THE Okehampton?Running Club ORCs have been busy over the last few days.

There were three ORCs running at the Chudleigh Carnival Road Race. Roger Voaden, Paul Carter and John Binns took part in the race, which takes place each year during the Chudleigh Carnival week.

It follows a challenging and hilly six mile course where the runners do a loop in the town before taking on a mile long climb to the Chudleigh ridge. After completing the ridge, the route drops back to the town for a sprint finish along the main street.

Roger Voaden was the first ORC home in 35.12 to be 2nd MV50, followed by Paul Carter in 35.54 for 3rd MV50 and John Binns finished in 42.24.

Saturday evening saw the running of the very popular and well-established moorland race, the Haytor Heller. This tough six mile off roader is run over rugged open moorland, with steep ascents and descents, and starts below Haytor Rock, following a hilly, single lap course before returning again to Haytor Rock for a fast descent to the finish in the car park.

Okehampton’s Rob Hicks has completed this race several times and was the first ORC home in 46.50 to come 13th overall in a very competitive field of runners. Paul Crease is also a regular competitor here and was next ORC in, finishing in 48.28 and coming 18th overall.

Christine Fritsch was the first ORC lady home in 1.12.46, followed by Katy Speak in 1.21.45 and Carole Cornwall in 1.22.21.