AN off-piste jogging group has been set up in Okehampton — and is looking for new members. On Sunday April 15, the group ran along the edge of the moor from Father Ford, then through woodland down to the Okement River by the castle. They then jogged up to and around the castle to complete their route. The youngest member of the group was nine-year old Emily Vandendorpe, while the oldest was 58. Tony Rudall set up the group. 'The whole idea is to get people out and exercising who wouldn't normally think of jogging to the post box,' he said. 'Most people's idea of cross-country running is one of absolute horror — being forced to run further than they want to, over long distances. 'This is all about making exercise more fun. Running in the countryside, when you can take your time over it, is just great.' The Okehampton off-piste jogging group was inspired by the weekly runs that Tony organised while living in the Costa del Sol. There, he set up a jogging group whose regular route took them along a beach, through a river — wading waist-deep at times — up a castle motte, and on a traverse around the castle walls, hanging from window sills. Tony said: 'Okehampton has a splendid castle and wonderful paths for off -piste jogging so I started the Okey version — the Castle Challenge — a few weeks ago for kids from the college and anyone else who enjoys jogging outdoors.' The group began with just two members besides Tony, but is now nine-strong. Those who complete Tony's extreme routes are awarded a certificate and a 'bronze award' — or a 'silver award' if they complete it within a certain time limit. Everyone completed the last Sunday route. 'We're a friendly group and the routes are broken up into stages. At the end of each stage we all meet up so that no-one gets left behind,' Tony said. 'People can sprint sections of the route or walk them — it's up to them. A lot of people had to walk on the stretch up to the castle.' Tony is planning to offer off-piste routes every few weeks, with no obligation to take part every time. He is keen to encourage new members: 'I had a group of nearly 40 doing these runs in Spain,' he said. 'All ages and fitness levels are welcome.' Anybody interested in joining the group should call Tony on 01409 221848.
