The London Marathon is very difficult to get in with 150,000 people trying to get one of about 15,000 ballot entries, that left many AVR’s free for the day so a minibus full of eager Axe Valley Runners headed north towards Chepstow / Tinterne Abbey for the 20k off road delight called the Offas Orror, writes Dave Mutter.

There were 17 AVR’s running on a very pleasant sunny day.

The winner of the race was Chepstow runner James Blore in 1:23:50 followed by our own Matt Clist, who was second in 1:24:20 winning a nice wooden sculpture and a bottle of beer. Phil Bayliss, back to good form again, was 39th, 1:42:10 winning the first vet 60 prize. Right on his heels was James Gular, 40th, 1:42:40. Ian Apps came in 51st, 1:46:08 followed by Eleanor Wood 81st, 1:50:43, winning the second vet 50 prize. Steve Lewis came in 137th in exactly two hours.

Richard Hale was next, 150th, 2:02:35 followed by Steve Reynolds in 161st place, 2:04:39 and right behind him John Larcombe 162nd, 2:04:54. The ever-improving Alan Morbey was 166th, 2:06:39. Margaret Pearce also running strongly was 169th, 2:07:05. Anna McLoughlin was next home, 194th, 2:12:35 followed by Chris Hill 197th, 2:12:58. Paul Tolchard was 199th, 2:13:46. Janet and Geoff Woodward decided to run together as Janet was just coming back from injury and they finished in 2:51:05 and 2:51:16. Well done to Chepstow Harriers for organising such a wonderful race with 263 runners in total.

The return minibus journey was most enjoyable with lots of cakes and chocolates and games and of course a huge thank you to our drivers Paul, Alan and Chris.