There was an excellent turnout for the fourth race in the South Wales Winter Hill series, at the Kymin in Monmouth. Although the Kymin is only about 600ft in overall height, an inventive and challenging course comprises 1150 feet of ascent in just under 4 miles.

After the early leader Hugh Aggleton was forced to retire with an ankle injury, the race turned into a fascinating battle between 17 year old Kristian Jones of Swansea Harriers, and Tom Gibbs (MDC/Chepstow). Gibbs, who performs better in longer races, tracked the youngster and caught him at the top of the final climb to the Observatory Tower. However, orienteer Jones had the superior descending skills, and despite the two being neck and neck with a quarter mile to go, his finishing speed gave him a 14 second advantage at the finish. A new record of 30.34 was written into the books. Mike Duxbury of Stroud AC, always a consistent performer on the fells, was third in 31.25.

In the womens race Helen Fines achieved a comfortable win, though slower than her record set last year after being affected by stomach pains. Alice Bedwell, representing MDC, was second (and first FV40) in 38.57. She was chased all the way to the line by unattached runner Kate Auchterlonie who worked hard to catch Bedwell along the final road section, only to be outsprinted at the line.

The veteran categories were competitive, with Simon Blease taking the MV50 in 34.59 and Gary Gunner (Croft Ambrey) the MV60 in a fast 39.22. For the women, Sue Ashton (42.05) continued to dominate the FV50 category, and Clare Johnson was first FV60 in 53.44.