THREE Spirit of Monmouth ladies Cathy Fletcher, Abi Buckley and Marina Wright headed to the Malvern Hills Ultra consisting of 35 miles of stunning views and 2,500m of ascent last week, reports VICKY ROBERTS.
The route took them along the Worcestershire Way past the Malvern Hills Beacon – the highest point in the county – along terrain that included woods, farms, hill tops, paths, roads and forest tracks.
“It was a very hot, very hilly and challenging route but really enjoyable," said Cathy after the trio ran together, supporting each other all the way to finish in 9 hours 15 mins 55 secs.
Spirit runners were also out in force on Tuesday at the first Gwent Leisure Centre League road race organised by Chepstow Harriers, across the Severn Bridge and back over five miles.
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It was a spectacular sight as 446 runners from nine clubs raced to the finish line with a glorious sunset.
First home was Daniel Bodham of Parc Bryn Bach RC in 27.00, followed just five seconds back by club mate Lloyd Cottrell with Lewis Munro of Islwyn RC in close attendance another six seconds back.
Fastest woman was Lizzie Dimond of Lliswerry RC in 30.30, followed by Ewelina Ciesielska of Parc Bryn Bach in 30.55 and Emma Wookey of Lliswerry in 31.03.
Thirty two Spirits raced to gain points, Katie Adams first home in 31.52 as fifth fastest woman, closely followed by Ben Saunders in 32.00.
Spirit's ladies teams came seventh and 23rd overall and the men 13th, 22nd and 34th.
Sarah Heath and Alison McMenemy both gained first place in their age categories alongside Katie Adams, with their next league race on May 20 in Blaenavon.
Nick Sloper took part in the first three-mile stage of the Llanfrynach 3-4-5, an annual road series run by Brecon AC on an undulating course around the rural lanes of the picturesque Beacons village.
Nick completed the race in 24.10 placing 72nd of 171, and is looking forward to the next four-mile stage.
Another weekend of sunshine saw Louise Hartree and Nick Sloper enjoy the Radyr and Morganstown Trail Half Marathon, which started in Cardiff but soon left the hustle and bustle behind for idyllic countryside trails boasting beautiful mountain views and woodlands, peaking on top of the Garth mountain before finishing in the flat nature reserve.
The course ended up being around 14 miles and was brutal, said Nick, although both enjoyed feed station ice creams in the heat, with Louise crossing in just under three hours and Nick in 3.09.00.
Katie Adams took a trip down memory lane on Sunday in the Stevington 12k – a country road loop race to and from her Bedfordshire home village.
Katie ran a strong race cheered on by her brothers and old school friends after a reunion visiting her recently passed father’s cottage, finishing second woman in 51.06 just over a minute behind the fastest.
Julie Gee rounded up the Spirit racing week at the Great Bristol Run, where the super-scenic 10k and half marathon routes attract thousands to take in the historic city's great views, inspiring history and graffiti murals.
Julie enjoyed the race, which included hilly spots and awkward cobblestone paths, and was grateful for the sprinklers around the course, finishing her 10k in 1.12.06.