.

NB Note the change in format - most recent events added at the top.

Briedden Hills Fell Race 12th October.
Just two Croft runners took part this year, Gary G and Tom D joining 102 other runners in this 7 mile race involving 2,300 feet of climb over the two Briedden Hills and around Rodney's Pillar.
Weather and underfoot conditions were perfect allowing Tom to finish 59th overall , 2nd over 60 in 1:20:34, Gary 70th o/all 3rd o/60 in1:23:30. The Race was won convincingly by Tim Davies, who is now showing a return to something like his old form, in 54:46.

Wrekin Wrecker 2nd November.
Richard Hornsby joined Gary G, Tom D and 109 other hardy souls for this difficult 8 miler around the Wrekin . In good running conditions Richard had an excellent run, mixing it with several established members of the fell racing circuit to finish 18th in 1:10:04. Gary won the over 60's category finishing 68th in 1:28:40. Tom was runner up in the category taking 74th position in 1:31:19. Michael James won the race in 56:39.

Cross Country League Round 2 , High Vinnals 9th November.
Club numbers were down from 18 in the first round to just 13 for this 'Russell Special'.
Fortunately it remained dry overhead for the race although heavy overnight rain had made the course more slippery and demanding than usual. This did not prevent Suzanne from showing her potentential to comfortably win the ladies race, Nicky also had an excellent run to finish in 3rd position. Karen improved considerably on her first round position, reversing places with Catherine to bring the ladies team home with another 3rd place.
Stacey had a slightly improved run, not quite back to his best but getting there! to lead Richard, Dan and Dave M to a solid 3rd place, with Richard continuing his recent improving run of form to finish in 11th place.
With very little recent training Chairman Bryan comfortably completed the course to prove that age is no barrier!

For full results, see 'Results' page (go via 'Events')

October 26th Tour of Torfaen half marathon - Stacey

This event starts in Blaenafon and finishes in Cwmbran stadium, and must be one of the quickest courses around, the first few miles are downhill, but you have to be careful not to go off too fast else you'll have nothing left for the last few miles.
The race was the last in the East Wales championships, and I was leading the series by two points from Brecon's Austin Davies, having not been in good shape recently I was a little too cautious, but finished comfortably in 14th place in 77:18, Austin was a long way in front in 6th place, just inside 72 mins! Had to wait and see how many East Wales competitors there were between us, fortunately for me, I was 3rd to Austin's 2nd (in our age group), which gave me the overall win by just a single point.

October 12th Bridgend xc (gwent league) - Stacey

Not only was it the East Wales xc champs it was also the final selection race for the Welsh masters event in November. Having finished 2nd in the first selection race at Caernarfon, I had a reasonable chance of making the team. I'd missed the second one at Swansea through illness so had to make this one count, However I had a terrible run, no go in my legs at all, and finished way down in 69th place. Even on a good day I would have only finished in the thirties such was the level of competition.
I finished 3rd in my age group in the East Wales race, but 7th in the overall race. Not good enough to gain selection this year. Not the best of days to struggle!!

Holme Lacy Cross Country - 19 October

18 club members turned out, on a mild relatively (!) dry day, and made up 2 ladies teams ( unheard of! ), and three mens'. Stacey ran, though feeling unwell, and helped steer the A team to a comfortable 3rd place, behind Couriers, who we would have beaten on a good day. The ladies' A team was also 3rd, only 3 points behind the leaders, Couriers. Suzanne was 1st lady, but was narrowly beaten by a slip of a girl, Clara Evans, 14, of Hereford and County, so was actually placed 2nd female; she finished in 33.58, 28 secs behind the winner, but still a magnificent result. Nicky was not far behind, in 5th ( 35.58 ) - also a great run. The ever improving Rachel made up the A team ( 23rd, 42.14 ). Catherine (33rd, 48.48), Karen Preston (new member, welcome!) was 37th (56.27) and the public spirited Kim, who gave away possibly 5 minutes to help a youngster who'd lost a shoe, and her self control, in the mud, came in 34th (59.40). Stacey was 1st man, in 12th (48.48), crossing the line with Catherine, closely followed by Richard (14th, 49.36), Dan (16th, 50.08), Dave R (18th, 50.49) and Dave G (19th, 51.02) - great runs by all! Simon P was a little further back in 22nd (51.28). Newcomer, Kenny Styles, had an excellent debut - 30th (54.16). Tom finished strongly in 41st ( 2nd over 60, 57.33), ahead of Jimmy ( 46th, 58.26). Gary (62nd, 62.02), Neil ( 65th, 62.28) and Bryan (79th, 72.47) completed the club turnout. The unfortunate Jon badly sprained his ankle, again, and hobbled off to casualty, as did Mick Ligema, with a badly gashed forehead from an overhanging branch.

