Mark Killeen of Wye Valley Runners approaching the finishing straight with Hatterrall Ridge behind.

Race day dawned with a mixture of sunshine, cloud and a couple of light showers. The showers passed through and left a glorious running day behind. A move to a Saturday and away from Father’s Day seems to have been popular - runner numbers were the highest ever at 121. We were very pleased to welcome travelling runners from Ilkeston and Northamptonshire as well as strong contingents from local clubs on both sides of the border.

After a warm up lap of the event field a new route took runners steeply up through Cayo Farm and to the Rhiw before entering Wales and being rewarded with magnificent views of Llanthony Abbey, Pen y Gadair Fawr and the Vale of Ewyas. There wasn’t much time for enjoying the views however as the 552m trig point on Hatterrall Ridge was soon reached and then it was all downhill, reversing the ascent route from the Rhiw. Chris Jones of Mynyddwyr De Cymru led strongly from the start and flew down the descent slopes to set a new course record of 40:31, followed shortly afterwards by Paul Murrin of Chepstow Harriers and Andrew Stephens of Monross Trailblazers. In the Women’s Race Gintare Gaigal of Wye Valley Runners won in 50:11 holding off the challenge of Nikki Morgan of Chepstow Harriers and Clare Dallimore of MDC. Simon Downs and his dog Figaro were the first finishers in the Cani Cross event in a time of 67.03. Congratulations to Ed Dickson of MDC who was awarded the ‘first local’ trophy in 50:54 having cunningly moved into the area since the last race. MDC were on great form and

narrowly beat Wye Valley Runners to the inaugural mixed team competition.

Other results:

MEN
1st MV40	Chris Harrhy, Mynydd Du
1st MV50	Tim Taylor, Hereford Couriers
1st MV60	Neil Grant, Chepstow Harriers

WOMEN

1st FV40		Sue Shergold, FODAC
1st FV50		Nikki Childs, Wye Valley Runners
1st FV60		Joyce Dodd, Chepstow Harriers

Full results available on: www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk

80 children took place in the children’s races and showed their potential for the future. Great tea and cakes were provided to all runners and there was a goof haul of prizes in the raffle

Grateful thanks to the main event sponsors:
Celtic Vale – who provided the race water and sponsored the event t-shirts
Arlene and Richard Clare – who sponsored the race trophies and children’s medals
Ty Bryn Cider – also used as race prizes.
The event could not go ahead without the permission and good will of the following landowners: Eric and Jean Price, Rob and Julie Bevan, Richard Prosser, Natural England, Natural Resources Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park. A final but sincere thank you to Longtown Mountain Rescue Team who provide the mountain safety cover for the event.

Many tough runners decided to combine the race with the following day’s Magic Roundabout in the Begwyns and camped at Tan House Farm conveniently close to the Crown Inn for refuelling purposes.

Why not join us on Saturday 11th June 2016 for next year’s race?

Mike Fawcett     Race organiser