IN between overnight rain and the incoming Storm Ciara, Saturday provided the perfect running conditions for the Exeter Half Marathon — cool, sunny and not a breath of wind.

Starting from Haven Banks in Exeter, the route followed tarmac paths alongside the River Exe down toward Countess Wear, then out for a loop around Matford Business Park before heading back through the Riverside Valley Park past the Double Locks. This two lap, mostly flat and largely traffic free course was made for speed. It was a great day out for the team from Okehampton Running Club with eight runners, five of whom recorded new personal bests.

Hayden Bond was first ORC home in an excellent time of 1 hour 17 minutes 54 seconds, for a massive PB and eighth place overall. Following him in were Andy Vallance in 1.19.52 (11th) and Paul Crease in 1.21.18, (14th and second in age category, PB). Right on Paul’s heels was Robert Kelly, 1.21.23, (15th) followed by Jonathan Stephens 1.23.06, (21st and PB) and Jeremy Tandy 1.23.45, (23rd and PB). Jo Page also produced a PB to finish in 1.30.47, (67th and third senior female), with Peter Dixon achieving a great time of 1.34.03 for 86th place in his first half marathon.

Sunday’s edition of the Exeter Half Marathon was postponed due to the storm.

Saturday also saw the South West schools’ cross-country championship, held at Kings Field in Bournemouth. Here again the weather was perfect for running, the calm before the storm.

Okehampton RC had three runners representing Devon Schools. The newest member Stanley Wood representing minor boys, Matthew Richards representing junior boys and Sam Priday representing intermediate boys. All performed superbly well with Sam 12th overall and second in Devon and his team were placed third. Matthew was 18th overall, sixth in Devon, despite picking up a slight injury, and his team were first, while Stanley was 24th overall, sixth in Devon his team were also overall first.