For a club the size of ours, we should all be hugely proud of pulling off another highly successful Muddy Woody. The logistics of this event would be enough to put off most experienced event organisers. Take for example the lack of any internal dry and warm registration space, no electricity, a risk assessment with a raft of mad risks, ecological sensitivities in beautiful public woodland, no parking except potholed tracks and tight lanes, weather that pleases itself, no changing except Nigel Jones bespoke farm trailer to drop bags, and a marshal requirement that needs an army of volunteers. Not to mention Covid. But…we did it. Peter Nugent with the support of a core of volunteers from the committee and beyond worked hard for the best part of the last 12 months to make the race happen.

And off they go - Matt James positions himself perfectly to storm home to win

Race day dawned and the forecasted harsh weather was all it promised to be - harsh. But the runners loved it and the marshals smiled, and the doughnuts were devoured and we all lived happily ever after.

In the end, 100 runners chose to stay away - and 300 hardy soles set off on the new route. The course was especially pulled together at the last minute by Peter following a series of concerns from Forestry England about potential environmental damage to sensitive areas of the woods. The new course proved to be extremely popular with many experienced Muudy runners claiming the course as the “best so far”. That’s some accolade in a race that celebrates 25 years next year.

Peter Flyn tries to confuse the opposition by running the course in reverse- nice one Peter

As the race unfolded Wye Valley Runners headed off into the unknown. We didn’t have too long to wait - 47 minutes later the man from the Mountains - Ian Whistance was the first club member home. Ian crossed the line in 15th position and grabbed first prize in the Male vet 50 Cat - well done Whiz!

The blooded man from the mountains pushing hard for the finish

3 minutes later the improving Lea Wood cruised over the line with Paul Kemp just 50 seconds behind

A minute later up pops David Klotz - great to see long time member David back in racing form - great running David

In a great time of just over 53 minutes, Peter Flynn crosses the line next - apparently after having been temporarily blinded in one eye after losing an argument with a tree branch - much to the amusement of tail runner Simon who helped out in the traditional way - by taking a photo.

Laura Tootell, despite recent injury, turned on the taps to take first Vet 45 in a cracking time of 54.10 just 30 seconds ahead of Paul Davies

A few minute s later up pops Shaun Hoyes on his way to claim the first vet 60 Category prize in a time of 56 mins followed two minutes later by Becki Ansfield

Amela Louth then appears on the finish line looking as fresh as a daisy in a time of 1.01

Jo in her happy place - with Steve Herrington in her shadow….

Second claimer Jo Marriot - a regular face at training nights crosses the line next followed by mud queen Jane Hayde just a couple of mins later.

Ricardo Martins soon catches up with the pack finishing in 1.04 with Jo Ellis back to racing just a minute later . Second claimer Nicola Goodwin then follows with Sian Champken in 1.14 and Brent Lowson breathing down Sian’s neck 26 seconds later.

Nicola being her usual shy retiring self

Ricardo just manages to stay on his feet as he poses for the camera

Croft Ambrey accept defeat as Jo approches

Still more Wye Valley to cross the line - next up Lindsey Flowers in 1.19, then sister in law Louise Ainger in 1.21 (no photo that we can see Louise - sorry!) followed by Jeni Whistance in 1.23 . Fantastic running by everyone.

Job done - tail runner Simon wraps it up again in style.

As the gear got packed away and the prizes were handed out, the club was able to show a small surplus on the day - meaning we can donate something to Missing People - the charity that specialises in looking after friends and family of missing individuals.

Congratulations Wye Valley runners on a Muddy Woody to remember - less than a year to go until our 25th-anniversary event and more to come in the summer with the Caplor Hill Race