Photo Credit – Chris Smart
Over 300 runners gathered in Haugh Woods, Fownhope at the weekend for the annual Muddy Woody 6 race organised by Wye Valley Runners.
The race took athletes through a challenging muddy and steep route, across streams, up and down hills and through tricky woodland trails.
This year was the event’s 25th anniversary and to celebrate, Becks White of the Starlight Dance Company treated runners to a high-energy warm-up in the woods before the starting gun went off.
From the outset, Lulow Runners man Oliver Perratt dominated the race, almost skipping through the stream and sprinting down the steep descents. His finishing time of 37 minutes and 18 seconds meant he had a 2-minute lead on Matt James of Hereford Couriers, with Dean Jones of Western Tempo club just 40 seconds behind James.
Gemma Hargreaves saw off some stiff competition to pick up the gold medal in the senior women’s category, in a fast time of 44 minutes and 57 seconds, followed by Aiveen Digby of Malvern Joggers in 49 minutes and Laura Bellamy breathing down her neck just a minute later.
Race Director from Wye Valley Runners Peter Nugent said:
“Congratulations to each and every one of our amazing runners. We are so grateful to the community in and around Haugh Woods for hosting us over the years and to the army of 40 volunteers who came out and ensured everyone had a safe and happy day.
“This year the event was held in memory of our much-loved club secretary Peter Smith who died very recently – Peter was one of the founders of the Muddy Woody Race and he would have been proud of his club today.”
Next up from Wye Valley Runners is the iconic Crocodile 8 Race on May 28th and everyone is invited – details here
Pictured winners – Oliver Perratt and Gemma Hargreaves at the stream junction
