After last year's deadheat on a steep down hill we were close to seeing the same again! In a mad dash downhill only 3 seconds separated winner James Trollope, of Birchfield Harriers, from the flying Rob Grantham. On James's first visit to the Clwydian Hills he built up a commanding lead over the rest of the field but Ellesmere Port's Rob fought back to overhaul him, James surged ahead again to lead and in an exciting finish Rob came close to getting back, but not close enough. Runners took a variety of non-prescribed routes back from the final summit and Clwydian Range Runner Tim Higginbottom used his local knowledge to good effect in finding a line to come in third. Fourth was first over 40 former Hong Kong-based runner Mark Williams.
Wirral AC's Lisa Grantham finished strongly in the ladies race to overtake Sarah Hammond of Tattenhall and third lady was the fast improving junior Rachel Jefferson of Warrington AC. Andy Smith of Helsby RC wore the number 50 on the day to commemorate his 50th birthday and Mrs Challinor, once again, poured out the drinks at the finish. Thanks to all our helpers on the night and to Pet and Al for taking the snapshots!

(The Clwydian Summer Trots races have raised over £600 for local hospices. Thanks to all our runners and helpers through the series.)