Members of Monross Trailblazers were among the 630 runners from all over the UK who took part in the Brackla Harriers - Merthyr Mawr Pudding Race, which is known as Wales’s premier cross country event.

This race, on Sunday, December 11th, started at the bottom of the Big Dipper sand dune, which is the highest sand dune in Europe.

After an intense start up the hill, runners then have to negotiate tough single track, very muddy sections, undulating common land, and more sand; not to mention a 400 metre run through a stream to cool the leg muscles off to finish.

In the past, the first male and female to the top of the Big Dipper hill would win a Turkey, however this year the prize was a £100 cash prize. All runners received a Christmas pudding for partaking in the event.

Gavin Jones was first of the Trailblazers and 41st overall in 43 minutes, 59 seconds. James Fletcher followed in 46 minutes 59 seconds and 80th place. Laura Lelievre was next in 48 minutes, 59 seconds, and, out of 264 female runners, she was 16th. Mark Scrivens came in 119th overall, and in a time of 49 minutes 30 seconds, for his debut on this course.

Monross Trailblazers welcome new runners. They meet on Wednesdays for a structured run, and alternate training between John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth Leisure Centre.

This week, on December 14th, they will be meeting at John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye at 6.30pm. If you would like more information on the club, please visit www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk, or get in touch with the club, by email: [email protected].

Alternatively you could visit their Facebook page, by searching for ‘Monross-Trailblazers’.