THIRTY seven Chepstow Harriers turned out in their finest festive dress for the final club championship race of the year. The Forest of Dean Christmas Tree race took place in Elwood on Sunday 18th December and Harriers took the event by storm, with the women winning all of the top three spots, and Paul Murrin coming first overall.

It was a cold, damp, foggy morning when 164 runners lined up at the start. Conditions underfoot were heavy going with mud, puddles and tree roots to negotiate, and there were plenty of undulations throughout the five mile course. The battle with the final hill took all of the runners’ strength before the finish line.

Paul Murrin of Chepstow Harriers was the first man to cross the finish line. Niki Morgan and Lisa Jeffrey had an exciting battle for the women’s top spot, with Lisa leading nearly all the way. Niki just surged past about 400 metres before the finish. Rebecca Comins came in strong in third position. Chepstow age category winners were Paul Dodd, Neil Grant, Geoff Bayliss and Joc Dodd.

Glen Meek picked up the fancy dress award with his astonishing reindeer creation. Dickie Hudd picked up the award for the most spectacular wipe-out on the course. He had quite a tumble, but thankfully was unscathed and well placed overall.

All the runners retired to the event headquarters for well deserved tea, soup and mince pies.