THERE was the usual good support from Okehampton Running Club for the local Ruby Run with 22 members out — 16 taking on the undulating route from Hatherleigh to Holsworthy, the 'uphill' direction, and a further six formed a ladies' team.

There were five from ORC in the top 30 finishers out of a field of 161 runners with Andy Vallance taking his place on the podium in second place.

Andy Vernon finished fifth overall and first local male. The team of Cathy Carey, Ali Holiday, Carole Cornwall, Tracey Mills, Heidi Wills and Katy Speak were the first all ladies team to finish.

ORC times: Andy Vallance, second, 1 hour 23 minutes 11 seconds; Andy Vernon, fifth, 1.28.55, Dave Mugliston, 13th, 1.34.44; Stuart May, 22nd, 1.38.46; Mike Baker, 30th, 1.41.49; John Binns, 1.47.30; Katie Littlejohns, 1.52.14; Deborah Cunningham, 1.58.30; Jane Jackson, first female veteran 55, 1.59.19; Jo Fletcher, 1.59.39; Karen Vallance, 1.59.39; Liz Ash, 2.01.55; Kerry Morashti, 2.06.22; Peter Bollam, 2.08.59; Laura Bird, 2.11.12; Alan Luffingham, 2.17.17

During the week there were some evening races, starting at Bude with the six mile Lifeboat Run along cycle paths and canal towpaths with a long hill on farm tracks half way round. Andrew Vernon was first from ORC to finish in 30th place from a strong field of 342.

ORC times: Andrew Vernon 39.36, Adrian Kettle 43.10, John Binns 45.43, Merv Rice 46.38, Lotte Smith 59.12, Katy Speak 1.00.59

Next day Chloe Howard-Smith and Jackie Dawes ran in the Michelmores 5k charity race in Exeter, organised in support of Macmillan Cancer. They both achieved bronze UKA awards with Chloe finishing in 25 minutes 08 seconds and Jackie 26.10.