Spirit of Monmouth runners took part in the 100-mile Rack Raid 13-stage relay race around Gwent, reports Sarah Clifton.

After a two-year absence due to Covid, there was a lot of excitement and anticipation for the race organised by Fairwater Runners of Cwmbran.

The route visits many of the castles and historic ruins of the Gwent area, with stages ranging in length from five miles to over 13 miles across very hilly terrain.

As well as being challenging, with strict cut-off times for each stage, it requires careful planning from the team to organise transport to and from the start and finish of each stage.

Runners were enthusiastically supported by both Spirit teammates and members of other participating running clubs.

The race started at 7.30am in Grosmont and finished in mid-evening at Castell Y Bwlch, and made for an epic day of racing.