SIMON Richardson was first home for Malvern Joggers in the Herefordshire Cross Country Winter League five-race series opener at Croft Castle hosted by Croft Ambrey Running Club.

Twelve Joggers were among 213 competitors with the women and juniors running one and half laps while the men did three.

The course included short grassland, forest tracks and woodland trails incorporating a long uphill followed by a technical, muddy downhill.

Richardson clocked one hour four minutes 32 seconds followed by Andrew Brown (1.12.32), Roger Sheriff (1.16.55), Bradley Crouch (1.17.58), Paul Newman (1.18.56) and Mike Bolton (1.20.12).

First Jogger woman home was Deb White in 43.02 ahead of Julie Caseley (46.17), Suzie Lane (48.16), Viv Tolley (57.19), Helen Card (57.27) and Emma White (1.01.32).

The Twmbarlwm Terror, a new tough 7.3-mile scenic race organised by Fairwater Runners, was challenging underfoot with a total elevation of around 1,000 feet.

First Jogger home was Mike Anstey in 1.20.33 followed by Caseley (1.21.33) and Lynda Broadway (1.37.58).

Joggers also tackled Newent Running Club's 9.5-kilometre road race from the community college involving 291 competitors on a crisp autumn morning.

Paul Millsom clocked 40.48 for first men's veteran over 60 followed by Brown (46.01), Ian Walwyn (48.31) and Caseley (51.17).