Chepstow Harrier Katherine Matthew smashed the female course record at the Devauden 10k challenge on Bank Holiday Monday, 5th May. Her time of 39.54 was one minute and 36 seconds faster that her record breaking time last year. Her run, which earned her a £100 bonus from sponsors Spectrum Internet, was an exceptional effort as she was third home overall and one of only four runners under 40 minutes on this challenging off-road course around Chepstow Park Woods. The race winner Matt Collins won in 36 minutes and 18 seconds, which was more than two and a half minutes ahead of Mark Jennings, who won the race last year. However, Matt missed out on Mark's course record by 13 seconds. The local winners came from Kilgwrrwg and Devauden. Jonathan Carter was the first local male home while Joanna Northam took the female crown. Numbers were down for the 3K race for nine to 14-year-olds but they proved competitive with Sam Johnson winning in 14 minutes 40 seconds from Harry Lewis and Ellie Horton leading the girls home, from Tara Sladen, in 15 minutes and 20 seconds. The turn-out for the six and under dash, and the new 1K race for seven and eight year olds were both very good. The energy and enthusiasm of the runners and the support from their parents was tremendous. The top two in all categories received a wooden trophy made by the Design and Technology Department at Chepstow Comprehensive School. The oak-based trophy is shaped like a tree to celebrate the tree-lined route. The wood has been donated by ex-Chepstow pupil and MD of Monmouthshire Timber, Chris Worthy who finished last year's race in 42nd place. Money raised by the races will be shared equally between SARA, Severn Area Rescue Association, who provided emergency and first aid cover throughout the events; Devauden's village hall and Chepstow Stroke Experience Group.