NEARLY 150 festive fell runners headed for the hills in the Skirrid Winter race overlooking Abergavenny on the last Saturday before Christmas, racing over 3.5 miles with an ascent and descent of 1476ft.

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

Runners tackled nearly 1500ft of ascent in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run
Runners tackled nearly 1500ft of ascent in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run (Sally Cameron)

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 seventh in 30.54 by just two seconds from Paul Murrin of Chepstow Harriers.

A festive runner in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run
A festive runner in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run (Sally Cameron)

And James Scott of Mynydd Du just over 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, just 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.

Runners put in the hard yards for Christmas in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run
Runners put in the hard yards for Christmas in the Skirrid Winter Fell Run (Sally Cameron)

MDC's Katie Ironside was third woman home hot on their heels in 34.11, while MD's Stephen Priestnall raced to the men's over-60 class 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 pver-65 men's age group title in 39.29, while clubmate Donna Grant was first over-45 woman just 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 Stephen Owen of Chepstow Harriers came home first over-70 man in 47.32, with club mate Margaret Griffiths the over-70 women's winner in 77.35.

Race organiser Andy Creber told racers in a post: "The wind made a concerted effort to ensure some of you were blown up, down, over, or off route but you all eventually got to the Trig.

"Those continuing on the flagged route were entertained by the slippiest part of the course and it wasn’t long before bums met grass.

"The more adventurous took a more direct line to the right and down the rougher terrain to the hill gate and then a return to the even sloppier fields."

Racer Tomas Black, who finished third, replied: "Awesome race – absolutely loved it! Thank you!"

One thing’s for sure, all those who took on the challenge will be deserving of an extra mince pie or two over the festive period.

Full results at fellrace.com