A RECORD turnout of 231 runners braved the rain to compete in Chepstow Harriers’ Rose Inn race on Tuesday 10th May.

The four mile, flat road race based at Redwick Village Hall was the first in a series of four races. It always attracts a quality field of runners who are looking to achieve personal best times on the fast, flat, two lap course, and many running clubs in south Wales support the event.

Winner on the day in a superb time of 19 minutes 41 seconds, was Carwyn Jones from Cardiff AAC. Tes Guiton and Huw Evans, both of Les Croupiers running club were second and third respectively. Clara Evans of Pontypridd Roadents was first lady in a very speedy time of 23 minutes, nine seconds. Cary Hughes of Les Croups and Caroline Jones of Spirit of Monmouth were second and third respectively.

Age category winners were Carwyn Jones, Huw Evans, Leyton Fleet, Martin Williams, Steve Davies, Elio Lepore, David Fereday, John Fry, Caroline Jones, Michelle Amblin, Niki Morgan, Joanne Milliken, Jeanette Jenkins, Teresa Tranter and Brenda Avery. Brenda Avery of Chepstow Harriers also took the female veteran over 65 age category record.

Race director Sophie Gilbert said: “I was overwhelmed by the turnout at the first race of our series.

“People like it because it’s a fast, flat, measured course, so runners can record some very good times for the distance, and they can see their progression through the series.

“If they don’t do so well on the first one, they still have the next three races to improve their time and hopefully achieve the ultimate runner’s goal – a personal best time.”