RUNNERS took on the Halloween Twmbarlwm Terror multi-terrain race organised by Fairwater Runners of Cwmbran on Sunday.

Tim Batchelor of Chepstow Harriers stormed home second out of the 181 finishers, crossing in 53 minutes 29 seconds, 2.11 behind winner and course record breaker Munro Lewis of Islwyn Harriers, and 50 seconds ahead of his own club mate and first over-50 runner Paul Murrin in third.

MonRoss Trailblazer Gavin Jones also finished sixth in 56.50, five places and 1.48 up on Harriers' Dickie Hudd, who was second fastest senior veteran.

Third senior vet home and 13th in 1.01.12 was fellow Harrier Andy Hughes.

Laura Davies of Lliswerry Runners in 12th overall was fastest woman in 58.44, with Harriers' Lisa Jeffery fourth and fastest over-50 female in 1.09.23 and club mate Jan Morris third in class in 1.11.50.

Spirit of Monmouth's Maixent Gaillard and James Exton also travelled to Risca to take on the tough seven-mile scenic race along footpaths, open fields, country lanes and woodland to the Twmbarlwm peak and back, which included a total ascent of some 1000ft and some runners in Halloween costume.

James crossed in 1.13.34 for 10th in the over-50 age category, while Maixent overtook a scary witch who had lost her broom and crossed in 1.21.52.

Harriers' Denise Evans also took the over-60s women's class in 1.27.40, with club mate Barbara Maddison third in 1.28.40.

Also on Sunday, local runners joined a near 1,000 strong field at the Richard Burton 10k which started at Cwmavon Rugby Club.

Chepstow's Tony Marshall was fastest over-60 man in 37.56, while Niki Morgan took the over-50 women's class in 41.36.

Spirit ladies Sian Fielding, Julie Gee and Elizabeth Sim also joined the thrilling and renowned race that combined tough terrain, scenic pathways and challenging hills with a vibrant community spirit.

Elsewhere, MonRoss Trailblazer Elle Lumley stood out at the recent Hardmoors Sutton Bank Sizzler, finishing second fastest woman.

She also achieved a new personal best, finishing four minutes quicker in a demanding night race featuring some 1,000ft of ascent

In North Wales, club mates Andy Stephens and Pip Cottrell tackled the Snowdonia Marathon Eryri 2024.

Andy completed the marathon in 4.30.12 for 145th in his category, while Pip finished 22nd in her class in 4.50.42.

Emma Davies went the extra mile to race in the Valencia Half Marathon prior to last week’s horrendous flooding, clocking her fastest half of 2024 at 1.44.57 to place 55th in her category out of 768 runners in the pouring rain.

Meanwhile, it's all systems yo ho ho for this year's Santa Fun Run, organised by Spirit of Monmouth.

The event is set for Sunday, December 1, but will take place over a different route this year, due to the Vauxhall Inglis Bridge closure.

Instead, it will start at the Sportsground and use part of the park run route thanks to Andy Tabb and the Sports Association.

Updates will appear on the event's Facebook page.