SIX Spirit of Monmouth members ran eight miles in Newport at the Lliswerry 8 on Sunday, as another five ran the Kymin Winter fell race overlooking their home town the same day.

Vicky Roberts, James Exton, Andrew Jackson, Marina Wright, Nick Sloper and Julie Gee headed to Newport to blow away the cobwebs at the Lliswerry Runners event, whohave beeen organising it for over 35 years.

Nicknamed the “flattest race on the planet”, the route covers the country lanes of Goldcliff and Nash villages on the edge of the city, with Lliswerrry club members giving awesome support throughout.

Vicky was nervous beforehand wanting to chase her 2024 time, and with strength and determination managed to cross as first Spirit in 54mins 52secs for a full minute faster PB and fifth in her age group.

With a cold start after losing a glove, James warmed up and chased down members from San Domenico RC to finish in 63.00 with Caldicot members hot on his shoulder.

Andy enjoyed another race coming back from injury, and despite finding it tough going at pace for a long distance finished well in 64.40.

Marina was keen to run with SoM members and old running mates from Lliswerry, and loved the cheers from friends helping her overcome tired legs from running the Malvern hills the day before to finish in 68.03.

Nick Sloper targeted sub-70 minutes and did so with 69.04 – his fastest pace since a knee operation in 2023, and good prep for a decent time in April's Prague half marathon.

Julie embraced her smile throughout, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere and beautiful views and finished in 93.03.

Back in Monmouth, Ben Saunders, Jeremy Creasey, Michael Visser, Matthew Visser and Maixent Gaillard took on the Kymin Winter Race hosted by Chepstow Harriers.

Spirit runners were up for the challenge of The Kymin Winter Hill run
Spirit runners were up for the challenge of The Kymin Winter Hill run (SoM)

The course was fully marked with plenty of ups and downs and off-road terrain.

Ben was among the early frontrunners and finished as first Spirit in 39.57 for 37th overall and said it was ‘brutal’.

Jeremy enjoyed the trails around the woods and finished second Spirit in 50.52, followed by Michael in 51.44 and son Matthew 52.05.

Maix also found it tough, but loved the race being on the doorstep, which finished with free sausage and chips in the Mayhill pub, and was pleased to finish with toes intact in 53.39.