IT was a good day for the Forest of Dean Athletics Club as both the men and women won the autumn half marathon team competitions on home soil.

More than 700 runners took part in the race organised by the Rotary Club of the Forest of Dean and which started at the Speech House..

John Hamilton finished 10th in 1hr 25mins 14secs, John Russell was 14th in 1hr 26mins 26secs and Dan Sandford was 17th in 1hr 27mins 39secs.

In the women’s competition Catherine Roberts was fourth in 1hr 40mins 1sec, Sherryl Hall next in 1hr 43mins 36secs and Mel Ruck finished in 1hr 44mins 25 secs to also win the team prize. 

There were category wins for Catherine Roberts in the FV45, Mick Strange in the MV60 and Jacqui Wynds in the FV60.

The first man home for Monross Trailblazers was Gavin Jones in 1hr 34mins 21secs while Chepstow Harriers were led home by Don Webber in 1hr 49mins 08secs. Maria Anthony led the way for Chepstow Harriers in the women’s competition in 1hr 44mins 56secs.