The Buttermere Sailbeck race is about the same length as the Fan y Big Horseshoe, which also crosses the area where Carol Matthews died in a relay race in 1991; but the same could happen in almost any race that crosses high ground when conditions are poor. So this has made us re-examine our plans for the Brecon Fans races. The key lesson is to be absolutely certain whether there are still any runners out on the course, i.e. that every race number that crossed the start line also crosses the finish line, or is otherwise accounted for.

We'll try to make the races as safe as possible without becoming too bureaucratic. But runners also need to play their part - be well prepared for the race (in fitness and knowledge of the route), carry the right kit, report to marshals if anything is wrong, read and listen to race instructions. Oh, and please don't cross the finish line more than once while having a warm-down!

Our thoughts go out to Brian Befield and his family, but also to the organisers of the race, who must be going through a difficult time.

I took Lois with me and she put fliers for the Brecon Fans races on all parked cars in the area, some of which may have belonged to runners.

Last time I did this race, in 2007, Mynydd Du took team prize with 2nd (Martin Shaw), 3rd (me) and 4th (Dave Finn), but this year most members donned the colours of their road/XC clubs. And while I ran 1:25 in 2007, this year I was pretty pleased with 1:28 (old age and injury taking their toll). But talking of old age, this did not stop Martin Cox (V40) winning easily overall. Rob Gordon was 3rd in about 1:23.

In the ladies race, Emma ran well to take 2nd, behind some scrawny lass from Cornwall with an impressive 6 pack.

I made all the ladies swoon at the finish, partly with my devastated looks, but mainly with my bleeding nipples…

Results are likely to appear on the Chepstow web site race page  in due course.

Did the Sugar Loaf race yesterday, the summer one from the Abergavenny Leisure Centre (7 miles with 1725 feet ascent). It’s one of the other Mynydd Du club races, so good to see a great turnout of about 110 runners, and Emma and Ricky doing an excellent job organising. I meant to check with Emma what computer system she was using, but she was a wee bit stressed so I kept clear! Know the feeling.

The weather was beautiful and perfect for running. The results will be available here soon, but in the meantime, Rob Gordon stormed a win over Matt Collins, and I came 5th (1st V40). Here’s some funny postures and funny faces from Mynydd Du posse.