SARAH Chammings, Liz Harris, Janet White, Carole Whiteley, Caroline Boother and Sarah Yendell have successfully completed an eight week beginners' course organised by the Okehampton Running Club.

ORC coaches Rachael Voaden and Katy Speak helped them build up their fitness from the first week when they spent the session alternating running with walking until they could all run continuously for 25 minutes at a speed of ten to 12 minute miles — both uphill and down – there not being much choice about gradient in Okehampton! They are now running regularly with the Club on training nights.

Meanwhile Chris Aylen set himself another tough challenge. He completed the Chester Marathon and just three weeks later travelled to Ireland to complete a further 26.2 miles at the Dublin Marathon. Earlier in the year Chris ran a 14 mile fell run, swam a one mile lake swim and cycled a 100k race – all in a week!

Nearer home, the Tavy 7 hosted by Tavistock Athletic Club, saw seven ORC members among the field of 331 with Ben Bowler first to finish for ORC in 50.57. Steve Gentle was hot on his heels in 51.21, Jo-Anne Fletcher and Karen Vallance finished together in 55.50, Jane Jones was third FV50 in 57.01, Wendy Abbott 1.09.06 and Karen Collins 1.21.22.