A RECORD number of runners — more than 450 — blew the Christmas cobwebs away by taking part in the fifth Abominable Snowman Tough 10 running event.

The field, most of which represented the Isle of Wight’s main running clubs, tackled either the 10km or ten-mile courses at Cheverton Farm, Shorwell, on Saturday.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The start of the ten-mile run in this year's Abominable Snowan Tough 10 at Cheverton Farm, Shorwell, on Saturday.  Photo: Pat Harris

There was even a run designed for kids, the Mini-Snowman, with around 60 taking part, many of them accompanied by parents.

The courses lived up to their billing, with runners having to wade through chilly, waist-deep water in places, natural obstacles and steep and muddy trails.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Mud, glorious mud! There was nothing quite like it for James Windley when he tackled Cheverton Farm's infamous pond.  Photo: Pat Harris

But runners were warmed up along the way by the sound of Fat Samba's Caribbean beat.

In the ten-miler, the main race, Jack Grundy won it, crossing the line in 1.14.20, followed by Les Cupis (1.18.02) and Sean Williams (1.18.24).

One of the event’s most notable achievements came from Robyn Fossa, 13, who finished seventh overall in a field of 126 runners, and was first female and the junior category winner.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Robyn Fossa, 13, with Ryde Harriers member Bryan Jones, tackling the pond at Cheverton Farm.  Photo: Pat Harris

Also completing the 10km course was visually-impaired Sarah Probert, accompanied by a group of Ryde Harriers.

James Fletcher, another junior athlete, won the 10km run in 46.46, with Callum Tanner (48.26), second and Paul Wood (50.01) in third.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Ryde Harriers runners, from left: Catherine Young, Pippa Sharp, Kate Couch, Jo Beak, Natalie Rose and visually-impaired team-mate Sarah Probert.  Photo: Catherine Young

To celebrate the fifth year of the event, event organisers GP Sport teamed up with Ryde-based Goddards Brewery to produce an Abominable Snowman beer for the event, samples of which were given to competitors half way round the course.

Phil Payne, of GP Sport, said: “We are very happy with the way the event went and are pleased to see it grow year on year. This year saw record numbers take to the start line.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The final 'killer' hill for the 10km and ten-mile runs at Cheverton Farm on Saturday.  Photo: Pat Harris

“The event has become a staple of post-Christmas fun.”

GP Sport are already looking ahead to the sixth next Christmas, with entry details available later in the year.