SOME 1,000 cross country enthusiasts enjoyed the rigorous conditions 10k near Bath - so much so that they will be re-visiting the venue in the remaining three winter fixtures.

City of Salisbury veteran athlete Kathryn Dreyer said after the challenging race:

“At 57 years old I’m almost embarrassed at how much I enjoyed the run. At one point I fell flat on my face in the mud and was totally caked. It’s insane - but it’s great fun!”

Dreyer finished in the top third of the field with a spirited 70min 47sec.

Taking a good tenth spot in the same event, Ian Shelley did well to finish in 45.20.

At the Boscombe 10k in Bournemouth, Nicky Yevko showed she has almost fully recovered from recent injury when she clocked a speedy 41.36 for second place in her age group.

Veterans Andy Gillespie and John Ruskin were timed at 45.20 and 46.50, while Susanne Howland made her debut at the distance with a good 57.56.