First Chance 10k
The annual running of the South West Road Runners First Chance 10k took place on Sunday. The race is staged on open dual-use cycleways/footpaths over a ‘looped’ course, starting on the Exe valley cycleway and following these paths alongside the river Exe, finishing just before the confluence of the Exeter Canal and the River Exe. The course is on the flood plain of the river and as such is almost entirely flat and therefore fast times are possible.
Rain and wind were forecast for Race Day but thankfully the rain abated for the duration of the race and there was only a moderate breeze. This was very welcome for the eight ORC’s who took part and a chance to make a good start to their running year. First home was Claudine Benstead who always runs quickly even when not fully recovered after illness (43.07), she was followed by Claire Watkins (47.13), Neil Agnew(49.17), Andrew Thorne(52.25), Kate Wilson who produced a good time(55.24) having run a half marathon at the Tamar Trails the day before, Rachael Luxton(1.00.09), Lois Rowlands in only her second 10K scored a PB of 1.05.47 and not far behind was Victoria Evison(1.06.33).
A good set of results on the day
Walter Raleigh Round Half
The Walter Raleigh Round Half (13.6 miles) which starts and finishes at Budleigh Salterton was the venue for three ORC’s who braved the strong winds, driving rain and vast amounts of mud to visit the birthplace of Sir Walter Raleigh and the countryside where he spent time as a child.
The route included quiet back lanes, unsurfaced country roads, little known footpaths, the Otter Valley, High Peak, the Jurassic coast, a dismantled railway and not to forget a few large muddy puddles. The course was undulating and demanding with an elevation gain of over 1650ft.
Jo Page flew round to be first ORC home in 1.59 followed by Sarah Marvin in 2.15 and Lucy Gooding in 3.19. Despite the weather all three had enjoyable runs.
