THE new five and ten kilometre off-road night race was held on Thursday 12th February at the National Diving and Activity Centre (NDAC), Chepstow.

160 runners donned their head-torches and hit the trails on the varied off-road course.

Chepstow Harriers' prize winners were James Blore – second, Paul Murrin – third, Rob Hook – first Male Veteran 50, Niki Morgan – first female, Vanessa Lawson –first Female Veteran 40 and Jane Bayliss – first Female Veteran 60.

This inaugural event, organised by Rogueruns, featured a 5km course with runners undertaking the 10k course completing two laps. The single lap race was designed for new-comers to off-road night running.

The route was mainly on fields, with easy paths, tracks and a very small amount of tarmac. Due to a recent dry spell, underfoot conditions were pretty good, so some fast times were recorded.

The course was very well marked with reflective arrows and tape, so no-one was reported getting lost in the woods.

Instead of their usual Thursday night training, more than 40 Chepstow Harriers attended the night race, either racing or marshalling and helping out.

All runners received free tea or coffee and a cake to replenish their energy after their endeavours.

Race organiser Andy Creber said: "The NDAC was a great events centre for us to hold our inaugural Beginners' night race.

"It was perfect for the runners to all come back and have tea and cake in the café, and we could organise an interesting course for the competitors straight from the venue.

"The NDAC also kindly sponsored the event by providing some excellent prizes for the winners. We were thrilled that the event was so well supported, not just amongst Chepstow Harriers, but the wider running community.

"Everyone seems to enjoy it, which is always very pleasing. We hope to run it again next year."

The last race in Rogueruns' winter series of off-road night races will be held at Mallards Pike in the Forest of Dean on Thursday 12 March at 7.30 pm. For more information and to register visit http://www.rogueruns.com">www.rogueruns.com