It was a much quieter week for racing, but this didn’t stop members of Okehampton Running Club (ORC) getting out and about on their usual club runs. Lots of members just enjoy the companionship of group running without racing, there really is something for everyone. Fosters even found a message that had been left for them on Tuesday when they did their run from the town up to the moor!
There were also 2 of the popular moor runs last week, one being a recce, or ‘chance to trot up and down one of many routes to Cosdon Hill’ in preparation for the club hosted race on Sunday.
The Cosdon Hill Race is part of the Dartmoor Fell Race Series. It usually coincides with Belstone Fair, but this unfortunately has to be cancelled again this year.
The day dawned bright, with just some light drizzle, but by late morning it turned in to what can only be called a monsoon! Hopes for a race that was dry with any visibility at all was looking very unlikely. But, in true Dartmoor fashion, the rain did eventually stop and by the start of the race the sun had even come out.
The juniors set off first in a 2k race for the under 11’s or 3km for under 13’s. Great racing by Thomas to win the Under 11’s boys and Kelsey the Under 11 girls and to William and Neve in the Under 13’s. Any juniors over 13 were permitted to race in the adult event.
A great turnout of runners from the area took part in the main race, with Tim Lenton and Jo Meek both racing and hoping to keep their crowns. It was great to see Adam Holland in the line up ‘fresh’ from just having completed his 10 marathons in ten days challenge, well done Adam!
The runners pick their own route up and down the hill, the only stipulation being they must check in with the marshals at the top of Cosdon. There are no easy routes with bogs, gorse and long grass to contend with – many of the runners also chose to take the quicker river crossing option on the final home stretch rather than go to the bridge, even though the water was quite high after all the recent rain.
Congratulations to Samuel Kelly for coming home first in a time of 29:50, with Sam Priday the first ORC home in third place and Tim Lenton in fourth. Jo Meek retained her title as winning lady and Karen Vallance was the first ORC lady home. Well done everyone for taking part, and thanks to all the marshals and North Dartmoor Search and Rescue for their support. Full results are available here.
The next race hosted by ORC in the Summer Series is Sourton Tors Race on Wednesday 8 September.
