A record turn-out of 57 runners enjoyed a cool showery start between rounds of the gymkhana in the show’s arena. There were wet spots at points on the course following heavy overnight electrical storms, but otherwise the going was firm and fast. The event had been nominated by Chepstow Harriers as its club championship and members and families travelled up to the Vale of Ewyas in numbers. Their runners made up over a third of the field and duly provided the winners Paul Murrin and Samantha Harris, as well as two of the age category winners Teresa Tranter and Niki Morgan.

At the sharp end Paul had an initial tussle with Jon Barnes but gradually drew away on the long climb to the Offa’s Dyke ridge and the English border, finishing just 15 seconds outside the record. Sam Harris beat hubby Steve to the ridge and completed a rare outing on the fells with a time just 17 seconds short of the record. Less than a minute behind, two other Chepstowites tussled for second: Judith Austerberry, also not a regular on the hills, finally prevailing over fell specialist Niki Morgan.

Stuart Moore, Pete Gardner, Dai Smout and Sharon Woods completed the age group winners’ roster, while C J Jones and Aderyn Carter took the Junior race honours.
Dick Finch