Full results will appear on the Results page, as a pdf. (NB go to 'Events', and then click on 'Results')

2Rivers Dash, Presteigne -4 Oct

Great turnout by Croft runners, who made up 30% of the total runners. Excellent run by Stacey in second, only just behind Matt. Then Richard showed his impressive form, coming home 5th, just in front of young Dave (6th), Simon P (7th - well done!), and Dave G (8th). Dave P was 12th, and Jon, on his return from injury, a fine 16th, only just managing to pip Tom (now over 60 - second in his category). Suzanne was 19th, and first lady - excellent! Gary G 20th, Nicky 25th and Bryan running probably the longest race he's managed since returning to running after injury, 29th. Only 39 turned out in the rain, for what must have been a very wet course. Croft won the team race, ahead of Couriers.

CROFT WOODS HANDICAP 9.09.08

1. Kim Wood 34.50 (P.B. by 1min. 02secs.)
2. Steve Jakeman 29.41 (P.B. by 55secs.)
3. Dave Moss 23.13
4. Rachel Nelson 31.37
5. Ian Cooper 25.44
6. Gary Gunner 26.53
7. Richard Hornsby 23.18 (P.B. by 22 secs.)
8. Tom Davies 26.51
9. Nicky Turvey 29.17
10. Dave Rouse Jnr. 23.49
11. Dave Rouse Snr. 28.24
12. Dan Barnett 23.19
13. Simon Powney 24.23
14. Dave Powell 24.23
15. Bryan Markham 31.32
16. Suzanne Turvey 26.57
17. Guy Whitmarsh 26.38

Lots of sticky mud on the course made the going tough and tricky, so it was remarkable that any P.B.s were set, but 3 runners managed to plough through the slippery conditions to beat their previous best performances over the course.
A determined Kim gritted her teeth up the final straight to win by just 7 secs. and continued her improvement. Steve was 2nd. With Mossy a further 7 secs. adrift. Richard's outstanding 5th. P.B. of the summer was rewarded with the Chairman's discretionary prize.
This was the final race in the series of 6 summer races, with a record number of 10 runners competing in enough events to qualify for the final standings. Rachel was a surprised and delighted winner of the 2008 Handicap Trophy - a thoroughly deserved honour in recognition of her transition from complete novice to the status of 'club runner'. Richard finished a close second due to his string of excellent performances.

HANDICAP SERIES 2008 -FINAL POSITIONS

1. Rachel Nelson 29 pts.
2. Richard Hornsby 31 pts.
3. Dave Powell 40 pts.
4. Dave Rouse Jnr. 41 pts.
5. Ian Cooper 42 pts.
6. Tom Davies 48 pts.
7. Gary Gunner 49 pts.
8. Guy Whitmarsh 56 pts.
9. Nicky Turvey 58 pts.
10.Alison Cooke 60 pts.

The North Face Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc - race report by Gary Pearson

(The Alps around Mont Blanc [France, Italy, Switzerland])

Distance: 166kms

Terrain: 33,000ft of climb

Time allowed: 46 hours

Start Date: 29th August 2008

Race History: Completed the course last year in 40 hours/ it’s been running for 6 years.

Cost: 90 Euros

Flights: We went Easy jet and got a bargain.

Hotels/Hostels: Is out of season in Chamonix so only around £30.00per person per night.

The North Face Ultra Trail Du Mont Blanc – (UTMB) 166kms

The start of the race was at 6.30pm from the centre of the French Alps town of Chamonix. There were around 10,000 people at the start; with over 2000 runners competing. The North Face put on 3 races this year, apart from the UTMB there was also the CCC which was 98kms and the Petite Trotte (teams of 3) and which was 220kms)!

Vicky and I arrived in Chamonix a few days before the start and were met by the rest of the support team: Mum, Graham, Ivy and Bryony. The whole place was bustling with runners (all sporting last year’s t-shirts, a must if competed last year)! The North Face put on an excellent supporters bus which only cost 20 Euros.

