BITING cold conditions, snow and deep mud were the order of the day for Chepstow Harriers running at the Parc Bryn Bach cross country race on Sunday (10th January).

The women’s A and B teams came first, beating nine other teams from South East Wales, and their C team came second. Chepstow’s men also did their club proud with their A team coming fifth, and their B and C teams coming second and third respectively.

The event was third in a series of five leisure centre league races. The underfoot conditions were so heavy with mud and water that the normal distances were reduced with each runner doing one less lap round the beautiful lake at Parc Bryn Bach. Thankfully hot showers and tea and coffee were available at the venue to thaw the runners out.

Chepstow were very grateful to Parc Bryn Bach Running Club for hosting the race at short notice. The next race will be hosted by Chepstow Harriers at Piercefield Park on Sunday 21st February. It will be another challenging course with plenty of mud, undulations, and water for the runners to tackle.

Ladies team captain Niki Morgan said: “I was thrilled with the turnout of women today at this league race. It puts us second in the series, and with another superb attendance like today, we could yet take the top spot. Conditions were extremely challenging, with runners’ feet and hands numb with cold.

“It’s a testament to their fortitude that they battled on and prevailed.”