LAST Saturday saw the second in Okehampton Running Club’s Summer Race Series — Marilyn’s Meldon Madness — take place.

Named after former member Marilyn Cooper, who sadly died two years ago, the five mile fell race starting from Meldon Reservoir dam, taking runners up to Yes Tor and on to the highest point in the south of England, High Willhayes, before a steep and difficult decent over tussock grass to Black Tor. From here it is all downhill on a path back down to the reservoir. Despite the short distance, this is still a tough race with 1,175ft of ascent and difficult terrain to negotiate, even though the continued dry weather had eliminated all the bogs.

With an afternoon start, the sun was at its hottest and by the time the runners had completed the first pull up Longstone Hill, they were already feeling the effect of the heat and the lack of any breeze.

First home for the club was Rob Hicks, taking second place behind Axe Valley’s Tim Lenton, a great supporter of the club’s races.

First lady for the club and overall first lady once again was Katie Littlejohns, retaining the Dartington Crystal bowl trophy, kindly donated by Marilyn’s husband Paul and her sons.

ORC times: Rob Hicks; 39.56, Indigo Ramsey; 47.18, Katie Littlejohns; 52.05, Graham Bryant; 54.32, Phil Read; 59.51, Abby Williams; 59.55, Karen Vallance; 59.55, Hannah Ramsey; 1.05.33, Phil Turner; 1.06.13, Angus Farrelly; 1.06.28, Christine Fritsch; 1.07.54, Ruth Bushell; 1.19.33, Janet White; 1.20.56, Danielle Fullford-Brown; 1.23.41. Marilyn’s son, Michael, also ran again this year, finishing in 54.32, an improvement of nearly three minutes on his time last year.

This is the only one of the club’s races where club members provide the refreshments and the teas and cakes were a great success.

The club expressed thanks to Waitrose for donating all the drinking cups for the event and the members for providing the much appreciated cakes.

They also would like to thank North Dartmoor Search and Rescue. The team always attend this race in case of an emergency.