THE First Chance 10k in Exeter came close to being abandoned after heavy rain and flooding.

With high tides on the day threatening to engulf parts of the riverside course together with a dire weather forecast the organisers had a hard decision to make.

Just before the start the race director's van became stuck at the end of the course so a last minute alteration was made to the route which shortened the distance to 9.75k. This was a disappointment to many of the runners who had entered with the aim of getting a good 10k time on a fast course.

Okehampton Running Club members turned out in force including six who were taking part in their first race – Jackie Dawes, Hannah Woods, Sarah Curie, Sarah Woolacott, Marilyn Ley and Caroline Boother – who all coped well with the wet and windy conditions.

Veterans Jane Jackson, Chris Fulford-Brown and Mags Jarvis were all well placed in their age group categories.

Results: Steve Gentle 36 minutes 12 seconds, Rob Kelly 38.34, Stuart May 40.49, John Binns 44.55, Jane Jackson 45.54 (second female veteran 55), Chris Fulford-Brown 48.25 (third MV55), Anne Binns 48.42, Mags Jarvis 48.53 (fourth FV55), Sarah Haigh 49.51, Brian Welham 51.12, Jackie Dawes 55.24, Rebecca Simmons 56.15, Jess Corcoran 57.33, Hannah Woods 58.42, Sarah Currie 59.47, Sarah Woolacott 1.02.01, Marilyn Ley 1.03.55, Caroline Boother 1.04.26, Sarah Bell 1.06.34 and Claire Sprague 1.06.58.

The club is holding a new beginners' course starting on Tuesday, January 21. Registration for this is at 6.10pm.

The club continues to meet on Tuesday and Thursday at 6.15pm for a 6.30 start at Okehampton Rugby Club.