Monmouth's running club has seen a successful first six months of competition in 2013.

The spring heralded the start of the marathon season and a number of Spirit of Monmouth runners rose to the challenge.

Karen Barratt achieved a fantastic personal best at Brighton while Darren Ramage, Lee James, Yvonne James, Madeline Newcomb and Justine Lee all completed the London Marathon averaging sub-10 minute mile pace, earning thousands of pounds for charity as a result.

In April, the club hosted the Kymin Dash which attracted athletes from across the South West. The all-terrain, technical event was praised for its organisation and showed Monmouth at its best.

The running club is also an active member of the Gwent Leisure Centre League, with Russell Finch winning the club's first trophy for an excellent performance in the cross country championships.

The men's team is currently ranked seventh in the summer road race competition.

Earlier this month, the club competed in the Rack Raid, a 100-mile relay across Monmouthshire. The Spirit team completed the course in just over 13-and-a-half hours ahead of several local athletics club's B and C teams.

Last week the team triumphed at the Hereford 5k, with a first place for Caroline Jones in a time of 19 minutes.

"We've had a great start to the season," said Sian Stroud, chair of the running club, "and it is good to see that our members are enjoying running for the club and improving on their personal best times."

Spirit of Monmouth is celebrating its fifth anniversary in 2013 and is an inclusive running club open to all abilities from the local area, meeting at Monmouth School Sports Club, Hadnock Road on Tuesdays and Thursday evenings.

Pictured are Madeleine Newcomb at the London Marathon, Caroline Jones, Trish Chalk and Darren Ramage at the Hereford 5k and Karen Barratt at the Brighton Marathon.