THIRTY Chepstow Harriers took part in their May club championship race at the National Trust's stunning Tynesfield Estate on Wednesday 21st May. The 10k off-road race provided plenty of challenges for the runners, but the weather was exceptionally kind to them. They were bathed in glorious sunshine for the duration of the race. The runners faced hills, fields, twisting trails through the forest, and steep descents. The race start was just in front of the spectacular Victorian gothic manor house – an impressive backdrop with its spiralling turrets and ornate stone carvings. The route circumnavigated the estate and its outlying fields including taking in the top fields where the American forces were stationed in the Second World War. Runners then dropped back into the parkland, finishing just behind the manor. Chepstow Harrier Paul Murrin had little time to take in the impressive scenery as he raced his heart out to take second overall position, out of nearly 400 competitors, in an incredibly quick time of 39.12. His fellow Harrier, James Blore, was close behind in fourth position in 39.37. Teresa Tranter was first Female Vet 60 and walked away with a pink technical t-shirt and running shop voucher, with Joc Dodd second in this category. Niki Morgan won the second Female Vet 40 prize. It was Denise Evan's 50th birthday on the day, and she chose to celebrate by running the race with fellow Harriers, and popped open four bottles of champagne for them to share – after the race of course. Other notable performances were Andrew Mathias who was third Harrier home, Stuart Penny first Male Vet 50 from Chepstow Harriers, Neil Grant, first Male Vet 60 from Harriers, and Syd Wheeler, first Male Vet 70. Other Chepstow Harriers who took part were Paul Dodd, Andy Creber, Rob Hook, Tom Riddington, Stuart Duncan, Karen Elvers, Berna Cantwell, Louise Crockett, Gemma Beves, Paul Mayo, Geoff and Jane Bayliss, Jane Rymer, Virginia Stone, Gill Elllis and Rob Brown.