A Leap of faith

8:19am Wednesday 30th April 2008

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ORGANISERS of the 12-mile Offa's Orror are considering re-routing the arduous course in future to prevent a tragic accident.

Martin Pengilly, of Chepstow Harriers, told the Free Press after Sunday's race that while the event had again gone without a hitch there were concerns that the Lemmings Leap section was a growing risk.

He said: "Every year the track down the hill gets steeper and if it had rained we would have had to think about a different route, possibly a figure of eight with runners going up Lemmings Leap? As I understand it the St John Ambulance crew only had one bloody nose to deal with all day - but there's always the fear something could go wrong."

Samantha Mulligan, Louise Summers and Helen Duffield of the Harriers ensured the women's team retained the team prize. Mulligan (1hr 39min 39sec) had also finished second woman behind Laura Kent (1:34.21) and Summers was winner of the women's over-40 category to also claim double honours.

This was the fifth running of the gruelling multi-terrain race. The route saw 231 athletes setting off from the Abbey playing fields in Tintern, crossing the railway bridge and heading south on the eastern side of the Wye.

A long ascent north towards the Devil's Pulpit, following the ridge of Offa's Dyke footpath sees runners eventually drop down Lemmings Leap towards St Briavels. The final stretch involves another descent to Llandogo and the final three-mile stint along the riverside and back to the Anchor Inn.

First man home was Tom Fisher in 1:24.01. Second was Darren McNeely of London-based Serpentine runners, who had brought a strong squad across to Wales and were rewarded with the men's team prize.

Third place went to Martin James of Hereford (1:28.22), fourth was Tony Marshall from Forest of Dean AC (1:30.04) and completing the top five was Terry Conway, of Worcester, in 1:30.16.

One of the 229 finishers, Lawrence Scowen from Ross, said: "The race had exemplary organisation, everything anyone could wish for on a tough trail event. Thanks to all concerned for their efforts."