AFTER a sombre morning of reflection on Remembrance Sunday, athletes gathered at the second event in this year’s Westward League Cross Country, held in Newquay and incorporating the Cornish County Championships.

Okehampton Running Club fielded a senior and veteran team of ladies and a senior team in the men’s race, with some juniors also representing the club.

Despite the previous day’s rain the conditions underfoot were remarkably dry and the races took place in beautiful sunshine, but with a strong and cold wind.

Having his first Westward League outing, Tom Priday was the first to run in the Under 13 boys coming home strongly to overtake several runners in the finishing straight.

The ladies were next with Jo Page securing some good points for the club with another strong run, while Jo Bradford and Karen King came home together, their places counting for both senior and veteran teams. Next was Jane Jackson, finishing one place ahead of Christine Fritsch and then Mel Priday who, with two sons running, had decided to don her ORC vest and have her first run in the ladies’ team here.

The two U15 boys were next up with Sam Priday having another great run to finish eighth in a top class field of runners and Harrison King keeping going well after racing three times in the previous four days.

In the men’s race Hugh Robinson seemed to have recovered well from his Cornish Marathon the weekend before to come in first for the club. Westward League rookie Hayden Bond ran an impressive race, keeping Hugh in his sights all the way round to finish just three places behind him. Stephen Sincock was next to gain some good veteran points with two more runners separating him from Graham Bryant. Christian Davies, taking part in his first Westward League race and only his second race ever, had a good run to come home next ahead of Stuart Page. Unfortunately Ian Page pulled a calf muscle in the second lap and had to pull out, very disappointed as he had won his age category at the Plymouth meeting.

On Saturday evening a large ORC contingent took part in the Exeter Glow in the Park, a fun event held at Westpoint. Described as the ultimate night-time neon event for families and friends, this 5k run has a course of two laps on paths, tracks and some grass, the way being marked by flashing arrows. Competitors could walk, jog, run or even dance their way round, passing through ‘glow zones’ on the way with the money raised going to two Down’s Syndrome charities.

A great time was had by all ORCs and their families who took part, all entering the spirit of the evening with fluorescent face paint and colourful hi-viz clothing.