A total of 115 runners take part in this year’s Longtown Llanthony Loop fell race at the Outdoor Learning Centre on Saturday

Mark Hopkinson, representing East Wales, set an outstanding new course record of 1:02:27 and Hannah Jarvis (East Wales) set an impressive new female course record of 1:13:39.

Ian Whistance of Hereford-based Wye Valley Runners came 3rd in the Welsh Athletics Masters competition in a time of 1:18:03.

Local runner Steve Herington of Hereford Couriers A.C. held off stiff competition to win the Male Vet 70 competition in a time of 1:38:05.

The race counted in the Welsh Fell Runners Association Open and South Wales championships as well as being this year’s Welsh Athletics inter-regional competition.

The challenging course took runners up a long ascent with a switch back to join the Offa’s Dyke path before a descent into Llanthony to touch the Abbey wall before a stiff climb through fields and woodland towards.

There was also a fast and furious descent to the Olchon Brook followed by an up-hill finish.

Full results and event photos can be found at https://www.facebook.com/longtownoutdoorlearning/