Torrington Christmas Caper
Four ORCS turned out in morning drizzle to run the notorious Christmas Caper organised by Torrington Amateur Athletics Club, a race known for its reputation for knee deep mud and water, muddy hills and this year with added ice. The race is known for its flooded lane which runners have to wade through for quite some distance. This year the lane was full of floating broken ice which had to be moved slowly otherwise it bruised and took skin off one’s shins. Despite of a route detour to avoid sheet ice the race route was still a tough 8.5 miles long. The optional Christmas fancy dress seemed to have been rejected by ORC runners for more weather suitable running gear. This did not detract from the fun. Finish line goodies consisted of Mince Pies, a Christmas pudding and Clotted cream. Sarah Marvin was first ORC home (1hr 21) followed by John and Anne Binns (1hr. 30) and Kate Wilson (1hr 40).L to R Sarah Marvin, Anne Binns, John Binns
Fairytale of Newquay
Runners Jo Page and Karen King travelled to Newquay for this new event.
A Festive coastal half marathon which turned out to be 15.3 miles took runners along the North Coast of Cornwall starting at Harlan Bay along the coast path and finishing on Porth Beach, Newquay! This was a timed self-navigation run where you collect essential trinkets at the themed checkpoints along the way. The race was fantastically organised by Purple Gecko and the scenery was absolutely beautiful which helped take your mind off the very undulating course. The route took you right along the coast path and along the stunning beaches of Harlyn Bay, Constantine Bay, Treyamon Bay, Porthcothan, Mawgan Porth Beach around Watergate Bay and finished on Porth Beach. A race not for the faint hearted and thankfully apart from a few spots of rain at the start, the day turned out beautiful. Jo finished in a time of 2 hours 37 minutes coming in at 3rd lady and Karen came in at 3 hours 16 minutes 15 lady.
