DESPITE ice and mud 134 runners enjoyed the annual five-mile Christmas Tree Race at Ellwood organised by the Forest of Dean Athletics Club.

The Canicross section provided the spectators with some amazing festive fancy dress. The hospitality provided by Ellwood Football Club was very much appreciated by the muddy finishers.

Chepstow Harriers have this race as part of their club championship so there was a good turnout of blue vests. The races attracted runners from as far apart as Cornwall and Newcastle.

The first two male runners both trace their roots back to being FODAC Juniors and the third man home, Freek Van Arkel, is very much part of the coaching regime for his age group.

Men

1st – Richard De-Camps Gloucester A C – 28.54

2nd – Kyran Hale – Severn A C – 29.29

3rd – Freek Van Arkel – FODAC – 29.53

Ladies

1st Lou Summers – Chepstow Harriers – 36.03

2nd Niki Morgan  - Chepstow Harriers – 36.34

3rd Alison Cooke – Hereford Couriers – 38.13

Canicross

1st Charlie Jones – Ledbury Harriers – 31.02

2nd Mark Matthews – FODAC -31.24

3rd – Ian Littlewood – East Cornwall Harriers – 32.13

The club is in its 30th Anniversary Year soon and will be hosting a  number of celebrations and events. Details will be posted nearer the dates

Fixtures:

April 15, Pairs races – Adidas Trail

June 13, Evening races – Mallards Pike

July 1, 5k/10k and Fun Run in conjunction with Great Oaks Hospice – Heywood School

July 14, Summer Sports Day and barbecue at Five Acres

December 16, Christmas tree race – Ellwood

1 mile handicap races May 15/July 28h/Sept 4.