The main difference to last year was that Chamonix was in a mini heat wave, the pleasant temperatures of last year had been replaced by HOT sun, even at 6.30pm the day was still hot.From Chamonix the race first takes you to the French towns of Les Houches, La Charme, St Gervais and Les Contamines, all of which give you a really big reception with large crowds and local bands. Last year I was feeling very strong at this stage of the race but when I reached 31kms and the Les Contamines food checkpoint I was feeling a bit queasy! Not good as I was only a fifth of the way through the course. The terrain so far had been a bridleway path through woods with one 1000m climb in, and I knew there was much worse to come. I wasn’t alone and the medics were putting the sickness down to the heat.

The next major stop to get to was Les Chapieux which is right at the bottom of the Croix du Bonhomme mountain standing at 2479m high. I arrived at Les Chapieux (50kms) at 4.05am. The next 28kms of the race takes you over two mountains Cole de la Seigne and Arete du Mont Favre both sit at around 2500m. After summiting these two you then get to the Italian checkpoint Courmayeur. I was very happy to get to Courmayeur as this is the half way point more or less, I was less happy with the fact that I had been sick a couple of times in the night, no sleep on top of my running fatigue was playing on my mind and I was ready to quit. Luckily for me my supporters ignored my pleas and pushed me on dismissing my sickness claims!! If you are thinking of doing the UTMB having supporters is a great, many of the people who drop out are there alone and simply do not have the people to push them along.

The goal for Saturday was simply to keep on going until you hit Switzerland and the main rest station of Champex-lac. You start from 1190m at Courmayeur, climb up to 1989m back down to 1769m and then ascend the scramble path that takes you up the Grant Col Ferret at 2537m then it is a rocky downhill with one final climb to Champex-lac. I left Courmayeur at 11.06am (Saturday) and arrived at Champex at 12.44am (Sunday) unlike last year I felt pretty strong during this part of the race, all sickness fears behind me and although completely knackered I could begin to think of the finish line. Champex to Chamonix is another 43kms which seems quite close when you have already completed 123kms!

After a hot meal, kit change and 30 minute power nap at Champex I was on my way to the finish. I had begun to hear rumours of another mountain at the end of the race before we hit Chamonix, my supporters who had been talking to some other Brits confirmed this! At this point I wasn’t overly concerned by yet another mountain ~ the impact of this final trial was yet to come. Leaving Champex at 2.02am (Sunday) I was looking for a steady jog in, I had teamed up with a running partner called Patrick from the UK to help while away the long painful hours. All was going to plan until we hit the final two mountains as there are two close together Tete aux vents and La Flegere (as they are both close together) from Vallorcine at 1260m up to Tete aux Vents at 2130m was a tough hot scramble there was only a single track so we were also pretty stuck in our tracks as far as speed, whilst scrambling up I saw last year’s time slip by and now just needed to concentrate on getting over the finish line within the 46 hours.

Unfortunately the downhill into Chamonix was not good as by this time my quads had decided they didn’t like downhill! On the flat of the town Patrick and I gave it a last push and both got over the line in just over 44 hours. We all stayed around for the end of the race to see how many could get through in the next two hours, we knew lots of people wouldn’t make it as we knew how many were still on the last mountains. At 46 hours the checkout was strictly closed and anyone who came in afterwards had not succeeded.

53% of the participants completed.

General feelings after: As last year The North Face put on a fantastic race, there is no possible way of getting lost as the course is very well marked. There is excellent food and drink stations and a great medical team, the anti sick tablets worked well! The supporters get to most of the checkpoints for a bargain 20euros. Amazing scenery.

Brecon 10 August 3rd - Stacey Morgan

This was the 25th running of this event, and the 400 runners were greeted with ideal weather conditions.
It was announced over the loudspeaker at the start that Martin Rees (M55) was attempting to break the world record for his age group.
He led from start to finish and smashed the record with a time of 53:56. He could have gone even quicker on a flatter course, and with some company to help pace him.
I had a good battle with three of the Brecon lads, we ran together for the first 8 miles and then I pushed the pace up the big hill at 8.5 miles, and managed to get a bit of a gap over the others, and pushed on from there. I always had enough left in me to hold off any challenge and finished strongly in 6th place, 59:07.
Finished first in my category in the East Wales Championships, which earned me selection for the Inter regional championships at Caernarfon later this month.

