MORE than 200 runners flocked to Tintern to take part in Chepstow Harriers' Tintern Trot six-mile off-road race on Thursday 3rd July. The beautiful, barmy, summer's evening attracted a record number of entrants for the event. The event centre was the Abbey Mill, where competitors were treated to a welcome free drink and home-made cake at the finish. The course began with a run across the old railway bridge over the River Wye, followed by a flat stretch alongside the river, before a gradual climb through the woods to the Offa's Dyke Path. A pleasant undulating section followed for half a mile or so, before a hair-raising descent towards Brockweir, and a final undulating section through the woods, leading back to Abbey Mill. The warm conditions and the 260m of climb made for a tough race, although once the runners had caught their breath back, there were smiling, satisfied faces all round. First home was Matt Collins in 37 minutes and 11 seconds, with Daniel Bodman from Aberdare second, and Alex Donald from Cardiff AAC in third place. In the female race, Lynette Porter from Bitton Road Runners was first in 44 minutes, 50 seconds, Clara Evans from Pontypridd second, and Nichola Gething from Parc Bryn Bach third. Coates Physiotherapy Clinic in Chepstow generously sponsored the event.