Mark Palmer, Mynydd Du and Matt Stott making it look easy at the Cwmdu race.

Exactly the same number of entrants this year as last – 59. This year’s entry was swelled by Forest of Dean and Chepstow club runners competing in their respective club championships.

A warm sunny day with a nice breeze and dry footing made for good running over the 16km and 3 major climbs totalling 920 metres in height gain.

Mark Palmer (M50) clocked up his first win on this course, and had four minutes lead over Matt Stott, a previous winner, and third placer Andrew May (M40).

Katie Beecher had a good one ending up fifth overall. Niki Morgan (F40) was second and Rhian Probert third.

Other age group leaders were Joc Dodd, Tracey Miles, John Aggleton and Gary Gunner.

Grateful thanks are due to Kay and Martin Lucas, Sue Ashton, Rob Brown and John Darby for marshalling, Niki Morgan and Lisa Jeffrey for registration, Paul Dodd for car parking, Alison Bray, Karen Elvers and Gareth Jones for kitchen duties and Gerry Ashton and Ed Dickson for timekeeping/finish recording. A marvellous team effort.

Dick Finch