Caernarfon 10k August 31st - Stacey Morgan

This race incorporated the Welsh championships and the Inter regional championships; I was representing East Wales for the first time.
I was a long way off my best, over a minute down on what I'd expected to run, but had a good battle during the race with fellow East Wales competitor Phil Kendrick, and just managed to beat him in the end. My time of 35:47 was enough for 15th place overall.
I was pleased to be the first runner home for East Wales, but even more surprised when it was announced that I had won a silver medal in my age group, didn't think I was anywhere near the medals. When looking at the results after I realised that the chap who won the gold medal was only 3 seconds in front of me! I don't think I'll ever get a better chance of a gold medal in the Welsh champs.

Lauterbrunnen Half Marathon - by Dave Powell

I rounded off a week's holiday with the Inferno Half Marathon from the village of Lauterbrunnen in Switzerland to the top of the Schilthorn mountain, which looks out over to the Eiger. The morning started promisingly with blue skies as we set off with a steady climb of 2772ft up to the village of Murren at the 12k mark. We were greeted by a great alpine band playing in the village before the race started to get serious. After managing to run nearly all the first section, the second part of the race climbed a further 4363 ft so it was all I could do to walk up. The final 500m was almost rock climbing and crossed one narrow section with a steep drop down either side. By this time it was snowing but luckily I finished before it got too bad. The afternoon triathlon was forced to abandon the final section due to the blizzards! I finished in 3hrs 09mins in 155th place, out of 349 runners. A good value race with all the runners receiving a quality t-shirt (Just what you need to protect you from hypothermia, 7000ft up a mountain!) , cable cars back to the valley floor, a big bowl of pasta , a 20 minute post race massage, drink stations with gels and isotonics every 2/3 km and a decent goody bag for 30 euros. A really enjoyable race but I must learn the art of walking uphill fast in order to improve.

Duathlon, Kingsland -August 19

8 competitors, and Kim and Nicky who, preferring not to cycle, jogged around the course as duathletes sped past them! Young Dave shot off from the start, determined to hang on to his trophy, leaving Richard H, Pat and Richard J in his wake; Guy and Tom were just visible through the dust. Dave kept a comfortable cushion throughout the cycling, though Richard H pursued hard. Richard J saw discretion as the better part of valour, and withdrew after the cycling, to Guy's chagrin, since he only decided to do the 3 cycle laps ( instead of the mountain bikers' 2 ) to challenge Richard over the 2nd running lap. Dave completed the circuits in 54 minutes 12, followed by Richard H in 56.27 and Pat in 57.41. Guy followed in 61.14. Tom completed his mountain bike course in 54.50. Richard H achieved the fastest cycle lap of the evening ( 7 min 12 ), and Dave the fastest run ( on his second lap ).

Race The Train (14 miles)-Tywyn 16th August

Once again a high turnout for this well known race, which this year was celebrating its 25th anniversary. Only two Croft runners, Dave Rouse and Dave Moss turned out for this race, possibly due to the poor weather forecast for the weekend. This was a great pity as the terrain, especially on the return leg, is much like that of Bircher Common and Croft.
Although heavy rain during the night had made the underfoot conditions difficult in places, the rain held off for most of the day, except for a short shower of rain about 50 minutes into the race.
The winner of the race finished in a time of 1hr 18mins 15sec meaning that he broke the course record by just over 1 min and so won himself £100.
First woman across the line in 109th place was British athlete Tara Krzywicki in a time of 1hr 41min 32sec.
201 of the 822 competitors beat the train, which took 1hr 47mins 59secs to complete the course

Dave Moss 32nd 1hr 35mins 17secs
Dave Rouse 127th 1hr 42mins 53secs
Kevin Barnes also competed for couriers finishing 370th in 2hrs 5secs

More information on the race, including full results is available at www.racethetrain.co.uk

Summer off-road series: Shobdon, 14 August 2008

The A team produced a great result to finish the series in 2nd place, behind Couriers, with the B team in 7th. Stacey finished 3rd individual, behind Matt and Luke, but then came great packing from Dave Moss, Dave George, Dan and Richard ( 9 -12th). Dave Powell was a little further back in 17th, and Pat, on home ground, 26th. Suzanne though stormed back into first lady's place, 32nd overall. Tom (45th) again had the better of Jimmy (47th) and Gary (51st), and Nicky (61st) was closing on Neil (60th). Bryan (74th) held off John Cooper in the over 65 race, and Kim this time got the better of Carol Farrington, who brought up the rear.

