Six members from Monross-Trailblazers took part in the first race of the Herefordshire cross country summer series, on Wednesday, June 14th. This took place in Westhope, eight miles outside Hereford.

The race took runners for a lap around the top field of the orchards, followed by one lap around the bottom fields, and then an anti-clockwise run around the top field to finish; this includes a lung busting climb for runners to negotiate. The length of the race was roughly five miles long with 634ft of elevation gain.

Due to the fact a lot of club members were taking part in the Trail Marathon Wales on Saturday, June 17th, this was supposed to be an easy taper run.

Gavin Jones ran the first mile with the back runners, and then got caught up in the racing; eventually coming home 6th overall in 33 minutes and 7 seconds. Bobby Pritchard also tried the easy run approach, however got caught up in the racing action, coming home in 21st place and in a time of 35 minutes 49 seconds. Gerry Meredith had a steady sensible run and finished in 28th place in 37 minutes. Nigel came in soon after in 29th place in 37 minutes and 13 seconds. Richard Bevan made his return to racing after time off with leg injuries; he managed a great time of 37 minutes, 25 seconds and 32nd position. Laura Lelievre put in a strong first race in the Herefordshire summer cross country. Even though she was marathon tapering, she still managed 37 minutes 43 seconds, and 3rd Female.

The next cross country race will be on Wednesday, June 28th at High Vinnals, in Ludlow.

If you would like to join, please feel free to contact them at [email protected], or check out their Facebook page for latest updates.