OKEHAMPTON?Running Club enjoyed a gruelling marathon on Sunday organised by the North Devon Hospice. The North Devon AONB Marathon and Half Marathon, organised by and in aid of the hospice, sees a gruelling total ascent of 3,891 feet along coastal paths and inland trails starting from Woolacombe for the full marathon. After the first 13 miles the hills are relentless, each one steeper than the last, before the route turns inland, the gradient easing off for the last few miles finishing with a glorious descent to the finish. Conditions started off overcast with the sun soon making an appearance, making conditions hot later in the race. Four runners from Okehampton Running Club took on the full 26.2 mile distance. Adrian Kettle, running in his third North Devon Marathon, finished in 18th overall in 3.57.13, achieving under four hours in this event for the first time. Roger Voaden, running in his third marathon since April, finished in 4.03.13 just three weeks after completing a 32 mile ultra marathon. Marilyn Cooper was delighted to complete her first off-road marathon under five hours in a time of 4.50.30. Sarah Haigh made her marathon debut just six weeks ago with a good performance at the tough Imerys Marathon. She was running well before retiring at the 19 mile mark — but not before she spotted some seals basking in the sun on the rocks below. Jeremy Tandy ran the half marathon with an excellent run to finish in 36th place from 389 runners in a time of 1.46.44. The previous weekend Rob Hicks took fourth overall place at the Burrator Horsehoe Run completing the seven mile moorland course in 43.10.5, following this up the next day with fifth place at the Great Lanhydrock ten mile run — two good results for ORC. Mike Steward ran at Burrator finishing in 58.55.0.