MONROSS Trailblazers started the Winter Cross Country League with a good performance at Builth Wells, finishing as the fifth team.

173 runners from eleven clubs across the county met on Sunday 18th October for the first of five league races in the Winter cross country league.

Fforest fields is a challenging route, held over six miles with 700 feet of ascent. The route climbs up gradually from the campsite for the first two-and-a-half miles before levelling out and descending through fast technical sections in woodland.

A final climb challenges the runners, before a fast descent to the finish line.

Andrew Stephens was the first Monross runner home and fourth finisher in 38 minutes, 59 seconds. Luke James finished 11th in 41.42 minutes. Barry Davies was 23rd in 44.06 and Richard Bevan 38th in 46.08. David Knapper finished 46th in 47.23, James Fletcher 57th in 48.49 and Matt Hall 59th in 49 minutes.

Laura Lelievre had a great run, finishing fourth female in 48.05 and Vanessa Ball 15th in 52.33.

The next XC league race is at Croft Ambrey on the 8th of November and the clubs next training session is at 6pm on Wednesday 21st October from Monmouth Leisure centre.

See the club’s Facebook page or visit www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk to find out more.