MONROSS Trailblazers continued putting their best foot forward over the festive period and into New Year.

Gavin Jones took on the legendary Merthyr Mawr Christmas Pudding Race organised by Brackla Harriers – a landmark event in the South Wales running calendar, averaging some 700 entrants, from elite runners donning their club vests to fun runners in festive fancy dress.

The race covers just over six miles, taking in a range of terrains including ‘the big dipper’ – Europe’s second highest sand dune, with a mulled wine and mince pie stop halfway.

Gavin took part in the ‘competitive’ race that started just before the fancy dress fun run and finished 23rd in 51.03

Several runners also took part in the Forest of Dean Christmas Tree Race starting and finishing at Ellwood FC, with Grant White finishing fourth and second in age category, covering the five-mile multi-terrian circular route in 41.12.

Faye Johnson was first woman and 11th overall in 45.06, with Neil Harper racing home fifth in age category and 16th overall in 48.40, and Rachael Aitken fourth woman, third in category and 20th overall in 50.01.

A trio of young Trailblazers also took part in the junior race, Heidi White finishing eighth in 12.14, Olivia Aitken 14th in 15.16 and Lydia White 15th in 15.38.

Six members also went the extra festive mile at the Hereford Couriers Christmas 10k.

Grant White placed 47th in 39.39, while Rachael Aitken was 112th and fifth over-35 woman in 44.43.

Emma Davies sped around the course in 49.14, to finish 169th and fastest over-50 woman, closely followed by daughter Rosie in 184th in 50.00.

Vanessa Ward was just two seconds back and 186th overall in 50.05 as eighth over-35 woman, in the same time as Laura Lelievre, who was ninth over-35.

Meanwhile, Emma Davies completed her 200th parkrun the weekend before Christmas at Mallard’s Pike, hailed by the club as “an incredible achievement and her 33rd parkrun in 2025 alone!”

The club posted: “Over the last 13 years, Emma has turned up, laced up, and run at 24 different parkrun locations, showing true Trailblazer spirit wherever she goes.

“Even more impressive? That’s now 1,000km run at parkrun. A fantastic milestone built on consistency, commitment, and plenty of early Saturday mornings. Well done Emma — you’re an inspiration to us all! Here’s to the next milestone…”

The club are also offering people the opportunity to “kick-start your year the Trailblazer way” by joining this January and getting 15 months for the price of 12.

Membership includes weekly coached training sessions led by run leaders, club races including the newly added Kymin Winter race plus Blaze the Biblins, and entry into the Herefordshire & Borders Winter and Summer X-Country Leagues.

There is also the opportunity to compete for places on their Rack Raid and Wye Dean Relay teams, plus entry into the club ballot for London Marathon places, funding opportunities to qualify as a Leadership in Running Fitness Coach, plus other benefits.