Stacey was 3rd overall, Guy 1st over 60 and Bryan 1st over 65; Suzanne was perhaps unlucky not to quite pip Lisa Quinn for 1st lady, finishing 2nd, just 6 points adrift. A great summer season, heralding a promising winter cross country.

CROFT WOODS HANDICAP - 5 August 2008
1. Dave Rouse Snr. 28.25
2. Suzanne Turvey 26.02 (P.B. by 1.26)
3. Richard Hornsby 23.40 (P.B. by 1.09)
4. Kim Wood 35.52 (P.B. by 0.42)
5. Patrick Pearson 23.58
6. Dave Powell 23.58
7. Dan Barnett 23.12 (P.B. by 0.02)
8. Dave Rouse Jnr. 23.56
9. Ian Cooper 26.20
10. Rachel Nelson 32.18
11. Gary Gunner 27.20
12. Tom Davies 27.07
13. Dave Moss 24.01
14. Bryan Markham 31.00
15. Alison Cooke 27.30
16. Nicky Turvey 29.29

Recent heavy rain had made underfoot conditions tricky and caused the foliage to flop across the course, so it was remarkable that so many excellent performances were produced. Senior Dave was first across the line by a huge distance as he started to recapture some form. Suzanne's continued improvement was expected as she sliced a big chunk off last year's time. Richard again impressed everyone as he registered another big P.B. as he seems to have done with every run this summer. Rosy-cheeked Kim was rewarded for her progress with the Chairman's discretionary award.
Just one more race to go in the 2008 series and 14 runners, theoretically, still have a chance of winning the Handicap Trophy. All will be revealed at the final event on Tuesday 9th. Sept.

Summer off-road series : Westhope, 30 July 2008

Full results on results page ( go to 'Events' page and click on 'Results' ). Excellent Croft turn-out - 20 runners, 4 ladies/4 teams. Stacey had his best result yet - 2nd, only 7 seconds behind Matt James, Dave George ran a magnificent 7th, 2 places ahead of the rarely sighted Dave Moss. Dan was hot on their heels in 11th, with Richard running well to finish in 14th, 13 seconds ahead of Dave Powell.Guy (19th) overtook a tiring Pat (21st) on the last hill. In his first race for Croft, Ed Henry did really well to finish 26th (top 30%). Despite her training in Spanish heat, Suzanne slipped to 5th lady, but still managed to outrun Tom (42nd), Jimmy (43rd) and Gary (44th). Neil (54th) crossed the line just ahead of Harry Franklin, with Nicky a little further back. Dave Rouse (snr) was 64th and Bryan 70th. Rachel looked still quite strong as she finished 83rd. Kim was 2nd Junior Lady.

CROFT WOODS HANDICAP 15.07.08

1. Dan Barnett 23.14 (P.B. by 1.40)
2. Nicky Turvey 28.05 (P.B. by 1.31)
3. Richard Hornsby 31.29 (P.B. by 0.01)
4. Dave Rouse Jnr. 23.38
5. Guy Whitmarsh 24.36
6. Dave George 23.20 (P.B. by 1.02)
7. Ian Cooper 25.40
8. Bryan Markham 29.50
9. Jimi Charalambous 25.34 (Debut)
10. Patrick Pearson 24.06
11. Dave Powell 24.03
12. Tom Davies 26.09
13. Rachel Nelson 31.27 (Debut)
14. Alison Cooke 26.12
15. Catherine Percival 31.59 (P.B. by 0.57)
16. Gary Gunner 26.24
17. Jon Utley 25.22 (P.B. by 0.30)
18. Nigel Davidson 32.11
19. Dave Rouse Snr. 30.55
20. Steve Jakeman 30.36 (Debut)
Kim Wood 36.34 (Debut)
Dave Moss 22.54

Another excellent turnout for the first of the off-road events in the 6 race series. It was Dan's first showing of the season, and his rapidly improving form made him a predictable winner whilst slicing a huge 1min 40 secs. from his previous best of last year. Nicky was second across the finish line with another striking improvement by 1.31 secs. Richard, despite going AWOL when he was supposed to start, was placed 3rd after time re-adjustment. Welcome back Mossy with a typically impressive display.
The next race in the series will be held on Tuesday 5th. August when we hope that the angry wasps on the course will realise that Croft Ambrey's peaceful and friendly runners mean them no harm.

