ON Sunday 5th June, 26 Chepstow Harriers braved intense heat to compete in the Rack Raid, a 100-mile stage race from Grosmont Castle to Castell y Bwch. Chepstow’s A team were first out of 22 teams, and their B team were the first B team and sixth team overall. The 13 stage road race had a different runner on each leg with distances varying from 5.1 to 13.1 miles. RACK stands for ruined antiquities, castles and keeps, one of which are situated at the start and finish points of each leg.

Team captain James Blore was delighted with the performance of the two teams. He said: “Our runners gave 100 per cent, racing their hearts out to achieve these excellent placings. Pontypool were our nearest rivals and won the event last year, so we were especially pleased to clinch the title this year. We also had a really strong B team, achieving a very good overall position as well as beating six other B teams. The camaraderie at this event is fantastic, and Fairwater Runners, who organise the event, deserve a medal for putting it all together“.

Chepstow had five runners who won their stages and received a special commemorative shirt as a prize. The stage winners were Rich Matthews, Mark Harvey, Steve Caldwell, Duncan Bell and Matt Stott. All runners won a beer and the team captain James Blore received the coveted winner’s trophy.

Two star Harriers who supported all the Chepstow runners for the whole 100 miles, handing water to weary runners, were James Blore and Karie Atkins. Laurie Carter and Stuart Duncan also supported most of the way by bike.