SUNDAY was a big day for Spirits taking part in the Principality Building Society Cardiff Half Marathon, which at 29,000 runners has grown into one of the largest and most exciting road races in the UK.

Eleven Spirit of Monmouth members took on the 13.1-mile city course, which took in such sights as Cardiff Castle, the Principality Stadium, the Civic Centre and Cardiff Bay.

Some of the Spirit runners that ran the Cardiff Half Marathon
Some of the Spirit runners that ran the Cardiff Half Marathon (SoM)

Katie Adams took a late place and on tired legs from last week's Forest half, finished in 1 hour 31 mins 34 secs.

Vicky Roberts flew around the course with her ultra training still in her legs and crossed as second Spirit in 1.33.44 for a new half PB, knocking six minutes off last year's Cardiff time.

Vicky said: "The capital's crowd were unreal and you could compare some of it to the scenes in the London Marathon, with the live bands, music and constant cheering.”

Back from injury, Andy Jackson just made the start line in time and ran home in 1.54.13, followed by Sian Fielding in a PB 2.01.42.

Sian said: “I'm very happy considering I couldn't run 5k back in January. I had a brilliant day and enjoyed every minute.”

Nick Sloper crossed just behind in 2.02.30, while Rachel Waters was thrilled to finish in 2.04.52 after recent illness.

Spirits' Richard Wonson and Rachel Waters enjoyed pounding the streets and paths of the Welsh capital
Spirits' Richard Wonson and Rachel Waters enjoyed pounding the streets and paths of the Welsh capital (SoM)

Charlotte Brown ran alongside husband Paul and smashed her goal of 2.20 with 2.10.35.

Richard Wonson had a good run until Mile 6, where he then started to struggle with heavy legs, but pushed on and finished in 2.20.

Julie Glyn-Jones was excited to take on another half and finished just behind in 2.21.43.

Andrew Davies had a good run to within 2.5-miles of the finish, but then needed the energy of the crowd and the sight of SOM club mates to lift him home in 2.40.51, where his cheering children were waiting.

Andrew with a young supporter
Andrew Davies with a young supporter (SoM)

And Julie Gee brought the Spirit team home after overcoming recent injuries, even doing a little dance with the bands and finishing with a smile in 2.48.21.

Meanwhile ,Martin and Debby Blakebrough, and Jeremy and Fiona Creasey headed to Germany to take part in Sunday's Generali Cologne relay marathon, totalling 42.19km.

The Spirit quartet who ran the Generali Cologne relay marathon
The Spirit quartet who ran the Generali Cologne relay marathon (SoM)

The self-named Llancats completed the race in 3.39 and finished 115th out of 700 teams, taking the top spot for the fastest UK team.

Martin said: “The music and drumming throughout was amazing and the people really got behind you."

Both families always combine it with their other obsession, Parkrun, and lucky for them, last Thursday saw Germany hold a nationwide one for Unity Day.

Renske Bouwens also went solo and took part in the Cirencester Slog, a varied 10-mile trail through Cirencester Park and the Bathurst Estate on mixed terrain.

The route featured hills with some fabulous woodland track sections, and Renske was pleased to finish in 1.23.33 which put her fourth in her age and 10th female overall.