Chagford 2 Hills Race
The renowned annual Chagford Two Hills Race took place on the Spring bank holiday Monday. Now in its 47th year the race includes 1076 feet of ascent, up the hills of Meldon and Nattadon, with the notorious ‘bog’ in between. Although only 3.5 miles in distance the race is tough, testing even the most experienced of runner. A damp start did not dampen spirits of the 200 runners taking part and fortunately as the race began the sun came out. There was a big turnout of ORCs and ORC juniors and despite the very wet and muddy conditions there were some great results. Luke Stannus was overall winner for the second year in a row finishing in just 28:35 followed by Rob Hicks in 32:32 (1st MV40); Claire Watkins first female overall in 34:55; ORCJ Arthur Hicks in 35:51; Ian Ripper in 37:24 (1st MV60); ORCJ Jacob Lane in 38:32 (1st U11) running with his dad Joe Lane finishing in 38:34; ORCJ Laurence Hicks in 41:37; ORCJ Stanley Hicks in 42:42; Robert Richards in 43:35 (1st MV50), and Kate Wilson in 49:13. As always it was a great day out!
Stockholm Marathon
The adidas Stockholm Marathon takes you through the streets of a beautiful capital built on 14 islands. The course offers spectacular views on a unique city with varied scenery, including nature and an impeccably preserved medieval city centre. Finishing in the 1012 Olympic Stadium, the home of 83 officially recognised world records in athletics.
Jo Page was sole ORC member to partake in this event running the course for enjoyment rather than a fast time due to the high heat on the day. It was 8 degrees above average making running in 27 degrees pretty uncomfortable. She completed the course in 3 hrs 44.36
The Oke Croak
One of Okehampton Running Clubs own fell series races this years race was under the new leadership of race director Tom Poland. Tom ensured the race went like clockwork and all 35 runners returned safely and enjoyed the course. The race takes runners on a tour of the northern moor. 10+ miles and 2000ft of elevation is a challenge to any runner. This route takes you from Okehampton to Oke Tor and on to Yes Tor before dropping back down to Okehampton. The route allows runners to choose their own routes but the straightest line may not be the fastest. There are a number of compulsory checkpoints at which runners have to give their number to the marshals. Self navigation is essential and thankfully no runners got lost this year. Thanks go to Dartmoor Search and Rescue who make themselves available should they be required. The ORC results as follows:-
- Chris Turner 3rd 1.22.14
- Joseph Lane 5th 1.34.04
- Rob Hicks 9th 1.37.00
- Stuart Taylor 13th 1.42.51
- Claire Watkins 1st Female and 15th overall
- Bernard Stricker 16th 1.44.36
- Ian Ripper 17th 1.53.53
- Lou Duffield 23rd 2.20.09
Firefighters Charity 10K
Family trio Karen, Paul and son Ollie King took part in a charity 10k. This was not a race and was not timed. The family are indebted to the Firefighters benevolent charity after Karen received extensive Physiotherapy after a leg fracture which got her not only back on her feet but back running.
Dartmoor Prison Break
This endurance race, whereby entrants determine their own route from HMP Dartmoor with the aim of getting the furthest away as the crow flies in a given time. Organisers use the fantastic prison setting for their start. The event is professionally organised by charities Dartmoor Search and Rescue and Rescue Team Plymouth who benefit from the proceeds raised. There are 3 categories, a 6 hour ‘Absconder’, a 12 hour ‘Delinquent’ and a 24 hour ‘Felon’. Charlie Temperley took on the 12 hour Delinquent challenge and ran 81.6 Kilometres, approximately 50 miles.
Burrator 10K
It was perfect weather for 3 ORCs that ran Burrator 10k. 1st senior home was Oli Hunt in 41.44 followed by Lucy Wyman in 51.41 (second Vet 50) and Lucinda Walsh, 52.58. Its fast, flat route makes it an excellent PB course. This beautiful race won a Racecheck Silver award in 2023. Despite the limited parking which keeps entrant numbers limited we had good representation at this event.
