Okehampton Runners take on challenges across UK and Europe

Members of Okehampton Running Club were in action across a range of events this weekend, from ultra marathons on Dartmoor to international races in Germany, delivering impressive performances in testing conditions.

At the demanding Way of the Dead 50km Ultra Marathon, Paul Trace and Pete Roissetter tackled the rugged route stretching from Trenchford Reservoir to Tavistock across Dartmoor. The race follows sections of the historic Lych Way, once used to carry the deceased to Lydford Church.

Taking on his longest distance to date, Trace enjoyed favourable conditions and described the weather as “cracking.” He produced a standout performance, finishing 16th overall in 5 hours 23 minutes and securing third place in his age category. Roissetter, a regular on the long-distance circuit, completed the course in 6 hours 35 minutes, praising the varied terrain while noting the biting wind across the moor.

Further afield, Ben Wood travelled to Germany to compete in the Berlin Half Marathon, renowned as one of the fastest courses in the world. The flat route winds through central Berlin, starting and finishing near the iconic Brandenburg Gate. Despite struggling with sore legs, Wood completed the race in 2 hours 8 minutes. He described it as “a tough run” but was pleased to finish and spend time with friends afterwards.

Closer to home, Keeley Philips and Jo Page took part in the Purple Gecko Twilight Run at Siblyback Lake. The evening trail event is known for its relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Page delivered an excellent performance in the solo 5km race, finishing as first female in 18 minutes 57 seconds. Philips entered the cani-cross event with Reeka, a friend’s dog competing in its first race, and finished 11th in 23 minutes 12 seconds.

At Escot Park, Mark Peck, Elin Hughes and Eddie Bragg competed in the Sportiva Exeter Trails. The challenging course featured muddy sections and steep climbs. Peck, who noted the difficult conditions caused by mud and wind, still managed a strong run to finish ninth in the 10km in 49 minutes 3 seconds. Hughes completed her first 10km race in 1 hour 8 minutes, finishing 77th, while Bragg took on the half marathon distance, completing it in 2 hours 5 minutes and placing 32nd.

Meanwhile, Paul Evison faced the tough Feighan Fury, a 10-mile multi-terrain race held in memory of runner and mental health advocate Mike Feighan. Set in the hills of mid Devon, the course includes woodland, rivers and technical trails. Evison described the race as “tiring at the end… actually, long before the end,” and recorded an unofficial finishing time of 1 hour 53 minutes.

It was another busy and successful weekend for Okehampton Running Club, with members demonstrating endurance, determination and a willingness to take on challenges both locally and internationally.