CHEPSTOW Harriers runners completed 160 miles in 24 hours between Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd July in celebration of the club’s 130-year anniversary.

The plan was to run 130 miles to celebrate the running club’s 130 anniversary, but 19 hours into the 24 hour challenge this target had been achieved so Harriers racked up another 30 miles to make the total mileage an impressive 160.

The sun shone on the Harriers for the event. In excess of 60 members turned out from 7pm on Friday to run stages varying from one mile to 24 miles. It was very much a family affair. Husband and wife team, Mike and Denise Evans, ran one mile every hour throughout the 24 hour period, an incredible achievement. Around 30 juniors also ran, showing keenness and prowess. Many Harriers including Syd Wheeler, and event organisers Gerry and Sue Ashton gave up their sleep to oversee the event, and ensure the baton was passed on at the end of each mile lap. Danielle Sapsford also did sterling work as co-organiser.

The relay started from Chepstow Castle, and each participating Harrier ran at least one lap of the one mile course. The lap followed a loop through town, then to the top of the Dell to return back to the castle. Many enthusiastic Harriers teamed up with fellow Harriers to run through the night. Each shift had to be covered, but enthusiasm levels were so high that even the graveyard slots at 3am and 4 am were well populated.

It was a tough, hilly mile course, but despite this some excellent times were achieved with Alex Tuck logging the fastest time of five minutes and 24 seconds. Even Chepstow Mayor Councillor Paul Pavia came along to run a lap along with fellow Cllr Ben Smith who has been a club member for some time.

Two of the longest standing members, Sue Ashton and Dick Finch, kicked off the first lap on Friday evening, accompanied by four other club members, Colin Harris, Rob Brown, Niki Morgan and Brett Regulski. 

There were many helpers as well as runners to keep records of runners and times, maintain a presence at the site, provide enthusiasm and refreshments and to chat to passers-by. The event stimulated interest amongst the local community and leaflets were passed on about the running club to all those enquiring. The event was concluded with a post event celebration in the Castle Inn pub. Commemorative t-shirts were given to all participating Harriers, and specially commissioned, real ales were produced by Kingstone Brewery.

Relay organiser Gerry Ashton said: “This ambitious event turned out to be a great success. A 24-hour relay seemed an inspired way to mark the long history of our great club. It really captured the members’ imagination, and I was overwhelmed with the support from those keen to both run and help.

“We ended up smashing our original target of 130 miles in 24 hours. We hope that it showcased our club in a positive light to Chepstow town, and highlighted that we are keen to pursue new, fun and exciting challenges”.