ATHLETES of all shapes and sizes laced up their trainers and went charging through the hills earlier this month in the first of Element’s scenic but tough nine-mile Black Mountains Trail Race.

Beginning in Crickhowell the stunning race route winds up the Grwyne Fawr river valley, famous for its leaping salmon at this time of the year, and the runners enjoyed the most classic features of trail races: mixed terrain, lovely views, mud and hills.

Race Director Ruth Pickvance said, “I am absolutely delighted with the first edition of the race. The community of Crickhowell and local residents have been fantastic in supporting the race. Particular thanks go to the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau and the local Duke of Edinburgh students who marshalled the race.”

The event attracted 300 runners of all ages, with people turning out from various clubs around Wales and England including Parc Bryn Bach Running Club in Tredegar, Brecon AC, Forest of Dean Athletics Club, Les Croupiers in Cardiff and Swansea Harriers.

Runner Kate Platt commented, “I’ve never done a trail race before, or run that far and I absolutely loved it The race was superbly organised and I can’t wait for next year.”

The overall male winner was Andrew Fisher in a time of 59:34, closely followed 11 seconds later by Jacob Dobson. The first female home was Clare Bunce from Swansea Harriers in 1:07 being pushed hard by Helen Brown from the Forest of Dean who was only 13 seconds behind.

The organizers would like to thank Likeys in Brecon for supplying the prizes and a chocolate sheep for every runner! They’d also like to thank Crickhowell Adventure, Horizon Socks, Christie Residential, Griffiths Engineering and The Angel Hotel for their support of the race.

Donations have been made to The Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau and The Gwent Wildlife Trust.