, I finally decided to enter last year because life is for living.
The Summer Spine is a 268-mile, self-supported race along the Pennine Way, with just five aid stations along the route. Competitors must navigate independently and manage their own sleep, nutrition, foot care, and overall wellbeing throughout the event.
After more than a year of preparation, I felt ready, both physically and mentally, to take on this challenge. The race was going extremely well: I was lying in 3rd place in the women’s field and had completed over two-thirds of the course when a medical issue that I had been trying to manage became more serious. At 195 miles and 72 hours into the race, the medical team made the decision to withdraw me from the event.
This was heartbreaking, as I still felt strong in my legs and my feet were holding up remarkably well. However, due to the remote nature of the race and the fact that the next aid station was approximately 40 miles away, the risks were considered too great to continue.
My time on the Pennine Way was an incredible journey. The stunning views, relentless climbs, challenging bogs, and ever-changing weather all added to the adventure and made the experience unforgettable.
I’m not yet sure whether I will return to take on the challenge again. For now, I’m taking some time to recover, both physically and mentally, and to reflect on what was still a hugely rewarding experience.”
Claire didn’t get the result she wanted, but the club is incredibly proud of her.
Exmoor Perambulation 50km
Pearl Barnes has been off to Exmoor this week for a 50km, a little different to her usual 10km/half marathon distances that she is known for.
Pearl said: “The hardest thing I have ever done! Exmoor has had unrelenting rain for the last three weeks so the route was totally saturated. The entire route is ‘off piste’ as it circumnavigates the ancient forest. There were multiple river crossings and much bog hopping. I almost quit at the half way stage, I was finding it so tough and slow. The hills were incredibly steep and rivers deep. I finished. But there was no running for me. It was just too difficult terrain. I’m in awe of the handful of the people who did run it – I have no idea how!”
Summer Solstice Fell Race
A large group of ORC’s competed in the Summer Solstice Fell Race, starting at Merrivale.
In typical Dartmoor fashion, the weather was not particularly summery! Luckily, our hardy bunch are used to challenging weathers and tackled the route with enthusiasm.
The route was changed due to the lack of visibility to an out and back course, taking in Great Staple Tor, Roos Tor and White Tor. Special mention to Rory Grubb who was the first under 10 boy back.
Burrator Horseshoe
The team secured the team prize at the Burrator Horseshoe, a 6-mile moorland run from Meavy out over Dartmoor via Burrator Reservoir, Sheepstor Dam, Sheepstor summit, Gutter Tor summit and Ringmoor Down.
This year there was a shorter course on offer too, The Sheepstor Challenge (four miles). The hot and humid conditions made it a tough course but the team had a great time.
Emma Brock was the first lady in her age category back (58:36) said: “It was a lush day; I’d highly recommend that one to everyone.” Other achievements as follows: Paul Trace: 58:37, Joe Lane: 52:51, Tom Poland: 52:25, Claire Watkins 1:03, Ian Ripper 1:03, Garry Wallace 1:20, Jacob Lane 11:22 (Under 12s), Alistair Taylor 14:47 (Under 14s).
Through the Night 6am-6pm ORC edition
This weekend was supposed to be the Dartmoor Rescue ‘Through the Night’ run to raise money for the charity.
Unfortunately, the event had to be cancelled, but Ian Duffield and Deane Andrews decided to organise their own informal social event to raise money for the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue team.
Joined by a number of the club for a few laps, Ian and Deane ran four mile loops with the aim of starting a new loop on the hour every hour between 6pm and 6am starting from Belstone Green.
The boys ran a total of almost 50 miles and raised a nice amount of money for the mountain rescue. This is a demonstration of the club’s spirit and we’re proud of the lads for their ingenuity.
Siblyback 4.8km
Keeley Phillips and Ruairi Duffield were down at Siblyback Lake this weekend.
Ruairi came 10th overall in the main one-lap race after chasing Keeley around the course coming in 22.26, then he ended up running a second lap to help the sweepers.
Keeley was the first lady back in 22.19, despite having been a bit unsure how her ankle would hold up. Ruairi’s support obviously did the job!
Junior English Fell Run Championship
Held in Edale Peak District, Devon Under 16’s sadly didn’t come away with any prizes, but Ollie King enjoyed himself and ran really well.
