In Exeter, with flooding on the course and high tide imminent, the organisers thought it prudent to divert the course making it an estimated 13.25 miles, so those who had entered hoping for a personal best on this fast, flat course were disappointed. However, the two ORC entrants were far from disappointed with their placings — both finishing in the top ten.
Andy Vallance came third overall in 1.16.59 and Robert Kelly was delighted to finish tenth in 1.25.49 — this time being faster than his current pb for a half marathon distance (13.1 miles).
At Torpoint the weather had wreaked more havoc in the form of a landslide on the course.
This half marathon, already graded as 'severe' became 14.2 miles long! Four of ORC's off road specialists, Karen Skye (2hrs 20) and Lucy Skye (2.44), Greg Miller (2.45) and Mervyn Rice (2.53) were among the contestants. Mervyn came second in the 2nd MF55.
They all enjoyed the scenery was wonderful — when they had caught enough breath to admire it!
With mud and wet rocks making the going treacherous at times, they were all relieved to finish safely albeit aching, bruised and muddy.