OKEHAMPTON Running Club was well represented at the Tavy 13 Half Marathon on Sunday with 18 members taking part.

This hilly course is not renowned for fast times but this year the runners also had gale force winds to contend with although the predicted heavy rain held off. Some good results were still recorded however especially by Andrew Vallance who put in a strong run to come third in 1 hour 21 minutes 55 seconds. Roger Voaden, who is in the last two weeks of his training for the London Marathon, also ran an impressive race to come fifth in 1.25.21 and claim the first MV50 prize. Not far behind was his training partner and fellow London entrant Paul Carter, who came 12th in 1.29.03 taking second MV50. These three, together with Andrew Vernon, who also finished well in 1.31.07, took the first male team prize. Mark Hawkins, running his first half marathon after only taking up running three months ago, ran well and was pleased to finish in 1.52.33. The ladies put in a great performance too, with Karen Vallance, Jayne Peachey and Abby Metherall running together and finishing in 2.03.37 to be second female team.

Other ORC times were; Jo Camies; 2.05.49, Cathy Carey; 2.05.49, Caroline Wilson; 2.10.18, Nicola Smith; 2.11.50, Heidi Wills; 2.12.48, Tracey Mills; 2.13.07, Rebecca Ewing; 2.14.54, Emma Dean; 2.14.54, Katy Speak; 2.20.33, Carole Cornwall; 2.20.33.

In total contrast the fast flat Manchester Marathon course was the venue for two other ORCs on Sunday. Stuart May and Matt Pitson both had excellent runs there with Matt finishing in a very impressive time of 2.53.10. Stuart May, having only just shaken off a cold in time to run at all, was pleased to run a new personal best in 3.28.48.