CHARD Road Runners kicked off the 2017 race season last weekend, with no fewer than 22 runners crossing the start and finish line across five races around the South-West.

First off the start line on Saturday was Richard Clifton and Paul Masters at Rok The Stones Trail Marathon, near Stanton Drew.

Clifton finished the hilly, muddy course in 4:40, while Masters came home in 5:54:58.

Thirteen intrepid CRR’s headed across to Dorset for the Blackmore Vale Half Marathon.

First to show was Andrew Leeson was first Runner home, followed by James Wagstaff in the 365-runner field.

Stevie Potter secured her half-marathon PB by some three minutes.

Blackmore Vale Half - Andrew Leeson 1:28:45, James Wagstaff 1:34:21, Adrian Male 1:41:12, Stevie Potter 1:42:33, Ryan Hebron-Wheatley 1:52:11, Emma Male 1:59:05, Matt Baker 1:59:09, James Musselwhite 2:01:01, Simon Hall 2:04:38, Claire Gibbs 2:13:52, Claire Pomeroy 2:19:52, Helen Baxter 2:20:19, Mel Boarder 2:24:22.

In the Fulford 5, this closed road race in Exmouth had Mick Whitworth representing CRRs in a two-lap race, coming across the line in 53:41.

CRRs also headed off to the North Somerset Coast for The Tough Ten-mile course which uses beach and tarmac road along the seafront and woodland trails.

Lee Brun decided this was the race for him and he finished in 1:18:15.

Six CRRs took part in the Portland Half and Full Marathon.

Roddy and Stuart McLean headed off into the mist, the latter coming home in 4:07:02 and Roddy a second later.

Gavin Wyatt finished in 4:45:45 and Paul Masters, having completed a marathon the day before, crossed the line in 5:00:8.

Wayne Loveridge and Martin Holly tackled the harsh and fast Portland Half Marathon.

Loveridge kept to the task to the end and crossed the line in first place in a time of 1:32:37, while Holly finished in a creditable 12th and a time of 1:50:49.