THE return of The Rose Inn Road series of races at Redwick saw five Spirit of Monmouth runners head for the Gwent Levels in midweek, reports VICKY ROBERTS.

Ben Saunders was the first club member home on the flat, two-lap four-mile course in 25mins 15secs to finish 43rd out of 189.

Rob Nelson followed in 29.07, followed by Maixent Galliard crossing with Caldicot RC members in 31.28.

Nick Sloper setting himself up for a busy week of running, worked hard in the humid conditions to finish in 31.55, while Rachel Walters enjoyed the flat course to cross in 34.02 for fifth in her age category.

On Thursday, nine club members ran another Spirit favourite and club championship race – the challenging Fountain Five trail race at Parkend, held by Forest of Dean AC, and named after the village pub.

Participants faced some tough climbs, but were rewarded with a free drink at the finish.

The race was won by Kieron Brown of MonRoss Trailblazers in 33.29, by 36 seconds from club mate Gavin Jones.

For Spirit's Ben and Nick it was their second race of the week, while three members joined the canicross race with their four-legged friends.

Ben finished seventh and was third in his over-40 category in in 36.20, followed by club chairman Barry Burns taking second over-50 in 37.59.

Martin Blakebrough was third Spirit and third over-60 in 43.59, while sole woman club member Renske Bouwens was fastest over-50 woman in 44.59.

Maixent Gaillard crossed in 48.55, closely followed by Nick Sloper and Jeremy Creasey (49.47)

James Exton, Marina Wright and Andrew Hilis returned to the race with their dogs, James finishing fourth overall, with Marina seventh and Andrew 14th.

On Saturday, Marina and Nick returned to another hilly run with Cathy Fletcher and Abigail Buckley – the ‘Off the Tarmac’ 10-miler in the Brecon Beacons.

They started at Dolygaer and climbed over Bryniau Gleisien which gave them great views of Talybont Reservoir and Tor y Foel.

The runners had to drop down some very challenging rocky paths, then up the long Taff trail to Torpantau station before returning down the fire tracks to Dolygear and Pentwyn and Pontsticill resevoirs.

Marina crossed as first Spirit in 1.55.29 just ahead of Abi in 1.56.54, before Cathy crossed in 1.58.47, and with a little niggle from Thursday's race, Nick in 2.02.54.

Spirit were also proud to have club member Sarah Heath running for Wales at the Shrewsbury 5k festival on Saturday as part of the Wales v England masters race, coming fifth in her over-60 age category.

Further afield, Matt Unsworth had a fantastic experience in Pamplona at the Half Triathlón Pamplona-Iruña / 2025 European Middle Distance Triathlon Age Group Championships.

Despite a calf issue that had to be managed, Matt still finished in 5.46.12 for 29th in his age category.

He said: “The lake was gorgeous and the bike ride very scenic, while the run through the old town and crowds were great."

Closer to home, Alison and Stephen Mcmenemy completed their 200th parkrun at Chippenham playing fields at the weekend.

Having started running parkruns in 2022, they have run many around the world, plus 62 on their home course.