LAST weekend four Okehampton Running club members took part in the Great South Run - ten mile run in Southsea and Portsmouth.

For Carole Cornwall and Alison Holiday this race held more importance than most they do because they were running to raise money for the MS Society as Carole's youngest son was diagnosed with the illness this year.

They ran together coming home in 1hr 42mins 02secs, well inside the top half of the 24,000 runners. Struggling against a strong headwind over the last two miles made it hard going, but they felt good crossing the finish line knowing that they had raised £700 by doing so - they even managed to keep their wigs in place in the wind.

Also running that day were Sue Walker and Karen McDowell. Sue, taking a break from her busy triathlon schedule, showed that the extra distance was no problem finishing in 1.13.52, while Karen was pleased with her time of 1.35.34.

In similarly windy conditions, seven ORCs members took part in the Tavy 7. This popular race is held over undulating moorland roads around Plaster Down. Ben Bowler was first ORC home in 50.57 followed by Stephen Gentle in 51.21. Jo-Anne Fletcher and Karen Vallance ran together finishing in 55.50 which secured third place for Karen in the FV40 category. Jane Jones was next in 57.01 with Wendy Abbott finishing in 1.09.06 and Karen Collins, was pleased to finish in 1.21.22.

The club held a draw for places at next year's London Marathon. — the the lucky three being Anne Binns, Claire Kelly and Jo Camies. Dave Mugliston and Keri Quertier were drawn as reserves.