SPIRIT of Monmouth Running Club hosted the challenging seven mile Kymin Dash race last Sunday (7th April) for the sixth year with a record number of runners.

A record-breaking 344 runners registered with 296 runners turning up on the day.

The course starts with an ascent to the Kymin’s Round House followed by a gentle descent through forest tracks before a long flat finish along the Hadnock Road into the Monmouth School Sports Club.

First over the line was Les Croupiers runner Huw Evans. While he failed to beat his previous Dash record of 39m 50s he set in 2015 with a still impressive 42m 4s, he was at least consoled with gaining the title of King of the Hill at 10m 15s.

Second place overall went to Parc Bryn Bach runner Sam Jones, 1m 45s behind race winner Evans.

Monross Trailblazers then took the next three places with Toby Dickens at 44m, Andrew Stephens, 44m 48s, (slipping from last years second place to a still respectable fourth), and Luke Gray coming in at 45m 39s.

First woman back, and Queen of the Hill was Cheltenham runner Alice Taylor, crossing the line at 46m 31s.

The Chepstow Harriers were also well-represented at the race, with Stephen Owen first over the line for them, coming in with a time of 53m 28s, Tim Buckley completing in 58m 31m, Sue Ashton 1hr 16m 47s with Lynne Buckley and Sharon Burridge finishing over the 1hr 20m mark.

Race organisers would like to thank the main race sponsor Monmouth School Sports Club, Wild Trail for providing all runners with post race treats and prizes for all winners and finally Walford Timber who sponsored the race numbers.

Also they would like to express their thanks to Ancre Hill Vineyard for donating a prize for the first man and lady home, The Bloom Room, Evans of Monmouth, Phil Munday and the National Trust. 

The race raised funds for Stroke Association Wales which will be matched by Barclays Bank. 

Runners also kindly donated a trolley full of food to Monmouth Food Bank.