THE traditional Cosdon Hill Race was resurrected by Okehampton Running Club two years ago.

On that occasion there was heavy rain and last year conditions were even worse leading to the cancellation of the race. This time the temperatures soared into the eighties and during the pre-race briefing a small white cloud hovered over the summit of Cosdon to guide the runners up the unmarked ascent of 1,033 feet.

The race was run as part of the annual Belstone Fair providing a great atmosphere with the large crowd attending giving the runners a rousing welcome as they took on the final climb from the bottom of the Cleave up to the finish on the village green.

The winner was Ian Haworth from Shrewsbury AC who completed in 31 minutes 40 seconds followed by Felix McGrath from Westbury Harriers.

First home for ORC was the race director, Paul Crease, who won the male veteran 40 plus prize in 35.18.

The first three ladies home were all from ORC — Marilyn Cooper, club chairman Ali Holiday and Karen Collins. Karen was taking part in her first fell race having only re-started running a few weeks ago. A member of the North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team — she was one runner who was not going to lose her way!

ORC are grateful to the race sponsors Simpkins Edwards.

Other ORC times were: Andrew Vernon 36.57, Rob Kelly 38.55, Nick Seccombe 39.06, Mike Steward 45.11.

Sue Walker finished first lady overall at the Bodmin Triathlon. Sue travels to Ottawa, Canada in August to take part in the world duathlon championships. Danielle Fulford-Brown also took part having last done a triathlon over five years ago.

Jane Jackson ran the Lakeland Trails Half Marathon at Coniston in Cumbria. The course had been altered and Jane was not amused to find that on completing the 13.1 half marathon distance there was a further lap to go making the final distance 14.4 miles over this tough off roader which took place in the searing heat. She finished in 2hrs 25mins 10secs.

Marilyn Cooper enjoyed her first Parkrun event in Barnstaple's Rock Park finishing the 5k race in 24.11 – a PB, uka gold award time and second lady.

n OKEHAMPTON Running Club's next race is the Great West Fell Run on Saturday, August 3, starting at 2pm from Meldon Dam. This is a five mile run to Yes Tor and High Willhays. Entry is £5 on the day. Prizes for the first three men and women and veterans categories.