WYE Valley Runners have have tasted success at regional and national level lately.

Brian Symonds, aged 78, from Tillington, took a silver medal in the English Masters over-75 veteran category at the Kew Gardens Half Marathon.

Symonds only took up running well in to his 60s and has not looked back since.

Having achieved the qualifying time to wear the sought after England Masters vest, Symonds lined up with the English squad on a warm Sunday morning for the meandering course around Kew Gardens in London.

Following the riverside at Richmond and finishing in the Old Deer Park he crossed the line in two hours and one minute.

“The course was as challenging as ever with the added excitement of open parkland with cyclists and dog walkers to dodge,” added Symonds.

“However I’m honoured to wear the England vest - if I can do it anyone can.

“I’d encourage everyone to pick up their training shoes and get out into the fresh air”.

Martin Flowers, chair of Wye Valley Runners said: “Brian is a legend in the Herefordshire running community.

“He inspires our younger club members and is testament to the simple joy of running.”

Bartestree woman Laura Tootell was the first lady home at the recent Dymock 10-kilometre race just over the border in Gloucestershire.

A new race for 2021 the course starts on the well established half marathon route then peels off into woodland and trails.

Tootell finished in 46 minutes exactly, well ahead of her competition.

Tootell said: “It’s really great to be back racing competitively again - and picking up some silverware for the club was an added bonus.

“The race was the perfect rehearsal for the Herefordshire Cross Country season that’s thankfully about to restart.”

Tootell is the captain of the Wye Valley Runners women’s cross country team.

The season begins on October 10 at Fforest Fields - hosted by Builth and District runners.