THE wet weather did not make a huge difference to the Okehampton Running Club members at the Honiton Hippo where being wet and muddy is part of the enjoyment of the race.

Three ORCs took on this seven mile race that takes runners along undulating woodland paths and across some boggy fields, with two river crossings and ample mud. Carole Cornwall and Katy Speak had experienced this race before but in much drier conditions, enjoying the race more this time, while it was the first time Tracey Mills had run it. Carole and Tracey finished together in 1.40.52 with Katy just behind in 1.41.24.

Further away there was a lone ORC, Deborah Cunningham, running the Great Welsh Marathon at Llanelli on Sunday. This race is a double out and back which is repeated twice on the Millennium Coastal Path which overlooks Llanelli Beach and the Gower Peninsular. This does make the course exposed to the elements, with no protection from the wind or rain which can turn a flat potential PB course into a tough one. These were the conditions experienced by the runners on Sunday but Deborah did well to complete in 4.53.40, raising more £800 for the Young Minds charity.