First Lady ...Helen Bennett

Matt Collins’ annus mirabilis continued with this third consecutive win in the South Wales Winter League, though Chepstow’s Paul Murrin was neck-and-neck with him at the summit. After a fourth and two seconds in the last three years on the Blorenge, Paul is hoping that his continuing improvement will see him crossing the line at Llanfoist parish church as winner in 2012.
Perhaps Helen Bennett’s persistence will be Mr M’s inspiration. After eight years of trying, she finally came good and won the women’s race by 33 seconds from Sally Wilder, with first 40 year-old Anne-Marie Harris a further minute and a half back.
First male 40 y-o was Gareth Hurst, and other age category chocolate Santa winners included come-back girl Sharon Woods, Richard Everson, Les Williams and Rob West.
The post race refreshments get better every year, and organiser Jess Taylor is promising hot food next year!
Dick Finch 28/11/11