SUNDAY saw another good turnout of Okehampton Running Club runners both at the Drogo 10 and the second round of the Westward League cross-country in Newquay — with one dedicated ORC actually taking part in both events.

The Drogo 10, a hilly and often muddy trail race through the grounds and woods surrounding Castle Drogo, attracts many runners every year wanting to enjoy the beautiful autumn colours and the testing course, culminating in the steep climb up the notorious Hunter’s path. Following his win at the Templer Ten last week, the mud and hills were no problem for Okehampton’s Brennan Townshend and he finished in 1 hour 0 minutes 04 seconds to come second overall.

With no time to stay for the presentation, Brennan then drove down to Newquay to join the club’s Westward League team.

Rob Hicks also had a good run to finish strongly in 1.08.45 to come tenth, followed by Geoff Hill in 1.14.18. Charlie Collyer was the first ORC lady, in 1.38.06, with Christine Fritsch next, running her best time round the course in 1.43.21 and Mags Jarvis in 1.47.48 to be third female veteran 60.

Other ORC times; Mike Baker; 1.24.09, Jason Ewing; 1.28.34, Chris Aylen; 1.37.36, Andy Collyer; 1.38.06, Phil Read; 1.42.45, Emma Dean; 1.57.09, Jo Turner; 1.57.57, Janet White; 2.04.13.

While the Drogo runners had the woods to shelter them from strong and cold northerly winds, the runners in Newquay had nothing to protect them on the exposed rugby pitches where the Westward League cross country was held.

In parts of the course it was a struggle to run at all when being knocked backwards, but Okehampton’s male and female teams all battled through it.

The ladies race was first, with the talented Jennie Bruce coming in first for the club and well placed within the race. Jennie, who has only taken up running in the last few months, felt she had not paced it well, but as this was only her second race of any sort she is still learning racing technique.

After Jennie, the finishing order for the ladies was Sarah Marvin, Molly Marvin, Gill Spinney, Anne Binns and Jane Jackson.

The men’s team was slightly depleted this month with several good runners not able to go, but those who did put in great performances.

Brennan Townshend made the trip down there worthwhile by coming in an excellent 20th overall and first of the ORC men. He was followed by Paul Crease, Andy Vallance, Paul Carter, Hugh Robinson, Mervyn Rice and Andy Humberstone.