SUNDAY 7th January saw the third event of the Gwent Leisure Centre League cross country series, hosted by Spirit of Monmouth Running Club.

The course, at the Humble by Nature farm in Penallt, was a more traditional cross country variety, with the men completing four laps of the undulating farmland and the women completing three, approximately six miles and 4.5 miles respectively.

259 runners took part in the event, which was the third of five cross country fixtures in the league.

The ladies race was won by Sandra Chipper of Lliswerry Runners, while the men’s race was won by Laurence Humphreys of Fairwater Runners.

First home for the hosts was new signing Rich Foster who placed an impressive fourth out of 145 men.

First lady home for Spirit of Monmouth was Alex Wilson who came eighth out of 114 ladies keeping up her strong performance this season.

The men’s team finished eighth with Julian Howe, Mark Dunn, Jeremy Masters, Robert Nelson and Martin Blakeborough making up the first team back.

The ladies were fifth with Laura Grey, Leanne Meek and Lucy McDonald first home in the ladies team. John Jenkins kept up his consistent performance topping his age category in the over 70 male for the third race running and it was a debut performance for new club member Keith Buchanan who embraced cross country running for the first time.

For Chepstow Harriers, first three women home were Georgie Prior, Niki Morgan and Sarah Bell who all came first in their respective age categories.

Overall, the women’s A team came a close second to Lliswerry Runners. Ladies team captain Niki Morgan said: “I was delighted with the results of today’s race.

“Every Harrier gave it their all and the result is a great achievement in a very competitive field which gets tougher each year.”

In the men’s race, Humphreys was followed closely by Harriers Martyn Winser and Paul Murrin, who picked up a first in his age category.

The third Chepstow Harrier male over the finish line was James Blore.

The men’s A team finished first ahead of Pont-Y-Pwl and District Runners, with the B team finishing second behind Lliswerry Runners B team in the B and C team category.

Chepstow Harriers men’s team captain Martyn Winser said: “It was great to see so many Harriers brave the icy wind today with everyone putting in a top performance.

“Overall it was a great event for the Chepstow Harriers who were rewarded with great results and a warm tea at the finish.”

A spokesperson from Spirit of Monmouth Running Club said: “Spirit Of Monmouth would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Humble By Nature for allowing them to hold the event at the farm for a second year with many compliments from the runners on the course and to all their members that gave up their Sunday morning to marshal in the cold to keep the runners safe.”