SPIRIT of Monmouth runner Katie Adams was fastest woman in the 800-strong Cardiff Trail Half Marathon on Sunday.

She was joined by Cathy Fletcher and Vicky Roberts in flying the blue and yellow flag in the tough run, which started at Mountain View Ranch in Fforest Fawr.

Katie ran a superb race in 1h 37m 45s making it a ribbon finish and taking home a First Place slate award.

The route took the 800 participants through some of Cardiff’s best-known landmarks, starting at Fforest Fawr.

The course also involved the Taff Trail with a sensational view of Craig-Yr-Allt, gaining a total elevation of over 1,650ft.

Vicky was second Spirit home finishing with a great time of 1h 59m, beating her time from her last ‘Tough Runner Race’ in 2019 by 39 minutes.

Cathy was third Spirit home with 2h 14m and thoroughly enjoyed her first time at this race and the breathtaking views.

Leanne Meek from Spirit’s neighbouring club Forest of Dean AAC finished in 1h 54m.

Katie was also in action 24 hours earlier at the second Gwent League match at Blaise Castle, finishing 28th in the women’s senior race in 27.17, one place and 16 seconds ahead of Chepstow Harriers’ Cherry Fowler, who was fifth in the over-45 class, just 23 seconds ahead of club mate Sarah Bell.

Spirit’s Olivia Farrington crossed in 50th in 28.25, Alex Wilson 64th in 28.50 and Emily Harrison 73rd in 29.22.

Harriers’ Niki Morgan placed second in the over-55 class 45 seconds behind Welsh TV presenter Angharad Mair in 28.36, while club mate Lisa Jeffrey finished in 29.17.

Harriers’ Vanessa Lawson crossed in 30.41, 20 seconds ahead of club mate Tabitha Collins, while Julia Bajjada came home in 31.49.

Anyone who enjoys running and are interested in joining Spirit of Monmouth Running Club, can get in touch via email [email protected] to find out more details.

Meanwhile, Rafael Garcia Pendon from Cardiff set the benchmark in the 5k weekly Chippenham parkrun on Saturday morning, crossing in 19.21, as 109 runners and walkers took part.

Daf Davies set a PB 20.44 crossing second followed by Gerry O’Brien in 21.15, also a new PB.

First woman was Stephanie Loveland in an impressive 22.35, followed by Shaunna Ryan in a PB 23.52 and Jessica Ward in 24.11.

Xavier Sanchez and Michael and Sue Hirst also celebrated their 100th parkruns.

The weekly timed event is free and starts at 9am on Saturdays at Monmouth Sportsground. Runners just need to be registered with www.parkrun.org.uk to take part.

Youngsters aged four to 14 can join the Dixton Junior 2k Parkrun at Monmouth Leisure Centre on Sunday mornings at 9am.