IT was an emotional day for the members of Okehampton Running Club at the Bideford half marathon on Sunday.

Still reeling from the dreadful news of the death of Marilyn Cooper on Wednesday, they had to pick themselves up and go out and run inspired by the memory of a great runner.

A tribute to Marilyn in the form of a minute’s applause by the 1,300 runners just before the start was very much appreciated, especially by her son Peter who was running in memory of his mother and by her husband Paul, a great supporter of the club. The runners also wore red ribbons as a mark of respect to a lady who loved her running.

With a record entry of 28 runners from the club, a superb performance by everyone reflected the inspiration the memory of Marilyn gave them. Eleven new personal bests were set and Katie Littlejohns achieved a new club record for senior ladies at this distance in a time of 1 hour 35 minutes 33 seconds.

It was also the first half marathon for four runners and a first race of any sort for one member.

The amazing Roger Voaden, who seems to get faster, with age was the first ORC home in a great time of 1.20.15. claiming second prize in the MV50 category.

Personal bests were set by; Mike Baker, 1.33.21; Katie Littlejohns, 1.35.33; Keri Quertier, 1.47.52; Mike Westland, 1.48.53; Chris Fullford Brown, 1.50.00; Jackie Dawes, 1.54.23; Nicola Smith, 1.59.05; Claire Stanbury, 1.59.51; Emma Dean, 1.59.50; Emma Brownhill, 2.10.38; and Janet White, 2.13.51.

It was a first half marathon for Lotte Smith, who ran 2.08.20; Lucy Brint in 2.08.51; Angela Hatton, 2.39.14; and Suzanne Gratton ran her first ever race finishing in 2.26.51.

A 3rd place in the MV team was a bonus for Jean Paul Quertier, Andrew Vernon, Jason Ewing and Mike Westland.

Peter Cooper ran a brilliant race in such difficult circumstances, finishing in 1.44.15 cheered on by the many ORC supporters who turned out to boost club morale throughout the course on such a tough day.

Other club times were; Chris Turner 1.27.14; Andrew Vernon 1.28.07; Jean Paul Quertier 1.34.29; Jason Ewing 1.42.00; Charlotte Radnor 1.48.26; Deborah Cunningham 2.04.58; Caroline Wilson 2.08.52; Claire Kelly 2.14.03; Kerry Tyler 2.26.51; Jessica Corcoran 2.27.10; Claire Sprague 2.38.10; and Sarah Bell 2.41.24.