THREE more Okehampton runners took on the Dartmoor 600s Challenge earlier this month. This is a self-navigating run of approximately 19 miles to complete all five of the Dartmoor peaks over 600 metres – Cut Hill, Whitehorse, Hangingstone Hill, Yes Tor and High Willhays. For Jane Jackson and Mags Jarvis this was the first time they had attempted it, while Christine Fristch had already completed it twice, but having done the previous two in an anti-clockwise loop, this time chose to do it clockwise, leaving some of the tougher going to the later stages. Unfortunately Christine’s knee started to hurt after about six miles and got progressively worse, so most of the second half was walked, finally completing it in 5 hours 23 minutes.

Having failed to get through the general ballot for the London Marathon in April, Okehampton Running Club member Monika Richards took up the offer from the Edinburgh Marathon to give a guaranteed place to those who had been unsuccessful for London.

This was to be the first marathon for Monika and is an ideal choice with a fast flat course and plenty of support throughout the race. The day started cool and misty but cleared to sunshine during the race and despite its coastal location, the wind was not an issue.

Monika had a terrific run and was more than happy with her finishing time of 4 hours 01 minute 03 seconds.