MEMBERS of Okehampton Running Club have been busy competing in their first races of the year recently.

The Hestercombe Humdinger is a hilly nine and a half mile road race in the Quantocks – ascending 1,500 feet. The dreaded Humdinger Hill awaits the runners towards the end of the race before a welcome dash down the other side and along the drive of Hestercombe House to the finish. Chris Aylen was the sole representative for Okehampton Running Club. Enjoying his first outing of the year, he finished in 1.26.31.

Three ladies from ORC travelled to Exmouth to take part in the Fulford Five and escaped the drizzle which enveloped Okehampton that day. The route took the runners along the seafront where recent storms had washed up the sand on to the road. For Mandy Podd and Sarah Bell from ORC this was the first race they had ever contested.

They were both delighted to complete the five miles in less than an hour without stopping and faster than their practice runs.

Mags Jarvis ran well to come third in a strong FV55 category in the good time of 40.03. Mandy finished in 56.26 and Sarah 58.53.