COUNTY veteran runners took top prizes in the final race of the South Wales Winter Hill series on Pen Cerrig-calch near Llanbedr.

Although there was a cold wind, the sun shone and the ground was rock hard underfoot.

Harry Franklin from Hereford-based Wye Valley Runners won the over-70 Men's event in a time of 44:41, Garry Gunner from Leominster-based Croft Ambrey Running Club won the over 60 Men's event in a time of 40:27 and Mike Fawcett (Wye Valley Runners) claimed 2nd place in the over 40 Men's competition in a time of 33:19.

Prizes were awarded for places in the overall series (best five out of eight races). Gunner claimed the first prize overall in his category and Fawcett was second in his.

For anyone interested in trying fell races closer to home, this year's 'Darrens Dash' event will take place in Longtown on Saturday, June 20. This 8km course is a friendly event being run for the fourth time in aid of St Michael's Hospice and Longtown Outdoor Education Centre's bursary fund for young people.

The event also comprises a family fun run and is jointly hosted by Wye Valley Runners and Longtown Outdoor Education Centre. For details, download a form from www.longtownoec.co.uk/events or phone Mike Fawcett on 01873 860225.

l MALE and female athletes are being challenged to set new records in this summer’s Crocodile 8 race.

Tim Taylor set the men’s course record (51 min, 43s) in 2003 and Lisa Dent has held the women’s course record (54 min, 26s) since 2005.

This year’s eight-mile multi-terrain race, which takes in 105 steps, 13 styles and two kissing gates, is on Sunday, May 24 and gets under way at 3pm.

The event raises money for Burghill Primary School, where it starts and finishes, and a children’s fun run will be taking place at 3.15pm Entry costs £10 per person and forms can be downloaded at: www.crocodile8.org.uk A post-race party will be held at the Bell Inn.

l CROFT Ambrey Running Club will be hosting the ninth annual Shobdon Wood Race on Sunday, April 19, starting at 11am.

The run, which is approximately six miles long, takes the runners through varied woodland along scenic forestry tracks and paths.

Proceeds raised from the event will be donated to the Riding for the Disabled Association and the West Midlands Air Ambulance Service.

Details of and entries for the event are available from Guy Whitmarsh, 01584 831284 or email guyandjudy@hotmail.co.uk.