THERE is nothing quite like a big race right on the doorstep, and a crew of MonRoss Trailblazers headed into the woods for Sunday’s iconic Forest of Dean Autumn Half Marathon.

As one of the club favourites, the brilliant local event on trails around the Speech House is always a staple on the calendar and was included as a feature race in Blazers' club championship this year.

Run by the Royal Forest of Dean Rotary Club, the 13.2-mile event attracted a bumper entry of 840 runners.

But it all came down to a sprint at the front of the field as Daniel Kashi of Meirionnydd RC held off Richard McDowell of Hercules Wimbledon AC by just eight seconds crossing in one hour 13 minutes four seconds, with Chris McMillan taking third in 1.15.56.

First woman home was Gemma Moore of Eryri Harriers in 1.26.31, again by just eight seconds from Carolyn Hay of Mansfield Harriers, with Georgia Woof of Team Bath Athletics Club only 14 seconds further back in third.

For MonRoss, ​Rob Nicholls was first home in 1.21.19 for 25th place.

​He was followed by Nicholas Cook in 1.38.26, ​Martin Turner 1.46.29, ​Kate Shuttlewood 1.48.02 ​and Neil Harper 1.52.11.

​There was a tight race for the club's fastest woman, with Trina Sami edging it by 31 seconds from ​Kate Loveridge crossing in 1.54.16.

​Philip Conway in 1.55.24 and ​Jess Rainey in 1.59.04 also made it under the two-hour mark, followed by ​Andy Marshall in 2.05.25 and ​Andrew Beechey 2.09.22.

The fastest Forest of Dean AC runner was Marcus Bennetto who placed 12th in 1.18.47, while Kelly Winstone in 1.40.10 was their fastest woman.

The Autumn Trails race was chosen by UK Athletics to support an England/Wales international Masters competition this year, with 177 registered athletes competing.

In addition to winners' trophies, the Forest Rotary Club awarded medals to all finishers.

Funds raised go to support many local charities, while many runners were running for their own charities, too.

A Rotary spokesperson said: "The club is proud to be able to support the Forest community and the funds raised by the Rotary Forest of Dean Half Marathon enables it to do so with real purpose.

"The club would like to congratulate all those who ran, helped towards the event and those who made the day a success.

"We can now look forward to the next event: the Spring Trails half marathon on Sunday 21st March 2027."

Meanwhile, Trailblazers’ Leah Marsden also went the distance at the Shrewsbury Half Marathon on Sunday, on its famously undulating course.

She dug deep to return her fastest time since turning 40, crossing in 2.08.33 to place ninth in her age category.

The club are also gearing up for their Blaze the Biblins Trail Race on Sunday, October 11, with entries open until midnight on October 4 at www.entrycentral.com/blazethebiblins