Magor Marsh 10K - Stacey Morgan
I travelled down to Magor for the 10k as it was part of the EastWales road race championships. It was the first time this race had been run. The start and finish was at Undy football club, and it was a well organized event, over a relatively flat course. 207 runners finished with Andrew Hussey (Cheltenham) winning by 1 second, in 33:30. I finished 6th (35:11); I was disappointed not to have run quicker but I paid the price for going off with the leaders through the first few kilometres. I picked up the prize for first vet 35-45, I also came first in the East Wales championships for my age group.Next event in the championships is the Brecon 10 in a fortnight.

8 July Multi-events

Probably the biggest ever turn-out: 19 competitors, ranging from 10 to 68 in age, with 7 ladies. We were blessed with a fine evening, even if it was getting chilly by the time we finished at 10.15! Pat was once again overall victor, even now as a veteran! Suzanne claimed the ladies trophy, by one narrow point from Kim. Gary competed well throughout, and thoroughly deserved the veteran's award. The table below lists only club members: points awarded in each event listed before the distance/time.

April 24th Hereford 5k race 1

S.Morgan 10th 17:12
B.layton 2nd M55 19:18

May 14th Rhayader 5k race 1

S.Morgan 2nd 17:06
B.Layton 12th 2nd M50-60 18:49

May 15th Hereford 5k race 2

S.Morgan 5th 16:50
B.layton 19th 1st M55 18:33

May 18th Hereford half marathon

300 runners took part in this event; Matt James led from the start to take the honours in 1:18:09
Croft picked up a prize for 2nd team.

S.Morgan 2nd 1:19:58
D.George 22nd 1:28:39
S.Powney 25th 1:29:11
I.Price 35th 1:32:29
J.Utley 68th 1:40:26

May 28th Rhayader 5k race 2

S.Morgan 6th 17:03
B.Layton 13th 2nd M50-60 18:18

June 5th Hereford 5K race 3

S.Morgan 6th place 16:41 (4th place in series)

June 15th Hereford 10 mile

S.Morgan 4th 59:19 (3rd in county champs)
D.George 13th 65:08
J.Utley 16th 68:38

June 22nd Malvern 1/2 Marathon

700 runners turned up for this event, starting and finishing in the showground.
Matt James came home first, a minute in front. I paid the price for an over ambitious pace early on, smashed my 10k pb on route but blew up at 7 miles; it was a real struggle from then on in.
It was very windy for the second half of the course, which brought your running speed down to near walking pace in places.

S.Morgan 3rd 1:20:18

Herefordshire summer off-road series - Kinnersley 2 July

After a heavy downpour the course around the orchard was sticky in parts and we ran in light rain, but to those of us (not me!) recently returned from doing battle with the elements on top of Snowdon it was a pleasant evening! Stacey had another excellent run, closing the gap with Matt from over a minute in the first race, to 19 seconds, with Luke 2nd, between them. Stacey was 3rd (30.49), Simon again 5th, a minute behind but Dave G moved up from 15th (Monkhall Farm) to 11th (33.21), followed by Pat (18th, 35.04) who outran Dave Powell at the finish (19th, 35.08); Dave is 3rd over 45. Guy, first over 60, was 31st (37.01) with Tom apparently not suffering after effects of the 3 Peaks, just behind (36th, 37.53). Gary G (39th, 38.16) just got the better of Suzanne (40th, 38.19) who had to settle for 3rd lady this time, but is 2nd overall. Neil was narrowly beaten by a pack of younger Wye Valley runners but still had spring in his stride as he came home 46th (38.56). Alison was first over 45, 50th in 39.19. Nicky still gamely running with an injury, was 61st (40.58), ahead of Steve in his first crosscountry in a Croft vest (?), who just managed to get the better of two ladies on the line (67th, 43.06). Dave R returned to running (and improved on last year's time/position!) finishing 74th (44.23) just ahead of Bryan (77th, 45.39) - 2nd over 65, by 2 places, and 1 minute. Rachel was 84th (47.23), giving us three counting teams for probably the first time ever. Full results on the Results page.

