MORE than 300 people took part in the fourth annual Devauden races, more than double that of last year.

Organisers said its 312 entries was ‘beyond all expectation’.

The cross country event included a 10k and 3k, as well as a dash between goal posts for children aged six and under.

TV presenter Lisa Rogers, who lives in Llanishen, started the children’s races which involved 88 entrants under the age of 14.

The 10k race was won by Andrew Stephens of Monross Trailblazers who ran it in 37 minutes and 42 seconds, narrowly beating Rob Gordon by three seconds in a strongly fought race.

The first woman to finish was Nicola Brookland of Bristol who ran it in 40 minutes and 25 seconds.

The winners in the over 70s category were Rob James and Daphne Austerberry who finished in just under an hour. The winners of the local race were Vanessa Ball of Devauden and Jonathan Carter of Kilgwrrwg.

Following the award ceremony spectators were entertained on the village green by local children who performed a traditional maypole dance. They were accompanied by the Ceilidh band ‘Life of Riley’.

Race organiser John Brooks said: “The number of people taking part this year is beyond all expectations.

“Although no records were broken this year, we saw some strong racing.

“There was a great atmosphere and to see the traditional Maypole dancing on the village green was an iconic scene.”

The event was held in aid of SARA and the Hood Village Memorial Hall, Devauden.