RUNNERS are maintaining their competitive spirit despite government rules preventing mass gatherings.

Wye Valley Runners are planning to take part in their first ever virtual National Road Race Relay between Saturday, April 4 and Wednesday, April 8.

The race follows government Covid-19 rules and runners must run alone either at home on a treadmill or on the road alone using their daily exercise allowance following social distance rules.

Runners personal performances over the five-kilometre distance is then loaded into a national league with regional and national winners announced.

Club chairman Martin Flowers said: "We have been trying to ensure our members continue to benefit from the health benefits of daily exercise whilst adhering to the guidelines to prevent any further spread of coronavirus.

"This virtual race gives runners an opportunity for some friendly competition whilst adhering to the rules."

Meanwhile Hereford Couriers continue to run their online #keepherefordshirerunning event.

Each week a challenge is set for runners to upload their times onto the Strava application or website.

Last week saw 78 runners compete in the one-mile 'Magic Mile' competition and 10 kilometre off-road distance.

Fastest male over the 'Magic Mile' was David Aubrey in four minutes and 28 seconds, second Matt Brunnock in 4.50 and third was Darren Broady in 5.02.

Quickest female was Daneen Hughes in five minutes and 36 seconds, second was Izzy Axford in 6.07 and third was Laura Tootell in 6.19.

Meanwhile, in the off-road 10km distance the fastest male was Ryan Knight in 39 minutes and 35 seconds, Ben Skinner was second in 40.53 while Chris Cleary took third in 41.56.

Aoibh Clarke was the quickest female in 45 minutes and 43 seconds ahead of Daneen Hughes in second (48.53) and Jo Marrott in third (49.36).

This week's challenges are the 'Tarmac 5k' and 'five mile fun one'.