LEINTHALL STARKES 5 - Race 3 - 10th June 2008

1. Ashley Cooke 34.12
2. Bryan Markham 40.44
3. Rachel Nelson 41.35 (P.B. by 1 min. 51 secs.)
4. Catherine Percival 41.48 (P.B. by 29 secs.)
5. Dave Powell 32.06
6. Alison Cooke 34.26
7. Tom Davies 34.48
8. Pat Pearson 32.37
9. Dan Barnett 33.14 (Debut)
10. Jon Utley 32.05 (P.B. by 55 secs.)
11. Simon Norwood 29.08 (P.B. by 40secs.& now 10th
fastest of all time.)
12. Neil Taylor 35.42 (P.B. by 39 secs.)
13 Simon Powney 32.29 (P.B. by 24 secs.)
14. Gary Gunner 34.14 (P.B. by 15 secs.)
15. Guy Whitmarsh 34.15
16. Stacey Morgan 29.52
17. Dave George 32.21
18. Ian Cooper 35.16
19. Brent Lowson 36.55
20. JasonStringer 41.17 (Debut)

Herefordshire Summer off road series - Monkhall Farm - 19 June

Rain before and after, but dry during the run, which once again included a water crossing! A bare 5 miles, but varied and taxing at times. Smallish Croft contingent of 10 (only 84 runners in total ), led home by Stacey in 3rd (30.21) a minute behind Matt James, and 12 seconds behind Luke Mason. Simon N was 6th (31.14), then Dave G 15th (33.16) and Jon 16th (33.54). Suzanne completed the A team, having a great race, first lady, 30th (36.54), putting the team in a creditable 3rd place. Guy was 26th (35.42), Alison 38th (37.20), with Gary G 41st (37.39) feeling the after-effects of Man v Horse - Tom, also a MvH veteran, had a good race 45th (38.01). Nicky ran, nursing her knee injury and ungallantly overtaken by two young men in the finishing straight, finishing 64th (40.30), Bryan also bravely returned to cross-country racing, 76th (43.18) finishing a little ahead of Catherine, 82nd (45.59). The B team was 11th (out of 19), but we didn't field enough males to make a 3rd team - just one short year ago we were failing to raise a single team, through lack of ladies! NB Full results on 'Results' page

Crocodile 8 25/5/08 By Dave Rouse

Once again wet weather spoilt what has been a great afternoon out in past years. Due to heavy rain before the race some very slippy conditions up the steps had to be contended with, followed by some very large and deep areas of mud and water on the descent - great fun!
Brilliant turnout from Croft including a very good run from Stacey, Simon and Jon. Guy also had an excellent run coming in first V.60. In the ladies section it was a Turvey take-over (a sign of things to come?!) Suzanne was first junior woman and 3rd woman overall whilst Nicky was first V.45. Catherine also showed how she is improving, digging in to finish with 34 runners behind her.
No doughnuts at this race but plenty of mars bars, cakes and fruit - ideal.
In summary a great race once again but sadly let down by poor weather, poor organisation regarding presentation (didn't take place until 6pm!) as well as slow posting of results on www.crocodile8.org.uk. Fingers crossed for better weather next year.
162 runners completed the run. Matt James won in a time of 52mins 23 secs.

3 Stacey Morgan Croft Ambrey M 00.53.42
12 Simon Norwood Ludlow M 00.56.49
18 David Rouse Croft Ambrey M 00.58.23
26 Jon Utley Croft Ambrey M 01.00.38
28 Patrick Pearson Croft Ambrey M:V40 01.00.53
32 Darran Harris Croft Ambrey M 01.02.49
42 Guy Whitmarsh Croft Ambrey M:V60 01.05.16
48 Suzanne Turvey Croft Ambrey F:JUN 01.06.45
85 Nicky Turvey Croft Ambrey F:V45 01.11.18
128 Catherine Percival Croft Ambrey F 01.23.42

