THIRTEEN ‘senior’ Okehampton Running Club members headed down to the Fox and Hounds Pub for the annual Great Links Flyer race organised by South West Fell Runners.

ORC was by far the most represented club, making up over 25% of the field. It was a beautiful evening to run the route starting at the moor gate before ascending Great Nodden, Great Links, crossing to Brat Tor before a steep decent (hence the name!) to the finish at the pub.

Many of the group had taken part in the recce a week previously (which coincided with watching the solar eclipse) which certainly helped on the night – many thanks to Danny for organising this. The rest of the evening was spent catching up with friends – a perfect Wednesday evening.

The cohort from Okehampton consisted of Luke Stannus, Rob Gooding, Shaun Freyett, Joseph Lane, Ian Duffield, Alan Stuart, Emma Brock, Deane Andrew, Izzi Davison, Daniel Heggs, Eddie Bragg, Ben Ranson and Matt Grint.

Many congratulations to everyone who ran, but especially to individual winners Luke (first overall; 37.20) and Emma (third female, first vet 40; 49.56).

Okehampton Running Club also achieved the team prize (first club with four runners home) made up of Luke, Rob (41.41), Shaun (42.18) and Joseph (43.58). Thanks also to ORC’s Sarah Deane, Keeley Phillips and Lorna Critchlow for volunteering at the event.

There was also a fantastic turn out for the ORC juniors who ran an impressive separate course ahead of the senior event.

Arthur Lane, Alistair Taylor and Thomas Spiers ensured only the ORC colours were displayed on the podium in the U14 male race with times of 13.31, 13.31 and 13.51 respectively.

Ruairi Duffield (15.11) was the first under 12 male also. Some incredible achievements from the ORC juniors and it’s great to see them going from strength to strength.

Alongside the usual planned runs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, the club also enjoys regular social runs.

This can range from a 10km on a Sunday to a longer, more challenging route for those wanting to test themselves whilst enjoying great company and fantastic local trails.

Head Coach Mary Roberts led a group of runners along the Two Castles Trail Run on Saturday, August 22.

Nine runners began with people joining them along the way and finishing their run as they wished (the number dropped to six when they left the pub in Bridestowe).

The group had a fantastic day running along country lanes, woodland, fields and moor. Mary’s husband Jon was on-hand providing ice creams and refreshments for the runners and all enjoyed a well-earned drink at the pub once they’d finished. Pearl said it was a “wonderful day out with a lovely route.” Many thanks to Mary for organising a brilliant day out.

Okehampton Running Club boasts 150 members of all age and abilities who share a love for running.

They meet at the Pavilion in Simmons Park at 6:20 every Tuesday and Thursday with new members always welcome.

There are six groups for different abilities running each night, so there should be one to suit you. Each group is taken out by a qualified leader to help guide you in your training.