THE 'new' Okehampton running club (ORC) continues to go from strength to strength. Since its establishment in March of this year it already boasts roughly 65 members, many of who are competing regularly in local races.
Eight Okehampton running club members took part in the Six Moor Miles off-road race based in Yelverton. Despite the wet and windy conditions there were more than 400 runners.
The first club member to finish was Andy Vallance in 40 minutes and 49 seconds and was placed seventh in the race overall.
Roger Voaden was the third veteran over 40, coming home in 40mins 59secs. Also representing the club were Paul Crease (42mins 54secs), Paul Bartlett (45mins 06secs), Rachel Short (52mins 25secs), Louise Tomlin (1hour 03mins 29secs), Lita Vallance (1hr 08mins 49secs) and Rachel Baker (1hr 10mins 09secs).
On Saturday five of the club's members took on the challenging course of the Great West Fell race.
The 5.2mile race started at Meldon Reservoir and saw runners tackle Yes Tor, High Willhays and Black Tor and climb 1360ft.
The race winner was ORC's Andy Vallance in 38mins 54secs. Other club members included Paul Crease (42mins 07secs) fourth position overall and first senior male; Mervyn Rice (48mins 34secs), Jean-Paul Quertier (50mins 22secs) and Kirstin Phippard (51mins 16secs) third female finisher.
Sunday was also a busy day for the runner's who travelled to Cornwall to compete in the Indian Queen's half marathon.
This flat and fast course meant ORC members achieved some excellent times: Roger Voaden 1.22.06, Andy Vallance 1.25.00, Jane Jackson 1.49.16 and Lita Vallance 2.19.21.
• The club meets every Thursday evening at 6.30pm from the squash courts in Okehampton and welcomes anyone interested in running for fun, fitness or more seriously.
The three different ability groups are lead by trained coaches for more information visit the club's website okehamptonrunningclub.com or come along and join in!