ONCE a year, Avon Valley Runners invite members of other local clubs to take part in a friendly inter-club challenge – the Avon Valley Mob Match.

Match points are determined against finishing positions of runners belonging to the same club/sex up to the number of the lowest attending club, though a minimum of five runners per club are required.

This year, Chippenham Harriers and Corsham Running Club joined our members for the multi-terrain event which started at the Tythe Barn at Bradford on Avon.

The route of about seven miles follows the river Avon to Avoncliffe before heading towards Westwood, Iford Manor, through Friary Wood and briefly onto the A36 before turning back into the woods to the Tythe Barn finish.

Corsham’s Stuart Henderson led almost 60 runners home with Avon Valley Runners’ of Pete Veleski, Tim Lowrie and Will Holland hot on his heels.

Chippenham’s Mark Clayton was next, followed by the hosts’ Thomas Coney, Chippenham’s Tom Smith and Richard Schofield with Corsham’s Carl Zalek and Chippenham’s Frank Checcia completing the top 10.

Avon Valley’s Clare Howard was first lady with Corsham’s Debra Kearsey and Gillian Sanders next and Chippenham’s Catherine Dawes and Julie Trudgen completing first for their team.

Corsham Running Club were awarded the trophies for first male and female teams.