A BUMPER 220-strong field turned out at Llangrove for the first race of the Herefordshire & Borders Summer X-Country League, organised by MonRoss Trailblazers last Wednesday (June 3).

Run over 4.7 miles, the 4.7-mile Treworgan Farm course included some steep hills, muddy fields, a couple of log jumps, a stream and a wooden bridge.

Sam Juson of Croft Ambrey AC led the way home in a sizzling 26 minutes 50 seconds, 1.48 ahead of Builth's Eric Apperley in second followed by first over-35 runner Mark Lamonby of Croft in 29.47.

The latter's club mate Andrew Davies took fourth in 30.00 ahead of Malvern Buzzards Ollie Davies (30.07) and Michael Dymond (30.14), followed by Trailblazers Rob Nicholls in seventh (30.44) and Keiron Brown (30.50) eighth.

Ryan Lawrence of Western Tempo was ninth in 30.53, with Blazers' Rich Foster rounding out the top-10 and taking the over-45 class in 31.05, two places ahead of club mate Gavin Jones (31.33).

Jack Millar was 15th (31.49), with fellow MonRoss runners Grant White (32.57) and Jake McBride (33.16) 23rd and 25th.

First woman home was Builth's Ffion Price in 26th in 33.17, followed by Kimberley Langford (35.25) of Hereford Couriers and the hosts' Lucinda Lumley (36.05) who took the over-35 female class in 42nd.

Other Trailblazers to race included – Nick Cook (45th 36.20), Tom Walmsley (47th 36.27), Neil Harper (50th 36.52), Megan Gore (third senior woman 52nd 37.08), Richard Bevan (69th 38.54), Rachael Aitken (70th 38.59), Martin Turner (76th 39.19), Tony Davies (85th 40.24) and Kate Shuttlewood (second over-45 woman 88th 40.37).

Vanessa Ward just made the top-100 in 98th (41.30), while club mate Trina Sami was third over-45 woman in 42.57, placing 118th.

Trailblazers posted: “A huge thank you to everyone who helped make the event happen. From planning, course marking and set-up, race directing, registration and marshalling, to clearing the course afterwards, baking cakes and cheering runners around the route – this event simply wouldn't happen without our volunteers. Thank you all.

“We were delighted to welcome runners from clubs across the region. The weather may not have got the memo that it’s summer XC season, but it didn’t stop everyone getting stuck in on the tough climbs. Hopefully the stunning views from the top made it worthwhile!

“On the racing front, MonRoss fielded a fantastic turnout and were rewarded with second place in the team standings.

“Special congratulations to Rich Foster (1st MV45) and Lucinda Lumley (1st FV35), alongside a number of other strong individual performances throughout the field.

“It was brilliant to see so many MonRoss runners pulling on the green vest and representing the club, whether chasing points at the sharp end, taking on their first XC race, or simply enjoying a great evening of racing and club camaraderie.

“Thank you to everyone who raced, volunteered, supported and contributed to a super evening of XC racing.”

Full results at https://www.readysetgotiming.co.uk/2026-results