13 Spirit of Monmouth runners took part in the Rack Raid, with the club achieving their highest ever placing, finishing a fantastic fifth overall.

The race started at Grosmont at 7.30am. Monmouth runner Trish Chalk finished her race to Skenfrith in fifth position. Next, Simone Traylen-Thomas ran the 6.9 miles to White Castle in 58 minutes 37 seconds. George Smith finished sixth in his 7.5-mile run to Abergavenny. Club chairperson Karen Barratt completed the 6.7 miles to Old Court Moat in one hour and twelve seconds. Next was Jeremy Masters, who achieved fifth place in the 8.1 mile race to Monmouth.

Club coach Allan Meek ran the 12.6 miles to Raglan and finished in sixth place, then Caroline Jones finished a fantastic second in her race to Usk. Gareth Jones placed fifth in the tough 13.1-mile leg from Usk to Tintern - made all the more challenging due to the 24-degree temperature. Alice Taylor was first lady home in the ten-mile race from Tintern Abbey to Chepstow Castle, Toby Wales then ran to Caldicot Castle, finishing in fourth position. Nerys Chaplin was second lady home in the 8.3 miles to Penhow, then team captain Martin Blakebrough continued on to Caerleon, finishing eigth. The final 5.4 miles to Castell y Bwch was completed by Stephen Barratt.

The Rack Raid is an invitation only event and open to selected runners of participating running clubs. To find out how to join, visit spiritofmonmouth.co.uk