ROAD races of 10 and 20 miles are few and far between, so the chance to run either distance right on their doorstep was too good for over 20 members of Okehampton Running Club to miss.

They were among more than 150 runners taking part in the inaugural Granite Way Run organised by Exeter City CF Football in the Community.

There were many more ORC members and their families out on the day —along the route, supporting their club-mates, acting as marshals, helping with car parking and manning the water station.

ORC took first and third places in the 20 miler. Andy Vallance ran strongly to win the race in a fast time of 2.01.56, nearly five minutes ahead of his nearest rival and Roger Voaden took third place in 2.08.55. Most of the ORCs taking part in the 20 mile race were using the race as part of their preparation for upcoming spring marathons including the London Marathon.

In the 10 miler Mike Baker was the first home for ORC with Charlotte Radnor leading the ladies. Several members were attempting the distance for the first time and Chris Fulford-Brown set a new club record for MV60 as well as achieving a UKA gold award.

ORC times: 20 miles, Andy Vallance, 1, 2.01.56; Roger Voaden, 3, 2.08.55; Stuart May 2.27.13, Jean-Paul Quertier 2.34.54, Katie Littlejohns 2.43.53, Jason Ewing 2.57.57, Abby Metherell 3.09.22, Keri Quertier 3.09.22, Karen Vallance 3.09.23

10 miles: Mike Baker 1.16.09, Charlotte Radnor 1.18.05, Chris Fulford-Brown 1.21.10, Jackie Dawes 1.29.19, Melanie Priday 1.32.04, Andy Collyer 1.34.30, Heidi Wills, Becca Simmons, Claire Stanbury 1.35, Janet White 1.39.38, Sarah Bell 2.00.32.

Meanwhile Matt Bailey was running his first race in the ORC colours at the Falmouth Half Marathon completing in 1.29.44.