SEVEN Spirit of Monmouth members took on the Tintern Trot in a 196-strong field on Thursday evening – the 5.5-mile mile multi-terrain Wyeside race organised by Chepstow Harriers, reports VICKY ROBERTS.

There was a change to the usual route due to a landslide, with runners starting at the Wireworks Bridge, heading to Brockweir and onto the Offa's Dyke path, then down through Caswell Woods and back to the finish at Abbey Mill.

Overall winner was James Robertson in 34.51, followed by Keiron Brown of MonRoss Trailblazers in 36.39 and club mate Jack Millar in 37.02, with fastest woman Lliswerry's Sally Hall in 41.53.

Harriers' Paul Murrin won the over-50 class (37.51) and club mates Tim Batchelor (38.29) and Paul Dodd (43.01) the over-40 and over-65 classes respectively, with Chepstow's Lisa Jeffrey fastest over-50 woman (46.04)

James Hague was first Spirit home in 48.21, with Martin Blakebrough hot on his heels four seconds back taking the men's over-60 class.

Maixent Gaillard followed in 51.33, while Jeremy Creasey had a good run, crossing 54.13.

Marina Wright finished top Spirit woman in 57.27, while Lucy Macdonald and Linsey Holt had an enjoyable social run, supporting each other up the tough climbs to finish in 62.27.

Earlier in the week, 20 Spirits headed to Blaenafon Heritage Railway to take part in the fourth Gwent Leisure Centre League road series, hosted by Pont-Y-Pwl & District Runners.

Twenty Spirits headed to the Blaenafon World Heritage Site
Twenty Spirits headed to the Blaenafon World Heritage Site (Spirit of Monmouth RC)

Starting and finishing at the Blaenafon Heritage Railway and passing through Big Pit, it proved a tough and hilly 5.3-mile race with some uneven ground.

Sarah Heath, John Jenkins and Barry Burns all finished first in their age categories and Martin Blakebrough third, with the Spirits women's ‘A’ team placing sixth and the men's ‘A’ team 12th, before they finished with cakes from Monmouth’s local baker Springdale.

The week also saw Steve Reason run the Frampton 10k, a flat, fast country lane course through the picturesque Severnside village.

Steve was chasing last year's time, but with the wind he was slightly slower, finishing in a still good 52.43.

Saturday also saw the 100th Chippenham parkrun in Monmouth, with 18 Spirits and some family members running in club colours and fancy dress to celebrate the milestone of the free event, which is held every Saturday at 9am.

Spirit runners enjoyed the 100th Chippenham parkrun
Spirit runners enjoyed the 100th Chippenham parkrun (SoM)

Sunday also saw four Spirits travel to the Ogi Porthcawl 10k, held on closed roads past Rest Bay, Trecco Bay, and Coney Bay, and through the town centre via the historic Grand Pavillion and lighthouse.

The Red Arrows even winged in after the sun replaced the downpours, and as things warmed up, Elizabeth Sim swapped her long distance runs to finish in a sizzling 50.17.

Elizabeth said: “Spirit have been a massive part of me enjoying a different type of running and I am one happy lady today.”

Sian Fielding had a good run, crossing in 64.34, followed by Julie Gee in 69.36.

Richard Wonson also enjoyed supporting his son Thomas in the Junior fun run, crossing in 15.54.