CHEPSTOW Harriers junior athletic club had a successful cross country training session at Piercefield Park on Sunday 18th January where the sunny weather enticed 26 junior athletes to the event.

There were races aimed at year 3 and below (one 800m loop), years 4/5 (two laps, total distance 1 mile), years 6/7 (3 laps, 1.5 miles) and years 8+ (4 laps, two miles in total).

The course was a traditional cross country incorporating grass, hills, descents, mud, woodland and even one of the fixed horse jumps.

It was fully marked and marshalled by Chepstow Harriers volunteers and parent helpers, and refreshments were provided.

The athletes that took part in the session thoroughly enjoyed the event, aimed at building their running endurance, racing technique and also team spirit within the club.

There is a plan to repeat this event when the weather is warmer, and to incorporate some water jumps in the course to add another fun element as well as to familiarise the athletes with different terrains.

Chepstow Harriers junior athletic club meet at Chepstow Leisure Centre 6-7pm on Monday evenings for children aged 8-16. For more details visit http://www.chepstowharriers.org.uk/juniors">www.chepstowharriers.org.uk/juniors