THE final race in the cross country Gwent Leisure Centre League was held on Sunday 11th March at Glebelands, Newport.

Hosted by Caerleon Running Club on a flat and fast course, conditions were good, if a bit damp under foot in places. There were a few members of Chepstow Harriers who had taken part in either the National cross country or the 20 mile 20/20 Fission race the previous day, yet they turned up to compete for the team as well as club championship points. The race was completed by 198 runners from 10 teams across the Gwent area.

The ladies race was won by Lauren Cooper of Parc Bryn Bach followed by Sandra Chipper of Lliswerry Runners. The next three positions were occupied by Chepstow Harriers, Georgie Prior, Niki Morgan and Sarah Bell who were all first in their respective age categories. Jane Bayliss and Sue Ashton were also first in their age categories.

The men’s race was won by Adam Roberts with second place going to Sam Jones both of Parc Bryn Bach. Third place went to Iwan Morton of Pont-y-Pwl and district runners. Paul Murrin was the first male Chepstow Harrier to finish in fourth place with James Blore the next to cross the line in eighth. Stephen Owen picked up a first in his age category, as did Dave Andrews.

The women’s A team came joint first with Lliswerry Runners, which puts them in second place overall for the five race series, with Lliswerry Runners taking the honours. Women’s team captain Niki Morgan said: “I was thrilled that for the final race we were joint first with Lliswerry.”

The men’s A team finished third behind Lliswerry Runners and Pont-y-Pwl and District Runners respectively which puts them in third place overall in the series. Martyn Winser, men’s team captain and overall men’s series winner said: “The team did well to retain the third position overall after a great cross country season. We are now looking forward to the road series which starts in May.”