THREE runners from Monross Trailblazers braved the 36th Llanbedr to Blaenavon Fell Race on Saturday 28th March.

One of the most challenging events in the fell racing calendar, the 15 mile run takes in three peaks and involves a total climb of more than 4,500 feet.

Runners gathered for the start in the village of Llanbedr, two miles from Crickhowell, peering apprehensively at moody skies cloaking the hills in fog.

In this category "A" fell race, all runners were required to carry kit containing map, compass, whistle, waterproofs and emergency rations – vital for safety, but weighing critical extra pounds.

From the start, the course travelled steeply uphill over stony tracks and muddy paths to the mist shrouded summit of Crug Mawr where runners braced themselves against driving winds.

After the punishing climb came an equally steep descent over open rough ground followed by a long, arduous slog to the top of the Sugar Loaf. With visibility at the top reduced to a few yards, it was a great relief for the competitors to emerge from the clouds to see Abergavenny below bathed in sunlight.

The last four miles of the race involved an almost vertical ascent of the Blorenge, which reduced some runners to all fours.

Then at the top, it was a further two miles to the finish across cold and blustery moorland before the final descent to the finish at Blaenavon Rugby Club.

Andy Stephens (pictured) capped a terrific winter season with first place in the Male Veteran 40-50 category and 5th place overall with a time of  2.25.16.

Matt Hall and James Fletcher, also in the MV40 category, came in at 67th and 84th in a highly competitive field of more than 100 elite runners.

James Fletcher said of Andy Stephens, the club's King of the Hills: "Andy is a machine. We don't know how he does it, though regular pints of Guinness and Mars bars might have something to do with it."

Monross Trailblazers is looking for new members and details can be found at http://www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk">www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk.