HALLOWEEN weekend proved busy for Spirit members, as half marathons, 10ks and a seven-mile multi-terrain race held no fear for them, reports VICKY ROBERTS.

Runners tackled the Twmbarlwm Terror as a club championship race on Sunday, with the briefing held in warm, sunny conditions, immediately followed by a sudden and unexpected '3, 2, 1, Go!' in the other direction.

Katie Adams later cornered the officials suggesting (very politely) it had caused a discrepancy in the timing, although she still finished third woman in 1.03.39.

The route included undulating mountain paths with a very steep ascent up and down Twmbarlwm and past the ancient hill fort.

Tom Chinnick took 10th and third over-40 in 56.06, while Ben Saunders was 16th in 58.12.

Barry Burns finished fourth in category in 1.05.53, Liberty Barlow and Renske Bouwens (third in class) in 1.17.15 and 1.17.56 respectively, followed by Marina Wright in 1.27.30 and Andy Hillis in 1.35.49.

Julie Glynn-Jones and Sian Fielding headed to Cwmafan's Richard Burton 10 on Saturday, a thrilling race combining a challenging course with a vibrant community spirit.

With lots of beautiful scenery and a couple of beastly hills rewarded with a beer at the top, Sian crossed in 55.30 and Julie in 1.04.49.

The event concluded with a Welsh cake, a box of tea bags and a slate coaster in place of a medal.

Michael Visser and son Matthew went to the Cotswolds for a new 2025 Half Marathon road race in Cirencester, that wound through the old town and onto country lanes on a hilly circular route with beautiful scenery.

Returning downhill through the Bathurst Estate and Cirencester Park, Matthew posted a PB 1.40.51, while Mike found it a bit hillier and muddier than expected, finishing in 1.54.51.

The previous week saw Martin Blakebrough and Jeremy Creasey take on the Cranathon 10k at Worcester Racecourse, organised by Cranstoun, a charity which supports people with lived experience of social justice issues.

The men raced three and a half laps with Martin finishing in 47.28 and Jeremy in 49.05 to both place first in their age category.

Also going the extra mile were club mates Rob Nelson and Julian Howe who headed to the Snowdonia National Park to take on Marathon Eryri – a demanding yet spectacular route encircling Wales' highest peak.

The race started and finished just outside Llanberis and followed the A4086 to the top of the Llanberis Pass, ascending a total of 838m.

In true British style the rain came down and made the run even tougher, but Julian ran a great race finishing in 4 hours 09.26, with Rob – taking photos at the top – also finishing well in 5.19.26.

Carol Oswell also ran the Valencia Half Marathon as part of the super halves challenge – a series of six city races also comprising Lisbon, Prague, Berlin, Copenhagen and Cardiff.

Carol raced home in 1.47.00 on the flat course through the Maritime Quarter, enjoying the electric city centre atmosphere.