OKEHAMPTON Running Club members were out force in their club colours (and some party hats) to celebrate the second birthday of Simmons Park Parkrun on Saturday, October 24.

ORC treasurer Nick Marvin took on the role of race director and it was a very drizzly day.

Hundreds of runners, walkers, skippers or strollers came out to try and master the course consisting of multiple bridges and a few big puddles after the recent showers. All runners and walkers were treated to a big slice of birthday cake on their return which made it worth getting soaked through for.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Ian Duffield, Emma Brock and Claire Grubb braved the stormy conditions to take part in the inaugural Exmoor Mountain Marathon 40k.

Organised by Southwest Fell runners, this was their first pairs marathon event. It was both challenging event and a great introduction to self-reliance, endurance and navigation amongst stunning Exmoor scenery for teams of two.

There were two course options; the standard 25k and long 40k course. If two named storms weren’t enough to contend with the course also consisted of over 2000m elevation! Claire and Emma came in as first female team.

On Sunday, five ORCs took part in the Tavy 7, Tavistock ACs long-standing 7-mile road race. It is now held on Dartmoor on an undulating but fantastically scenic course.

It starts at Plaster Down on the western edge of Dartmoor and goes past Pew Tor and the hamlet of Sampford Spiney on its 7-mile route. Official results had not been published at the time of this report.

Also on Sunday, Ben Wood completed the Valencia Half Marathon, known for being a flat and fast course making it a favourite for elite runners and those seeking a personal best. The course goes through the streets of Valencia, allowing runners to take in the city's architectural beauty, its bustling atmosphere, and the passionate support of the local spectators.

Ben completed it in two hours 19 minutes in scorching conditions, in stark contrast to the UK weather. It is part of the SuperHalfs series and is a balloted entry system.

Lastly, Okehampton Running Club duo Keely Phillips and Claire Thompson took part in the Exeter Halloween 5-mile race with Andrew Vernon taking part in the 10-mile race.

Starting at the Piazza Terracina by the Exeter Canal Basin, the races consisted of either one lap or two laps of a flat and fast route around Exe Valley River Park. It is organised by the Exeter City Community Trust.

All runners had to compete with a horrible head wind on the way back but were relieved to stay dry after Saturdays down pour! Congratulations to Keeley on a new 5-mile PB and first F50 (40 min 53s), Andrew for coming first V55 10 miler (1:10:19) and Claire for coming second F45 (41:31).

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.