Monross Trailblazers teams ran in two races across two counties last weekend; Stinchcombe Hill in Gloucestershire was the venue for the 12 mile Dursley Dozen and Haugh Woods in Herefordshire for the six mile Muddy Woody.

The Muddy Woody turned out to be exceptionally muddy, with much of the course covered in thick mud.

The route remained the same as the previous year, featuring some tough climbs, lovely single track winding through pine forest and the infamous freezing cold water crossings.

Luke Gray was in the mood for racing and he was first Blazer home, finishing a superb eighth in 46 minutes, 51 seconds. Barry Davies had to dig deep to finish in 13th, 48:27 with future Trail Blazer Jack Gray hot on his heels in 15th, in a time of 48:32.

Dave Knapper used this race as part of his London Marathon training and finished in a solid 32nd place, with a time of 52:50. James Fletcher’s training is paying off as he finished in 42nd in 55:28; a minute and a half faster than his time for last year. Ian Gray, father of Luke and Jack, completed the Monross line up in 85th and with a time of 62:57.

Meanwhile in Gloucestershire: Six members of the Monross team took part in the very well attended Dursley Dozen off road race. Cold, wintery conditions greeted the 468 runners on the start line, who braved the bitter wind and intervals of snow flurries.

This challenging, 12-mile course consisted of several steep climbs, sharp rocky descents and extremely muddy conditions under foot.

The first of the Monross team home was Andy Stephens, finishing in 18th position overall and 3rd in his category with a time of 1:31:16. Next in was Bobby Pritchard, finishing in 93rd position overall and 39th in his category with a time of 1:48:58.

Shortly afterwards was the first of the Monross lady finishers, Laura Lelievre coming in 104th position overall, and third in her category with a time of 1:49:59.

Next in was Gerry Meredith, finishing in 124th position overall and 32nd in his category with a time of 1:52:37.

Mark Scrivens was the next Monross runner to cross the finish line, in 169th position overall and 40th in his category with a time of 1:57:25.

Consistent running from Andy, Bobby, Gerry and Mark earned them eighth place out of 23 in the men’s team positions consisting of four runners.

Bringing the Monross ladies team home was Vanessa Ball, crossing the finish line in 214th position overall and 11th in her category with a time of 2:02:49.

The team are back in training this Wednesday February 15th, meeting at John Kyrle High School at 6.30pm.

See www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk or their Facebook page for more information.