FOUR Spirit of Monmouth RC members headed across the Severn to run the Oldbury 10-miler, which was one of the club’s championship races.

With torrential downpours threatening prior to the race, the skies cleared just a few minutes before the start and the team all ‘stormed’ round the course. 

The race was part of the Thornbury RC Race Series (Riverbank Rollick, Thornbury 10km and the Oldbury 10 mile) and took in quiet riverside lanes on a flat and fast course.

Vicky Roberts had a strong run coming across the finish line as first Spirit and sixth woman overall in 1 hour 11 mins 21 secs, setting a PB by knocking three minutes off last year's time.

Barry Burns followed, setting a steadier pace and enjoying the flat course, crossing the finish in 1.16.26.

Renske Bouwens enjoyed the quiet country lanes, but did find not having any hills to run up and keeping up the same speed for the 10 miles, a little tough.

She wanted to complete the race in 1.20, and managed to cross in 1.20.11.

Claire Finley getting back into racing also enjoyed upping her distance and finished in 1.24.43.

Martin Blakebrough was also flying the flag for Spirits racing at the Reigate 10k in Priory Park, which he described as a lovely hilly course.

Martin Blakebrough and his son Luke raced the Reigate 10k
Martin Blakebrough and his son Luke raced the Reigate 10k. Photo: SoMRC (SoMRC)

Running with his son Luke, Martin ran well and finished in 46.29, just behind Luke who crossed inn 45:07.

Meanwhile, MonRoss Trailblazers’ Emma Davies was at it again on the weekend, as she took on the Weymouth Ironman 70.2.

Emma Davies took on the Weymouth Ironman
Emma Davies took on the Weymouth Ironman. Photo: Sportograf.com (Sportograf.com)

The course featured a 1.9km open water swim, a 90km bike ride and a half marathon and she finished in under seven hours, with a time of 6.58.11.

Three Chepstow Harriers also took part in the category AL Black Mountains Fell Race, covering 27km and 5,200ft of ascent, with the club’s James Blore finishing second just 36 seconds behind winner Sam Mayglothling of Western Tempo in two hours 56 minutes 32 seconds.

Clubmate Jonathan Carter was third over-50 in 14th overall in 3.32.05, while Matthew Lawson placed 19th out of the 45-strong field in 3.49.30.

Meanwhile, despite the arrival of wet weather, Henry Drake of Amman Valley Harriers set the benchmark at Monmouth’s Chippenham fields park run on Saturday, completing the weekly 5k in a swift 18.09.

George Anthony set a PB 18.29 just behind, followed by over-55 Steve Rooke of Ledbury Harriers in 19.09.

Fastest woman in the 79-strong field was over-50 runner Alison Stuart in eighth overall in 21.17.

For more information, go to www.parkrun.org.uk/chippenhamplayingfields

Anyone interested in joining a running club can take a look at Spirit of Monmouth’s website spiritofmonmouth.co.uk or contact [email protected].  

Whether you’re an experienced marathon runner, 5K lover or you prefer to just run for fun, you’re welcome to join.