THE last fell race in the series organised by Tavistock Athletic Club in conjunction with Tamar Trails took place last Wednesday. Starting at the Fox and Hounds pub near Lydford, The Great Links Tor race was over a slightly longer distance than the previous ones at 6.25 miles and took the runners steadily uphill for the first four miles over Great Nodden, Great Links Tor and Brat Tor before a fast descent to run beside the River Lyd before crossing it for a sprint back to the pub.

Okehampton Running Club had a good turnout with nine adult runners and three juniors. In the junior race Aiden Spinney continued his winning streak, having won the Under 11s at the previous race he repeated his success here, while Ollie King ran the same course and was third overall and first in the U9s with Kiera Spinney second in this age group.

In the adult race Jeremy Tandy was the first ORC home in 46 minutes 02 seconds for sixth place and first male 40, followed by Mike Baker in 55.29 and Merv Rice in 58.29 to take the first M60 prize. Katherine Murray finished in 1 hour 01 minutes 29 seconds and was the first of the ORC ladies. She was followed by Gill Spinney in 1.06.10, Christine Fritsch in 1.09.18 and Lu Walsh, who enjoyed the race having done a recce run with the club the week before, finishing well in 1.10.36. Michelle Luddington found the route a little tougher than expected but ran well to come home in 1.24.48 and Janet White finished in 1.27.58 enjoying her run over the moors.

The fourth instalment of Freedom Racing’s 2019 Summer Sessions race series was held on Friday at Godolphin Hill in the far west of Cornwall where ORCs Jo Page and Jeremy Tandy lined up for the 7pm start.

Heading up and out from the grounds of Godolphin House, the route twisted and wound its way up Godolphin Hill itself before taking a rapid descent down the other side. A short road section brought runners to the base of Tregonning Hill and they then faced a 110 metre climb to reach the top. Runner’s burning legs were soon forgotten as they were greeted by one of the best the views in West Cornwall. With no time to stop, the runners headed back down and onto another road section before a final race up and over Godolphin Hill once again. A fast and technical downhill dash to the finish line completed the route. ORC Jeremy Tandy finished in sixth place overall in 39.53 while Jo Page was first lady and 19th overall in 45. 31. Sunshine, a great route and breathtaking views made for a perfect start to the long weekend.

The bank holiday weekend brought welcome sunshine and a return to summer for most people but it made for uncomfortable running conditions for those taking part in Pure Trail’s Big Day Out. This comprises two races, The Crossing, a 36-mile ultra marathon traversing Dartmoor from north to south, starting at Belstone on the northern edge down to Ivybridge on its southern flank, and The Great Escape, which takes in the last 15 miles of the ultra from Princetown to Ivybridge.

With no shade out on the moors the heat took its toll, despite a refreshing breeze over the higher parts, with only 91 of the 120 starters finishing The Crossing in which Okehampton’s Chris Turner was taking part. He had completed this race two years ago but has had injuries almost ever since then that have kept him sidelined. Having slowly worked his way back to fitness, particularly targeting this race, he was pleased to complete in a very good time of 7.35.58.