OKEHAMPTON Running Club held its annual awards evening at the Countryman in Sampford Courtenay.

It gave a chance to thank everyone who works so hard behind the scenes to make the club the success it has become since being started three years ago, with a membership now standing at more than 100 — from the coaches who take all the different groups out on training nights, to the committee, who do all the organising and administration and many other people who give their time to help with the running of the club.

There was even an award for the 'supporter of the year' which went to Paul Cooper, who pops up at all sorts of locations to cheer his wife and all club runners on during races!

There was also a special mention for Mervyn Rice who has spent considerable time developing a new website, soon to be up and running, including a new database of results.

Throughout the year club members achieved awards for their times from bronze, silver, and gold to diamond.

Certificates for these UKA awards were presented for runners achieving qualifying times over distances from one mile to marathon. This year seven runners gained awards in all six categories — Andy Vallance, Bryan Friend, Roger Voaden, Jane Jackson, Marilyn Cooper, Karen Skye and Jane Jones.

A certificate was awarded to all the 19 runners who had taken part in the London Marathon.

Some of the club's awards were decided by the coaches who have watched members' efforts throughout the year, while the coach of the year and highest achievers' categories were voted for by the members.

The club's own awards were; Club member of the year, Leanne Rice; highest male achiever, Andy Vallance; highest female achiever, Jane Jackson; most improved male, David Way; most improved female, Abby Mertherall; hardest male trainer, Richard Owen; hardest female trainer, Katy Speake; coach of the year, Carole Cornwall. Brian Wellham was also given the quarterly award for his outstanding effort on training nights.

The club meets every Tuesday and Thursday night with four groups so that all abilities are catered for. There will be a new group for beginners at this friendly club starting up in the autumn.