The forecast heavy rain showers held off till after the race, but there were still some very wet patches on the hillside. But Mynydd Du’s Mark Palmer, twice the age of second placer Chepstow’s Matt Stott, took it all in his experienced stride to break the eight year-old record by seven seconds. Lliswerry’s Chris Harrhy continued his comeback with a pleasing third place. And first 50 year-old, Pont y Pwl’s Steve Davies, did well with fifth position.

Islwyn’s Maria Richards had a tremendous tussle with evergreen Sharon Woods for first woman’s prize, and eventually prevailed by less than half a minute.
Good to see four Under 20s, and all running well, with Gareth Lloyd and Naomi Prosser first in their category. Four girls and two boys entertained the show-goers in the Junior Race, and it was 9 year-old Ceri Summers who repeated last year’s triumph with first place, just ahead of 10 year-old Aderyn Carter, sister of first boy, 7 year-old Tal Carter.
Finally, grateful thanks to the Chepstow Harriers who contributed to the race’s success – Lou Summers, Vanessa Lawson, Jane Rymer, Brenda Avery and Rob Taylor.
Dick Finch