OKEHAMPTON Running Club had an enjoyable awards' evening at the Ashbury Manor Hotel, starting off with some 'cross training' in the form of ten pin bowling and archery. Rob Kelly and Cathy Carey presented the awards. Rob thanked the many members who give their time in so many different ways to make the club the success it is. There was a special mention for Ali Holiday who has been chairman for the past year and Andy Vallance who this time last year was learning to walk following his stroke and is now back racing, notably running the London Marathon in a time that lesser mortals 'can only dream of.' All the award winners were decided by the members themselves who nominated their choice in each category, the award going to the person with the most nominations. Awards include: Member of the year, Ali Holiday; best coach male, Gavin Punchard; best coach female, Lucy Skye; highest male achiever, Roger Voaden; highest female achiever, Marilyn Cooper; most improved male, Perry Vallance; most improved female, Charlotte Radnor; hardest trainer male, Roger Voaden; hardest trainer female, Anne Binns; best newcomer, Jacky Dawes. n THE Bideford 10k hosted by Bideford AAC was once again sold out, the fast course offering a good chance for a personal best although the strong wind blowing off the river made the homeward section fairly challenging. Okehampton Running Club fielded six members who picked up a clutch of UKA awards and a fifth ladies' team place. Stuart May was the first to finish for ORC in 41 minutes 53 seconds gaining a silver award, then came Mike Seward who knocked nearly five minutes off his Bere Pen 10k time of the week before to complete in 46.03 (fifth MV60 and gold award). First ORC lady home was Charlotte Radnor in 48.59 (bronze), followed by Marilyn Cooper 49.48 (first FV55 and gold), Jane Jones 50.29 (fourth FV50 and silver) and special mention goes to Ruth Palmer who was taking part in her first race and posted 1.09.50.