Monross Trailblazers attended their first race in the South Wales Fell race series on Saturday afternoon, which started at the Crown Inn in Pantygelli, near Abergavenny.

106 runners were away and began the ascent of the Sugar Loaf, one of the highest peaks in the heart of the Black Mountains. The first mile was up – slow and steady progress before the second mile levelled out and provided some respite from the previous climb. Mile three took the runners to the summit at 1,859ft with all except the front runners using both hands and feet to propel themselves to the top.

The mist at the summit shrouded the view of the surrounding counties so the mind was on the technical descent around the back of the mountain to complete the 5.9 mile route and a warm welcome back at the Crown.

Barry Davies was first Monross runner home in 49 minutes, 58 seconds followed closely by Richard Bevan who continues to show impressive form returning to full fitness.

Sam Harness was next Trailblazer home in a time of 55.20, sibling rivalry settled as he beat his brother; running for a rival club; in the process. James Fletcher had a cracking race, beating his time from last year by two minutes, followed closely by fast improving new boy Bobby Pritchard in 59.47.

Gerry Meredith, following a month’s rest from running, completed the Monross line up, coming in just over the hour mark in 1 hour 12 seconds.

With the race costing just £4 to enter and sandwiches supplied after, sore legs were soon forgotten and the chat turned to the many forthcoming races in November.

Meanwhile another Monross member, Gavin, took part in the Snowdon Marathon. This race started in Llanberis and transversed around Snowdon, taking in many villages and some of the most breath-taking scenery in Wales. Gavin finished strongly with a time of four hours and seven minutes.

To find out more about the club, head over to the Facebook page or visit the website: www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk They welcome runners to join them for their training sessions in Ross and Monmouth; the next one from Ross is Wednesday, November 2nd from 6pm, beginning at John Kyrle High School