NEARLY 150 festive fell runners headed for the hills in the Skirrid Winter race overlooking Abergavenny just before Christmas, racing 3.5 miles with a 1476ft ascent.

The race to the top and back from near the Skirrid Inn saw the tightest of races, with Jonathan Ford of Black Mountains club Mynydd Du beating team mate Wyndham Turner by a second in 27mins 52secs.

Junior runner Tomas Black of Brecon Beacons fell club Mynyddwr de Cymru was third in 29.06, followed by Wilf Evans of Cardiff Runners in 29.39.

Andrew Tyler of Hereford Couriers took the over-50 men's class in 30.54 by just two seconds from Paul Murrin of Chepstow Harriers.

And James Scott of Mynydd Du some 30 seconds back took the over-40 class in 31.28, while Rich Foster of MonRoss Trailblazers was first over-45 home in 32.06.

Chepstow's Matthew Lawson was first over-55 man in 33.45, pipping fastest woman Rosie Wright of Swansea Harriers by five seconds, who in turn edged Rhian Probert of Mynydd Du by a matter of feet, both given the same time, with the latter taking the over-55 women’s class.

MDC's Katie Ironside was third woman hot on their heels in 34.11, while MD's Stephen Priestnall raced to the men's over-60 title in 34.45.

Catherine Treble of Westbury Harriers finished fourth fastest woman and first over-40 female in 36.45, 11 seconds ahead of over-50 winner Lisa Jeffrey of Chepstow Harriers.

MDC's Andy Stott raced to the over-65 men's title in 39.29, while clubmate Donna Grant was first over-45 woman eight seconds back.

First over-60 woman was Flora Gunner of Croft Ambrey AC in 44.40, beating Nicolalouise Crockett by just over a minute.

MD's Rona Davies was fastest over-65 woman in 46.32, while Harriers’ Stephen Owen was first over-70 man in 47.32, with club mate Margaret Griffiths over-70 women's winner in 77.35.