HEREFORD runners Peter Nugent and Steven Flowers flew the flag for the county at the National Cross Country Championships held at Wollaton Park in Nottingham.

The duo ran in the 12-kilometre senior men's race, against 1,710 starters, on an undulating course battling against some of the worst conditions in living memory.

Strength sapping mud, which was at times knee deep, made the race challenging but exhilarating with Flowers finishing 775th in a time of 59 minutes five seconds and Nugent was not far behind finishing in one hour and nine seconds in 849th - right in the middle of the elite and highly competitive group.

The annual jamboree is organised by The England Cross Country Association and it is open to athletes from all English affiliated running clubs.

Wye Valley chairman Martin Flowers said: “We were delighted with Steven and Peters performance.

"Running in the 'nationals' is a great experience for all runners and something that any runner with moderate ability can aim at.

"We want to encourage as many people as possible to get involved in the local running scene."

Wye Valley Runners are inviting anyone new to the sport to join them for an informal social run of around four miles on Friday, March 6, at 6.30pm starting at the City Sports Club on Grandstand Road, Hereford.

"We promise it will be a sociable relaxed run at an easy pace led by experienced club members," added Flowers.

"We hope to make these events a regular club feature.”

For more details visit: www.wyevalleyrunners.co.uk