ON New Year's Day, 31 hardy souls cleared their heads with a four mile jaunt at the Great Mathern Mud Run.

This local, inaugural race by Rogueruns, began at Mathern Village Hall. The short, sharp course took runners to the delights of the little cove at St. Pierre Pill, followed by a little excursion through the mud to the "beach" to ring a giant golden bell, marking the half way point.

It was then back inland through the golf course, before a foot cleansing dip in the lake on the approach to the finish.

Free tea and home-made cakes were laid on for each runner back at Mathern Village Hall.

Moti kindly sponsored the event, and the generous vouchers went to the prize winners. The first man home, beating his nearest rival by two and a half minutes, was Chepstow Harriers' James Blore. The first lady was also a Chepstow Harrier – Sarah Bell. As well as the Moti vouchers, these winners were lucky recipients of hand-crafted, bespoke trophies featuring wooden pigs wallowing in the mud.

Robert Hopkins from Thornbury Running Club was second and Gareth Jones third. Rosina Rowland from Thornbury was second lady, and Rhyann Sutton was third. Chepstow Harrier Richard Newhouse was first Male Veteran 40, Bryan Stadden was first Male Veteran 50, Diana Molloy was first Female Veteran 40, and Ruth Abrahams was first Female Veteran 50.