Run Exe 5k
This busy week started with Claudine Benstead and Kate Wilson taking part in the second of the Run Exe 5k Summer Series on Tuesday evening.
This is a great traffic free and pancake flat 5km run on footpaths and cycle tracks around the Exwick Playing Fields and the River Exe Flood Relief, suitable for people chasing PB’s along with novice runners.
Neither of them ran in the first race of the series, but both did well in this one with Claudine finishing in a time of 19:55, second in her age category and Kate 25:25 fourth in her age category.
Annual Awards Ceremony and AGM
On Wednesday evening over 40 ORC’s gathered for the annual awards ceremony and AGM. This was a very exciting evening as we had not been able to hold the awards for the past two years due to Covid. It was delightful to have so many of the club together on this occasion.
The awards are a great way to celebrate people’s achievements, ranging from the youngest members of the club right through to some of the more senior members.
Awards are presented for:
- Club Member of the Year – Hannah Susorney
- Highest Achievers – Anne Binns and Chris Turner
- Hardest Trainers – Sophie Luxton and Paul Evison
- Coaches of the Year – Michelle Luddington and Rob Hicks
- Most Improved – Karen King and Ian Ripper
- Best Newcomer – Luke Stannus
There is also the Marilyn Cooper Memorial Cup which is awarded to the female runner who has raced the most miles, this went back to Jo Page for the second time.
Copper Trail
On Saturday Jo was running again, this time in the Copper Trail, a 11.5 mile trail run from Portreath on the north coast of Cornwall across to Devoran Quay on the south coast. This way marked trail follows two historic transport routes across Cornwall first opened in 1812, helping the mines transport copper to the ports of Portreath and Devoran.
Jo had a great race in rather warm and humid conditions, finishing 2 minutes quicker than when she last did this race in 2021 in a time of 1:25. She was the first female home.
TEC Brecon Beacons Trail Challenge
Sarah and Molly Marvin travelled to the Brecon Beacons to take part in the TEC Brecon Beacons Trail Challenge 2023. A perfect race for all abilities looking to embrace nature whilst racing through one of the most picturesque parts of Wales.
Sarah and Molly took part in the Marathon distance, their first official marathon. They ran 28 miles over a maximum elevation of 1,918m, so a few peaks to climb! After summiting Pen y Fan, runners headed over the top of Cribyn and Fan y Big peaks. The views would have been spectacular if it wasn’t for the thick fog which also obscured the other runners, signage and route ahead!
It did make for an extremely atmospheric and hugely enjoyable run. Both were pleased to feel strong throughout the distance and Sarah was delighted to be awarded a prize for the first female vet home.
Bideford 10km
On Sunday six ORCs joined a field of approx 900 runners for the annual Bideford 10km race. This race takes in magnificent views of the Taw and Torridge estuary. The course heads out on the road to Instow and returns on the Tarka Trail.
The race is moderately flat with only two small inclines, so fast times are possible. As a bonus, the runners were treated to some mild, dry spring-like weather with only a light breeze across the estuary.
The first ORC home as Stephen Sincock in 39:40, then Claudine Benstead in 40:39 and Claire Watkins in 44:21, all having brilliant runs coming first in their age categories.
Andrew Thorne was next in 52:18, Richard Jones in 57:25 and Maria Ward in 58:44. Well done to all the runners.
