SPIRIT of Monmouth runner Katie Adams travelled to Llandaff Fields to take part in the 121st Welsh X-Country Championships on Saturday, and stormed to age-group gold in tough wet and muddy conditions.

The 4.3-mile three lap course against a very strong field of runners of all ages proved heavy-going underfoot.

But Katie managed to find a pace that she could just about maintain, despite cramping up in the final minute, and crossed in 31 minutes 31 seconds to take the over-45 class by 15 seconds from Clare Patterson of Parc Bryn Bach.

Sunday also saw the return of the very popular Lliswerry 8, returning for its 40th year.

The iconic eight-mile race hosted by Lliswerry Runners is nicknamed the “flattest race on the planet”, taking in the peaceful country lanes of Goldcliff and Nash villages right on the edge of Newport.

With friendly volunteers and marshals, more than 900 runners launched out, including seven Spirits.

Vicky Roberts returning for the fifth time was eager to beat her previous best, but after a busy Christmas she didn't think it was possible.

But she kept a quick pace throughout and managed to finish 28th woman overall in 54.42 to gain a new PB by 10 seconds.

Matt Visser and Lee Davies enjoyed a neck and neck run to the finish line, but Matt managed to cross as second Spirit in 56.33 with Lee just a second back.

Nick Sloper was very pleased to finish in 62.30, knocking a huge seven minutes off last year's time.

Carol Oswell crossed in 63.06 with Michael Visser close behind in 66.49, who described it as “fast and tough“ and Sian Fielding brought the Spirit team home finishing in 72.36.

Everyone enjoyed the race and loved their finishers’ t-shirts.