EIGHT Spirit of Monmouth members took part in the John H Collins Gwent League X-Country series opener on Saturday.

More than 60 clubs from across the South Wales and the South West compete in the races, which can attract more than 1,000 runners spread across 10 events.

The five matches over the winter feature conditions ranging from grassy parkland to wet and windy moors, but while cross-country running is competitive, it's all very friendly.

The first race was held at the Pembrey Country Park on a beautiful day and perfect for running near the coastline.

Spirits ladies had a full team made up of Katie Adams, Vicky Roberts, Sarah Heath and Renske Bouwens, who ran two laps of the sandy dune course totalling 4.4 miles, with Katie coming home in 30 minutes dead to take fifth in her over-45 age category.

Vicky competing for the first time at the Gwent League finished in 32.01 for ninth in her over-35 age category, while Sarah crossed just five seconds back to win her over-60 age group.

Chepstow Harriers’ Niki Morgan also triumphed, taking the over-55 class in 30.58.

Renske enjoyed the mix of terrains and finished in 34.26 to place 10th in her over-50 class, with the Spirit ladies placing fourth out of 22 teams in Division 3.

Spirits men at Pembrey Country Park. Photo: Spirit of Monmouth RC
Spirits men at Pembrey Country Park. (SoM RC)

The Spirit men also put out a full team comprising Matthew Vissor, Barry Burns, Brian Evans and Gareth Jones, who had to run a longer 5.6-mile course which included a woodland stretch.

New member Matt was eager to take on his first race at the Gwent League XC and flew around easily, crossing in 40.51.

Barry worked well with Matt giving encouragement throughout and finished just 12 seconds behind.

Brian finished in a good time of 43.24, while Gareth sadly suffered a flare up of an old injury, and was forced to pull out after the first lap.

But the team finished in sixth place out of 17 teams in Division 4.

Meanwhile, Madeleine Newcomb took part in the Ladybower Reservoir 22k trail race the same day in the beautiful Derbyshire Peak District, which included a two-mile ascent to the top of Win Hill (1516 ft).

Madeleine Newcomb finished second in her age group in the Ladybower Reservoir 22k trail race
Madeleine Newcomb finished second in her age group in the Ladybower Reservoir 22k trail race (SoM RC)

The trail was narrow which hindered overtaking and the promised view of the reservoir at the trig point was covered in mist, but it was followed by a nice long gentle descent before returning to the start point along the side of the lake.

Madeleine finished in three and a half hours to come second in her age group, which included some lengthy stops for refreshments.