AT the Tavy 7 on Sunday, the remnants of Storm Brian failed to stop Okehampton Running Club members from putting in some great performances.

This popular race had opened up more entries this year and despite of the threat of showers the rain held off for the duration of the race, However, the wind was brutal on the exposed sections of the course across the open moorland.

The seven mile course is surprisingly fast for one close to the moors and all on roads except for the start and finish which are approximately 100 metres into a field. Unfortunately the gateway had become a quagmire with vehicles and foot traffic through it, so runners were slowed to a ‘tiptoe through the mud’ pace on the way out and sprint finishes were delayed on the return.

Nineteen ORCs took part this year and the first home for the club was Roger Voaden in 45 minutes 06 seconds using this race as a final week’s taper before he runs the Snowdonia Marathon next weekend.

Just one runner separated him from club mate Graham Bryant, coming back to form to finish in 45.36 with Andy Vernon next in 47.54. These three, together with Ed Dumpleton who was next in 49.29, made up Okehampton’s men’s team who took first place.

The ORC ladies were headed by Katie Littlejohns, for once leaving her usual off road moorland running and putting in a great run to finish in 50.37, setting a new club record for the distance.

New club member Jennie Bruce, running her first ever race, is proving to be a great prospect for the future, having a natural talent which meant that despite little training and no race experience at all she put in a great performance to finish in 53.25.

Next home was Monika Richards, finishing in 59.35, having run much of the race with club mate Jane Jackson but proving stronger on the final long uphill. Jane’s time of 1hr 00mins 40secs won her the first female veteran 60 prize and was also a new club record for her age category.

Katie, Monika and Jane made up Okehampton’s ladies’ team also scooping first prize, with Jennie’s time not being included having entered before joining the club.

The more senior ORC members certainly did the club and themselves proud with Ged Fitzgibbon taking the second male veteran 65 prize in a time of 1.01.53, bettering his own club record for the distance, set last year at the same venue.

Janet White also had a better run this year than last with her time of 1.13.52 winning her the second FV65 trophy. Jane Richardson is still on a roll with some impressive runs recently. Having knocked eight minutes off her half marathon PB at the Great West Run last week, she ran another PB — here coming home in 1.14.31 to take the third FV65 prize.

Other ORC times: Mike Baker 50.39, Claire Stanbury; 1.02.33, David Slocombe, 1.02.59, Lucy Brint, 1.05.04, Cathy Carey, 1.05.04, Jo Camies, 1.05.06, Emma Dean, 1.05.23, Lotte Smith, 1.12.25.