MORE than 300 runners from 10 running clubs across Gwent took part in a Gwent Leisure Centre League Cross-Country rac eat Humble by Nature in Penallt on Sunday 8th January.

The event, hosted by Spirit of Monmouth Running Club, featured a mainly flat course on fields, with mud and a couple of gentle inclines. The women ran three laps, which was approximately four miles and the men ran four laps which was approximately six miles.

Emma Wookey of Lliswerry running club won the ladies’ race and Duncan Bell of Chepstow Harriers won the men’s race.

Laura Grey was the first lady home for Spirit of Monmouth, finishing fourth in her age category and 22nd lady overall. Jane Beresford was next, placing second in her age category. Nerys Chaplin and Emma King completed the ladies’ A team, which finished in fifth place.

The first man home for Spirit of Monmouth was Gareth Jones, who finished third in his age category and fifth overall. Warren Hulsen was next, placing ninth in his age category. Brian Evans was the third man home for the club, finishing seventh in his age category. Jeremy Masters, Russell Finch and Kirk Hill completed the men’s A team, which finished in sixth place.

Chepstow Harriers’ women shared the top spot with Lliswerry Runners ahead of eight other clubs in South Wales. Chepstow’s men were in third place. At the end of three races, this leaves Chepstow’s men and women in the top spot overall with two more races in the series to go.

Harriers Ladies team captain Niki Morgan said: “This race was chosen as Chepstow’s first club championship race of the year, and it was overwhelming to see the record turnout of Harriers at this event. All our runners from the fastest to the slowest absolutely gave it their all, and I was delighted with the result.

“The race had over 300 runners and gets more competitive each year, so maintaining our position at the top is a real challenge and requires commitment from every Harrier. Thankfully the runners did Chepstow proud today. Special thanks should go to Geoff Cram for doing the timing.”

Race director Emma King said: “Thank you to all the runners who took part today, the marshals who made the event possible and everyone at Humble By Nature for letting us use their land and facilities.”

Rachael Geddes at Humble by Nature said: "It was great to see so many runners out for the race and to host it here on the Humble by Nature farm.”