IN the space of just two weeks, Okehampton Running Club has had representatives at no less than three city marathons, the latest being the Milton Keynes Marathon, where Claire Kelly took part during bank holiday weekend.

Two weeks ago she was watching while husband Rob ran in the London Marathon. This time it was Rob in the supporting role. The sun shone down and temperatures soared, a complete contrast to last year's race which took place in torrential rain and wind. Rob said many runners looked 'ruined' by mile six but not Claire. Having trained hard through the winter months in rain and freezing cold she coped admirably with the heat to complete the 26.2 miles in a time of 4.37.36.

The previous day, in sunny but cooler conditions, Detlef Schoenfield and Lucy Skye ran in the inaugural Hartland Hartbreaker starting from the picturesque Hartland Abbey in North Devon. With a choice of 8.7 or 17 miles this was a beautiful route with plenty of steep cliff climbs, sea views and bluebell lined woodland. Lucy and Detlef chose the shorter option finishing one after the other in 15th and 16th place – Detlef 1.24.58 and Lucy 1.25.31. Lucy was the fifth lady home – an excellent result for ORC.

With good feedback all round, the hosts, North Devon Road Runners, have already set a date for next year's race with Lucy and Detlef intending to run the 17 mile route in 2014!