EAST Wales won five out of six adult races at the Welsh inter-regional cross country races in Builth Wells on Saturday 12th December. Six Chepstow Harriers’ women and three Chepstow Harriers’ men formed a vital part of those winning teams.

The runners braved harsh conditions with driving rain, strong winds, and huge amounts of mud. The challenging, undulating course was approximately 10 kilometres for the men’s race and six kilometres for the women’s race.

Lisa Jeffrey, Danielle Sapsford and Esther Barrett helped the East Wales team win gold in the female masters over 35 category. Niki Morgan, Maria Anthony and Rebecca Commins helped the East Wales team win gold in the female masters over 45 category. Individual medals also went to Lisa, Maria, Rebecca and Niki.

Pete Ward, Karie Atkins and Jonathan Carter helped the East Wales team win gold in the male masters over 40 category.

Ladies team captain Niki Morgan said: “It was a superb day for east Wales and for Chepstow Harriers. I was thrilled that six of our female runners and three of our male runners were selected to run for East Wales in this event. They were up against very strong runners from South, West and North Wales.

“It’s a highly competitive event with some of the country’s fastest runners. To come away with so many gold medals was a huge boost to our region and to our club. The weather and underfoot conditions were appalling and running in all that mud was very energy sapping.

“All our runners gave it their all and prevailed despite the conditions.”