TWO members of Forest of Dean Athletics Club (FoDAC) took on three races over one weekend earlier this month, climbing 5,000 feet over 21 miles in a total of 22 hrs and 15 minutes.

Jo Edwards and Emma Hewett completed the Kymin Winter Race near Monmouth, the Fan Dance High Moon in the Brecon Beacons and the Kelston 10K in the Cotswolds over the weekend of January 7 and 8.

Spokesperson for FODAC, Patrick Rennison, said: “Emma and Jo took on the challenge of completing three gruelling races within 24 hours. All were classed as fell or trail running meaning they involved footpaths, woodland, open fields, lots of hills and, in the case of the Fan Dance, open moorland.

“The challenge started at 2pm on the Saturday at the Kymin with, a four-mile race starting and finishing in Monmouth. It involved a 1,200ft climb with a double ascent of the Kymin followed by a fast descent across fields and muddy footpaths.

 “This was followed by a 45-mile dash to the Brecon Beacons to check in for the most challenging of the three races. The Fan Dance High Moon follows a route originally devised for SAS selection and involves ascending a total of 2,900ft over 11 miles in the dark.  All competitors have to carry survival gear as well as a map and compass.  To add to the challenge Jo and Gemma also had to contend with fog, so the race tested their trail finding abilities to the full. 

“With a start time of 6pm, Jo and Gemma completed the course by 9.30pm, before returning home for a few hours sleep.

 “Sunday saw an early morning drive to the Cotswolds for the final race, which started at 9am.  They covered 10km with a further 900ft of climbing, this time over muddy sections of the Cotswold Way. 

“Jo and Gemma finished around 10.15am with a fourth out of 11 and 43rd out of 62 in their age groups despite the extreme exertions the previous day.”

•Eleven other members of FODAC took part in the Kymin Winter Race. Event winner was Paul Murrin of Chepstow Harriers in 3mins 22secs while second place went to FODAC’s John Hamilton who came in six seconds behind him.  FODAC’s Gemma Hewitt was the first FODAC woman to finish, with a time of 49mins 06secs.