ORC was well represented the Ruby Run again this year, with 20 members tackling the undulating course with an uphill start and finish. Congratulations to Andrew Vallance who, after achieving several podium finishes on this course over the last 13 years was finally on the top podium!
After continual rain all day in Bude, thankfully the clouds cleared and the Bude Lifeboat Run took place on a beautiful, sunny evening. There was a smaller contingent of ORCs taking part than in some previous years (quite possibly due to the weather and large turn out at the Ruby Run the previous Sunday!), but they all enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and lovely scenery that makes this race one that runners return to year after year. The multi terrain course takes the runners out of Bude along the canal towpath and marshes on tarmac paths before crossing the canal and running up through the fields of Whalesborough Farm. At the top of the climb, and at the furthest point from home, they have a wonderful view over Widemouth Bay, before heading downhill back to the farm and along the towpath to the finish on the rugby field. Debbie Marsden was the first ORC home, to be fourth lady and winner of the FV35-39 age group. Jo-Anne Fletcher put in a great run giving her third place in her age category FV40-44, while Charlotte Radnor and Mervyn Rice had a race for the line with Charlotte just pipping Mervyn by one second! Anne Binns, with the Ruby Run still in her legs, also finished strongly. Jane Jackson also had tired legs after running the Yeovil marathon on the Sunday, but completed, winning the FV60-64 group in the process. Carole Cornwall ran well with Janet White not that far behind taking third place in the FV65 plus category.
The following Saturday the Burrator Horseshoe was held as part of the Meavy Oak Fair with three ORCs taking part in this scenic, challenging moorland run. Starting and finishing on Meavy village Green, the runners take in the summits of Sheepstor and Guttor Tor before returning via Ringmoor Down and Meavy River Ford. Rob Hicks finished in an impressive time to come third overall. Paul Crease wasn’t hanging about either and was not too far behind in fifth position.
Many thanks to Jane and Anne for the run reports
