ON Easter Monday, six Chepstow Harriers were part of the 90 hardy runners who braved the Gilwern Grunt, near Blaenavon.

This very challenging, off-road eight mile run took place in the spectacular terrain around Gilwern Hill, with superb views of the Black Mountains.

Paul Murrin from Chepstow Harriers was 2nd overall in an incredible time of 1 hour, 1 minute.

Other Harriers taking part were Matthew Lawson, John Nash, David Hayward, Dave Andrews and Berta Havers. Many other Chepstow Harriers marshalled, or helped at the event.

The "Grunt" involved a climb up and around Gilwern Hill. The route also took in a traverse of "The Tumble" and an excursion through the lava-like landscape of the canyons of Pwll Du.

The scenery and terrain were ever-changing, set against a backdrop of remote moorland-like areas and old quarry workings. The incredibly steep "volcano" was the final sting in the tail at the finish.

All runners reported finding the course very tough, but hugely enjoyable, even if some of that enjoyment was retrospective.

Pictures by Fiona Cross