MORE than 100 runners tackled the 46th gruelling Llanbedr to Blaenavon fell race as athletes battled challenging conditions in the Black Mountains.

In one of the toughest fell races in South Wales, the 102 runners took on the 16-mile route with 4,500 feet of climb on Saturday, March 28.

The race went over Crug Mawr and the Sugar Loaf with the final climb up the face of the Blorenge to the finish in Blaenavon.

Runners set off from Llanbedr Village Hall at 12pm and had to be prepared for the tough terrain, carrying a waterproof whole body cover, a hat, gloves and a map of the route to the finish inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some parts of the race are very remote, meaning they also had to carry a compass, whistle and emergency food.

To add to the challenge, the use of any digital GPS is not permitted.

Runners who make it to the fifth checkpoint in Llanfoist in more than three hours are asked to retire from the race ahead of the more demanding climb up the Blorenge.

Ryan Lewis (Cardiff Runners) finished in first place in 2 hours 10 minutes 28 seconds with second going to Bristol’s Liam Glen in 2.13.39 closely followed just 20 seconds back by Thomas Black of Beacons fell club Mynyddwyr de Cymru.

The women’s race was dominated by Bethan Logan of Black Mountains club Mynydd Du, who raced home in 2.34.53 followed by MDC’s Katie Ironside in 2.36.58 and MD’s Natalie Taylor in 2.45.23, who also took the over-40 women’s class.

There were some excellent age category placings with the fastest over-40 male being Ben Moon (MDC) in 2.28.18, while Mercia’s Andy Davies finished fastest over-50 man in 2.36.33 and Brecon AC’s Naomi Law first over-50 woman in 3.12.31.

MD’s Martin Webb was first over-60 male in 3.02.48 and club mate Hilary Keogh first over-60 woman in 3.20.38.

Inspiring over-70 runner Hugh Balfour of Dulwich Runners also came home in 3.29.45.

Race director Ruth Pickvance said: “We had cold dry weather this year and although the wind was strong it was behind the runners for most of the way, making for some fast times.

“It’s always a joy to put on this race – it’s been going for 46 years now and was initiated by Gareth Buffet who came to work in Blaenavon as a GP in 1980 and who still lives in the town.

“My thanks go to everyone involved on my team, particularly to the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau for help with the marshalling which can be an unenviable task on a cold windy day checking runners through atop the Blorenge for four hours!

“The Bureau always receive a donation from the race for their help.”

Next up for hill runners this Easter Sunday (April 5) is the Pentir Plus Fell Race over 6.4 miles with 1,147ft of ascent, starting from Cwmdu village hall near Crickhowell at 11am.