OKEHAMPTON Running Club's Adrian Kettle has recently completed one of the toughest ultra trail marathons in Europe — the Courmeyeur Champex Chamonix, part of the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc. The race is 101km long with 6,100 metres of altitude gain, passing through three countries — starting at Courmeyeur in Italy, through Switzerland and finishing at Chamonix in France. With the Mont Blanc range for a backdrop there are spectacular views and seemingly never ending climbs and technical descents, including two 2,500 metre ascents and three 3,200 metre ascents. The race began at 9am and Adrian finished at 4.50am the next morning having completed in 19hrs 50mins 46secs in 364th place from 1,900 runners. The route was continuous along a marked trail with checkpoints and aid stations every 10 to 15k for the runners to take on food and water. Adrian needed all his concentration to stay on his feet especially down the long technical descents which were hard on the legs. He stayed in good spirits throughout despite being in a good deal of pain towards the end and was delighted not only to finish but also to get in under his target time of 20 hours. No one is allowed to compete in this event unless they have had experience in similar races and enough qualifying points. Adrian gained his points at the 44 Mile Classic Quarter Race in Cornwall last year and has been covering long distances along the North Devon coast, using races like the North Devon Marathon for his preparation. Adrian said he is determined to go back next year and beat his time. n THE Treggy 7 hosted by Launceston Road Runners took place on a glorious sunny day making for hot conditions for the runners. The race started in Launceston Square then out of the town along quiet country roads, taking in one of Launceston's infamous hills, before passing through the gates of Launceston Castle to the finish. Dan Rodgers, the winner, smashed the course record by 55 seconds. Okehampton Running Club had a good presence with Roger Voaden coming in first for ORC in 43.46. ORC times: Paul Carter 45.38, Marie Gentle 1.04.33, Ali Holliday 1.07.40, Carole Cornwall 1.07.50, Tracey Mills 1.08.09 Christine Fritsch 1.11.11. The Treggy 7 ORC?team are pictured below. n A BEAUTIFUL evening for the last of Okehampton Running Club's summer races, the Sourton Tors race — approximately two and a half miles to the top of Sourton Tor and back. Among the contestants were some of the area's best fell runners. The race was won by James Best with Tim Lenton second. These two have between them taken pole position at all of the races in the series this year. ORC times: Andy Vallance 22.35, Adrian Kettle 25.29, Lucy Skye 25.34 (first lady), Kerri Morashti 30.10 (1st FV50), Claire Kelly 34.22.