SEVERAL members of Okehampton Running Club competed in the 23rd edition of the Peter Tavy Plod on bank holiday Monday.

Starting and finishing in Peter Tavy, the 5-mile route follows moorland paths and bridleways, offering stunning views. The event is coupled with the local village fair so that runners can enjoy the fun post-race atmosphere of stalls, games and tasty refreshments.

Great performances were put in by all the ORC runners with a special mention to Jo Page, Mags Jarvis and Daniel Heggs, who all topped their age categories. Rory Grubb also put in an amazing performance for the juniors, winning the junior mile in a time of 7.08.

On Tuesday (September 1), Sophie Casavieille-Lacaze and Andrew Vernon took on the final event of the Run Exe summer 5k series.

Paul Evison also took part in the other runs of the series but was unavailable for the final run. All ORC runners were consistent throughout the series, with Sophie and Paul both finishing 2nd in their age categories.

Meanwhile, several ORCs took on the challenge of Dartmoor in a day.

Organised by Climb South West, Dartmoor in a Day comprises of either a 50 km or 30km route, running from Okehampton through Postbridge to Ivybridge across wild Dartmoor terrain. It features major landmarks such as Hangingstone Hill, Bellever Tor, Ryder’s Hill and the Erme Valley.

It was a tough event, in warm conditions but all runners put in strong efforts finishing in the following times in the 50k; Shaun Fryett (5:25:10), Pete Roissetter (7:09:56) and Bernard Stricker (8:35:41).

Claire Thompson finished in 4:01:41 for the 30km event. Unfortunately, some ORCs retired due to illness and injury but should also be greatly commended for their efforts.

Also on Saturday, several ORC runners took part in Teignbridge Trotters Haytor Heller.

Now in its 40th year, the Haytor Heller is approximately six miles of challenging steep ascents and descents across rugged open moorland. This race forms part of their Dartmoor Fell series.

ORC runners emphasised how well the event was organised and marshalled by the Trotters with lots of incredibly merry and encouraging marshals making it a very fun fell race.

It is not an event for quick times but ORC managed the following results; Luke Stannus (44:01, 2nd overall), Chris Todd (49:09), Rob Gooding (49.46), Joseph Lane (53:35), Ben Ranson (1:09:53), Lorna Critchlow (1:26:42), Izzi Davison (1:26:42) and Lou Duffield (1:26:42).

Andrew Vernon was competing again in the Treggy 7 on Sunday, a 7-mile circular race organised by Launceston Road Runners, finishing in the scenic Launceston Castle grounds. Andrew finished in a very respectable time of 50:37 (unofficial, official results still pending).

Lastly, Mike Westland completed the City to Sea Marathon in 7:10, despite struggling with a calf injury that had meant hindered his training in the run up the event. He said it was very tough and nearly pulled out but was very pleased to complete it.

The City to sea events, organised by Winding Paths, offer the choice of 50km, Marathon and Half Marathon distances. The 50k and Marathon start at Exeter Quayside and follow the Exe Estuary to Dawlish Warren, where the Half Marathon starts.

All races finish on Babbacombe Downs where runners receive a well-deserved medal and warm pasty.