The annual Half Marathon in Brighton took place last weekend. This is a race that takes participants along the seafront. With some really good views, and a great atmosphere, this is a good race for all athletes of any standard. Jo Walker from Ross-on-Wye finished the race in great form and raised £420 for Macmillan and Cancer Research.

Meanwhile, Andrew Stephens, a member of the MonRoss Trailblazers finished in an excellent sixth place at the Hatterral Hammer. This was a tough 4.1 mile, 1080ft elevation race near Pandy on Sunday, February 19th.

As part of the South Wales Winter Hill series, it always attracts a large and very competitive field. Andrew finished in a time of 29 minutes, 43 seconds.

Meanwhile in Port Talbot, South Wales, it was the Hoka One One Trail Half Marathon. This was a 1500ft elevation, 13.1 mile race that runners had to negotiate with single track, fast down hills and slippery rock surfaces. Monross-Trailblazer runner Gavin Jones finished the race in one hour 37, and came 15th out of 455 finishers.

On Thursday, February 23rd, Monross members took part in the last night race of the season organised by Rogue Runs. Despite Storm Doris the race went ahead, and was held at Beechenhurst Lodge in the Forest of Dean. This was a five mile technical race with slippery banks and single track path. Out of a field of 288 finishers, Andrew Stephens came home first out of the Monross group in a time of 39 minutes, 34 seconds, placing him in sixth place. Bobby Prichard came in soon behind in 43 minutes, 49 seconds, positioning 28th. New Monross member Tim Oliver put in a great performance and came in 59th position with a time of 47 minutes and 59 seconds.

Monross-Trailblazers meet on Wednesday evenings at 6:30pm, alternating between John Kyrle, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth Leisure Centre. On Wednesday, March 1st they are meeting at John Kyrle High School. For more information check out www.monross-trailblazers.co.uk, or search ‘Monross-Trailblazers’ on Facebook.