A HARDY group of five Bourton Roadrunners chose to tackle the notoriously tough Snowdonia Marathon.

Aided by an equally strong support team, race day brought the inevitable wind and rain.

But the Bourton contingent took the weather in their stride with all performing well.

Lucy Walmsley fought a battle at the head of the women’s race.

Despite the leading lady quickly establishing a two-minute advantage, Walmsley closed the gap to under a minute for a period.

After a gruelling fight, the Roadrunner finished second in three hours 11 minutes 34 seconds.

Steve Edwards finished his 654th marathon and his 17th at Snowdonia in 3.23.46.

Claire Harrison set off purposefully and maintained her pace over the steep ascents and descents to record 3.40.06 in her 10th marathon.

Nigel Frith ran a strong race in 4.03.41 and Susan Hunt finished 21 minutes quicker than last year’s race in 4.12.10. The following day, the 33rd Stroud half-marathon provided an opportunity closer to home to test fitness and earn valuable end-of-season points in the club’s 6 from 10 competition as the penultimate race.

Shona Crombie-Hicks was second woman in 1.22.57, moving up to second place in the club’s female open category.

Darren Long finished in 1.26.07 to increase his lead in the club’s men’s competition.

Brian Hulcup’s 1.45.02 put him on equal points with John Gibson in the men’s veterans over 60s.

Chris Dry (1.48.54), Dave Turnbull (1.50.15), Liz Hulcup (1.52.55 and second women’s veteran over 60) and Lynn Hudson (2.01.22) continue to reign in their club categories.

Shirley Creed aimed to beat two hours and cruised home in 1.59.19 with Linda Edwards clocking 2.07.21.

Catherine Wheeler also took part, coaxing a friend around for her first half-marathon.