ON Sunday 16th October, eight members of Monross-Trailblazers running club travelled up to Fforest Fields near Builth Wells to take part in the first of the series of the Herefordshire Winter cross country league.

The course was a brutal six miles starting from Fforest Field campsite, with an overall elevation of 700ft, there was not a lot of time for recovery. Eventually runners descended back down to the campsite, around a lake and through a field to get back to the finishing line. This was a new course, so none of the 140 participants knew what to expect.

After coming back from injury, Andrew Stephens came home first in a time of 42 minutes, positioning seventh overall. Barry Davies was close behind in 13th with a time of 43:49, after a close run with Gavin Jones who had a time of 44:21 and 15th place. Richard Bevan followed in 26th place and a time of 46:06 seconds, with Sam Harness catching him up behind with a time of 48 minutes and an overall position of 36th. Laura Lelievre came in next with a time of 49:12 and was fourth female home out of 40. Bobby Pritchard made his debut in the Herefordshire cross country league and made it back in a respectable 53:57, and a position of 65th. Unfortunately, James Fletcher had to finish early in the race due to injury.

Monross-Trailblazers’ next training session is Wednesday 19th October at 6pm from John Kyrle High School. For more information contact [email protected], or visit their Facebook page.