A FESTIVE weekend of running for Spirit of Monmouth Running Club saw members doing Christmas runs in Cardiff and the Forest of Dean, reports VICKY ROBERTS.
Sian Fielding and Julie Gee headed to the capital to take part in the Cardiff Festival 10k which was a bustling event, filled with energy and excitement, with other clubs using it as a club championships race.
Julie ran in her Mrs Claus outfit and was relieved to see fellow participants dressed in pudding suits, and others adorned with glitter and sparkles, adding a festive touch to the atmosphere.
Instead of wintry Yultide, the weather was warm and humid, with Sian crossing in 55.33 while Julie was just over the hour mark.
Mark Gillett of Chepstow Harriers was seventh overall in 35.09, closely followed by club mates Will Carter in 18th in 36.16 and Paul Murrin in 30th in 37.06.
Niki Morgan was also seventh woman and first over-55 in 41.08.
Meanwhile, Spirit’s Jeremy Creasy, Andrew Hillis, Marina Wright, Cathy Fletcher and Martin Blakebrough headed just over the border for the Christmas Tree run hosted by Forest of Dean AC, a five-mile undulating and very muddy trail race starting and finishing at Ellwood Football Club, where runners were welcomed across the line with a bowl of soup and a roll.
Spirit of Monmouth RC’s ‘Couch to 5k’ programme starts on Tuesday, January 14, at 6.50pm at Monmouth School Sports Complex on Hadnock Road.
The C25K is for everyone, whether they have never run before or you just want to get more active, and is an easy way of getting fitter and healthier.
It's a nine-week course costing £20 leading to a graduation 5k parkrun.
Email [email protected] to register or for further information