The Hereford Times

James keeps up fine form to win in Shobdon

1:35pm Friday 25th April 2008

IN spite of cold and wet conditions, a record number of entrants turned out for the six- mile multi-terrain event held in Shobdon Wood, with competitors coming from as far away as Devon, Middlesex, the West Midlands and Wales.

In view of the conditions, records were unlikely to fall, but last year’s winner Matt James (Hereford Couriers ) nevertheless managed to hold off the challenge of Mercia Fell Runners’ Roger Lamb, winning in 35 minutes and 3 seconds. Lamb (35.53) was half-a-minute ahead of third placed Peter Rigler of Tipton Harriers. Simon Norwood (Ludlow Runners) had a fine race, finishing fifth in 37.20, with the host club, Croft Ambrey’s Dave Moss coming in 11th (38.50). Mick Ligema (Ludlow Runners) was 14th overall, and first over 50, in 40.10. Croft then had the improving Dave George in 18th (40.50), followed by a pack of runners coming in in 23rd to 25th places: Dave Powell, Dave Rouse and Jon Utley, with Ludlow’s young Greg Preece just a second behind, having an excellent race finishing second Junior Man.

The Ladies’ team prize went to Wye Valley, narrowly beating the Ludlow Runners’ ladies’ team (Shelly Perkins, Ann Kerby-Collins and Anne Thorpe). The first men’s team was Hereford Couriers. Local category winners included Mick Ligema (Ludlow Runners) 1st over 50, Gary Gunner of Croft Ambrey who won the over 60 category, Suzanne Turvey (Croft) was 3rd lady and Nicky Turvey (Croft) was first lady over 45.