THE Muddy Woody lived up to its name following a week of rain, turning much of the 6.5 mile cross country course into thick mud.

Hosted by Wye Valley Runners, and in its 19th year, the race attracted 350 runners from around the county.

Eight MonRoss Trailblazers signed up for the sell-out race and donned their green vests, ready for the off at 11am.

A keen pace was set by the front runners and a lead group, including Andy Stephens, quickly broke away from the chasing pack.

After leaving the fire track and onto the woodland trail, the runners needed concentration and effort to navigate the single track with some tough ascents and fast downhill sections.

After three woodland sections and a 300ft, 3/4 mile climb at mile five, a fast finish to the line completed the route.

Andy Stephens finished fourth in 46 minutes and four seconds, winning his vet 40 age group category.

Barry Davies followed in 10th place (49m 53s) and Phil Thomas in 15th, (51m 06s). Captain Richard Bevan was back running following a long injury spell, finishing in 23rd place (52.50).

Completing a great Monross performance, David Knapper finished 33rd (55.43), James Fletcher 61st (58.22), Gavin Jones 68th (59.18) and Vanessa Ball 120th in 66.15. 

After the timekeepers results were in, Monross were confirmed as Muddy Woody team winners, having three runners across the line first.