New Year’s morning saw the fifth running of the Chard Flyer, a 10k road and track race in and around Chard, writes Dave Mutter.

A damp and blustery day saw 135 runners shrugging off their hangovers, including five AVR’s. Philip Bridge from Wells City won in a tidy 36:48 over the moderately hilly course. Dominic Schneiders was pleased to get round unscathed after over two years out of racing 23rd in 44:10. Eleanor Wood put in another consistent performance coming 32nd, 46:05. Not far behind her was Karen Eyre in 46:57. Margaret Pearce was 53rd, 49:36 and Chris Hill finished strongly taking 54:19.

On Sunday the three Smith children took part in the South West cross country championships at Bicton College. Caitlin was first off and finished in the main pack of the U13 girls race on a difficult, hilly course. Molly then finished a very strong fourth overall in the U15 girls race and in the penultimate race of the day, Jake finished sixth overall in the U17 boys race. Each of them thoroughly enjoyed their race and the family had a great day.

Carol Austin visited Copenhagen for New Year and as you do on holiday ran the Parkrun in Amager Faelled Park. (Sadly Lesley Adams hadn’t shaken off her Christmas lurgy or she would also have run). Carol was 18th, second lady, first in age group taking 23:35; an excellent effort for her first race after three months out with a hip injury.

Last, but certainly not least - Happy New Year to ‘ee all!