Fifty-five runners took up the Big Dipper challenge this year and the top three men were all local runners from Ross-on-Wye. David Setchfield just edged out Gavin Jones in a sprint finish with Ian Smith close behind. For the ladies fifty-six year old Beryl Sampson was an impressive winner followed by Ross veterinary surgeon Isobel Rosie and Michelle Sterry in third. Each year the race is open to keen runners and fun runners. Local recreational runners mixed well with representatives of at least ten running clubs. The weather was kind and the tea and cakes at the finish were very welcome.

While the heat of the summer is now behind us, there are a brief flurry of running events in the weekends during autumn. Ross Running have been busy recently with members taking part in the Big Dipper and the Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon. The club also had three entries in the up coming Chester Marathon and one entry in the Cardiff Half Marathon.

For the full story please see this week's Ross Gazette.