RUNNERS had to tackle tough terrain and poor weather as they took on the second Beast of Bitterley race to the summit of Titterstone Clee.

Ludlow Runners, joint organisers of the event with Bitterley CE Primary School PTA, were well represented with 26 of the 51competitors – all of whom managed to complete the route.

And the club also provided the winner in Jamie Shingler who retained the trophy he won last year. In spite of Sunday’s race conditions, he also managed it in a new course record of 40.41 minutes, more than a minute ahead of Andrew Salt (Ludlow Runners).

Matthew Yapp (Ludlow Runners) came in third and first junior male while Amy Fulford followed up her recent success in the Herefordshire cross country series for Ludlow Runners by taking first place in the ladies' race in 49.06 ahead of Sarah Armstrong (53.18) and Ludlow’s Viv Dempsey (61.44).

Other Ludlow Runners to tame ‘The Beast’ included Craig Collier, Paul Lewis, Dan Pavitt, John Lyden, Clive Richardson and Tina Cartwright.

Next up is the second race in the Herefordshire summer cross country league at Westhope on June 22.