After a very quiet weekend last week there was plenty going on for the ORC’s this weekend.
Fordh Sen Mighal
Early on a cold Saturday morning Karen King and Lucy Gooding took on the “Fordh Sen Mighal” (St Michael’s Way) an ancient pilgrim’s route from the north to south coast – starting at St Ives.
From the start the route goes along the coast to Carbis Bay, then heads south, taking in undulating sections such as Trencrom which stands at almost 560ft, uphill farmlands and historic steeples. The route has over 1,800ft of elevation and most of this is in the first half!
Not forgetting the mighty hill in Ludgvan, which the competitors have to run down and then back up again, known as ‘The Pointless Hill’. Then it’s on to Marazion and the finish, running along the full length of the beach, getting wet if the tide is in, and finishing under the watchful eye of St Michael’s mount.
Karen finished the 8.3km course in 2:28 and Lucy in 2:40. Although totally worn-out Lucy said it was a great day out and she would definitely do it again!
Haldon Night Run
Saturday evening saw sole ORC Izzi Davison take on the Haldon Night Run in Grammarcombe Woods, Ashcombe. This is a 5k or 10k circuit with some fire roads and a couple of short but steep and gnarly climbs, along with some interesting technical descents.
It was a dry evening, but very cold. Lots of people were dressed up for the Christmas fancy dress theme and there was even a group of Christmas trees. The route was well planned with the arrows lit up to help the runners get round in the dark.
Izzi said it was a fun race, with the marshalls very encouraging and helpful, she finished the 10k course in a time of 1:08.
Percy Pud
On Sunday Tom Poland ran the Percy Pud 10k on his home turf of Sheffield. This event has grown in popularity from the first race in 1993 when 600 finished the race to recent years when the entry has had to be limited to 3,000. Why is it so popular? Traditionally each finisher in the race receives a Christmas pudding for their efforts!
Tom finished in a time of 39:08 which was just short of his PB. He ran with his two sisters, and they all took home a coveted Christmas pudding.
Devon County Champs XC
Also on Sunday 7 ORC’s headed to Exeter for the Devon County Champs. It was another cold, calm day with the ground sticky, but not slippery. The men’s team of Rob Kelly, Chris Turner, Andy Vallance, Paul Crease, Danny Heggs and Stuart Page did very well to come home in 3rd place. With individual placings of Paul 3rd mv50, Dave 1st mv55 and Danny 2nd in his age category.
Claudine Benstead, the sole female representing the club at the event and had a great run, coming 2nd in her category. Well done to all the ORC’s running and racing over the weekend.
