MACHEN RACE- 25/8/08

The Machen race (6.2m/1100ft) attracted the largest field ever this year despite the wet underfoot conditions.

Perhaps the competitors were inspired by the Beijing Olympics.

Rhodri Buffett, fresh from his runner-up performance in the World Mountain Running Trophy trial race, led from start to finish in the men's race.

The battle for 2^nd was a closer affair, with some runners paying for a fast start on the flat section as the climb steepened.

Peter Ryder beat Tom Kenderdine into 3^rd place by 11 seconds.<p>

The women's race was won by former International mountain runner Ruth Pickvance in 48.14, with summer series winner Emma Bayliss taking second followed by Katie Beecher.