Magic Roundabout - May 25, by Rachel Nelson

While the emergency services were called out to the Hay festival to pump out flood water, I was high up on the Begwyns, in the teeth of a gale, horizontal rain and February temperatures! My family took one look at the cars stuck in the mud at the car park gate and dropped me off – “see you later, phone us when you need us”! and left me to trudge the mile up to ‘HQ’ in wellies and waterproofs with my small rucksack on my back!
It is ‘home from home’ for any Croft Ambrey runner. Imagine Oaker Coppice to School Wood stripped of trees and bracken, all sheep-grazed turf, and grassy tracks which follow the contours of the heath. Whatever the weather is on the day, be prepared for the extreme when you get there –it is very exposed!
There were about 4 hills on the course, one particularly long gradual slog, one short and sharp and one stinker – but then, nothing to touch Yatton Bank! The Book festival brought runners from clubs across Britain and beyond. I met another couple of ‘first – timers’, and one lady who had been racing 30 years (and never seen such awful conditions!) so there was a good range of experience as well. It was an amazing and epic experience, I can’t quite believe I actually did it!

( Rachel finished 62nd out of 87, and 8th lady out of 19, if I remember correctly - excellent!)

Hay Magic Roundabout 10K - May 25 by Dave Powell

The second running of this 10K off road race in the Begwyns near Hay on Wye was again run in monsoon conditions. It was warmer than last year but the wind was stronger, so it was a real test. 89 runners took part, some of whom had camped overnight at the Hay literary festival. Saturday morning training sessions in the Radnor Hills certainly paid dividends for me as I finished 6th. It is an excellent race - it just needs a bit of sunshine. Maybe next year?

Magnificent Eastnor Castle Seven 18th May 2008 - Nicky Turvey

A small contingent of Croft Ambrey Runners took part in this years Eastnor Castle race. The course was really interesting, small amount of tarmac road, then paths and tracks through the woods up to the obelisk and home. Some very slippery, muddy bits which meant we all got a bit dirty but no battle scars!

Ali Cooke was 2nd lady, Nicky Turvey 6th and Catherine Percival had a brilliant race and was 17th lady out of 35. The lads also did really well Darren Harris 25th closely followed by Dave Rouse junior 28th and Ashley Cooke 30th.

For all finishers a memento of an engraved, half pint glass and medal. Also free doughnuts and orange juice, (Dave only had 3 doughnuts!)

Caradoc Classic May 14th

121 runners on a lovely, slightly cooler, summer's evening but no time to admire the views from the top! Guy was the only Croft runner ( 45th, 1st over 60, 30min 37 ); Andi Davies won in 24.08, Roger Lamb 5th ( 1st over 40 ) in 25.03.

Royal Raid, Ile Maurice ( Mauritius ) 100km - 3 May by Gary Pearson

The departure of RR100 was at the Casela Bird Park on the west coast of Mauritius, 3 May 2008, at 5am.

The first part of the race was through the beautiful Yemen Nature Reserve, the track was undulating with small but steep slopes, on dry ground. I then followed a rough track onto a tarred road for 4km which led to the Black River National Park visitors centre. After 1.5km, I had a climb of 6km in the middle of the tropical forest to reach 500m higher, along a humid track at Mare aux Joncs to reach the place called Machabe. After another 8.5 km of plateau on a good surface, I reached the Jet Ranch where Vicky and other volunteers were working on a checkpoint and I was able to have a shower and a pasta meal; I had at this point completed 47 miles in very hot conditions. At least now the sun was going down.

Next was tarred road for 1500m to reach a place called Petrin, then an easy flat for 2.1km then downhill for 4km to reach the Radier des Gorges, 500m lower down. Next we were told was where the runners faced the major difficulty of the Royal Raid, the already mythical Parakeet Trail: a climb of 5km with 600m of positive height, to reach Plaine Champagne at the place called Parakeet, the highest point of the race at an altitude of 720m. I reached this top and had a quick soup (cold) and some further encouragement from the checkpoint volunteers, Vicky included, who had now moved to this checkpoint; now only 20 miles to go! Leaving Parakeet I had 800m of tarred road before entering the track of 'Watook' which led into the estate of Bel Ombre with great views to the south of the island, so we were told, but as it was pitch black at this stage I couldn't tell you! I continued the 8kms descent along a wide track in the middle of the forest to reach another refreshment stop. Then followed dirt tracks through the sugar cane fields and then finally there was 800m of tarred road which led to the finish!

Would I do it again? Yes, hopefully next year. Well organised with amazing views.

84 starters, 44 finished ( including me! in 19 hours and 43 minutes )