The gruelling 30 mile Wye Ultra Multi Terrain race which took place on Sunday had members of the local Exton Accountants Triathlon Team competing in the relay event. This year the Team opted for a changed line up from the squad that took 5th place 12 months ago.
Each runner took a 10 mile leg, the first starting at Ross Rowing Club and it was clear from the start of the taxing course that the recent preparations would pay dividends with temperatures hovering around freezing.
Charlie Exton was among the leading pack during the first four miles, although he faded in the latter stages and the team entered the Lower Lydbrook transition inside the top twenty. Charlie handed to Rich Exton who had been brought in to replace Northern fell runner Glen Longbottom. Rich tackled the technical forest stage and further improved on the team's overall position, taking the lead in the Relay event. He maintained the team's position and passed to local cross country champion, Dave Setchfield, at the final transition.
Dave fared much better and powered through the first five miles in 35 minutes. Although he paid for his earlier efforts during the final run segment, he finished with a final leg split of 71 minutes bringing the team in well under 4 hours for the total distance. This blistering run saw the team finish with the elite athletes in 7th place overall, and in first place in the relay section.
The Exton Accountants Ltd performance of the day award went to Dave Setchfield who recorded the fastest 10 mile leg of the day.