WITH the cross-country season coming to a close one of the last local races of the season was the Break Charity Stody five mile race on Sunday, in the grounds of the Stody estate near Hunworth in North Norfolk.

WITH the cross-country season coming to a close one of the last local races of the season was the Break Charity Stody five mile race on Sunday, in the grounds of the Stody estate near Hunworth in North Norfolk.

This race is growing in strength and popularity every year attracting both fun runners and club runners alike.

A very testing two-lap course cutting through some very scenic countryside, featuring some challenging up hills and a very boggy field.

The weather was mild but with steady drizzle throughout the race, this of course did not put off the many participants including a successful trio from Wymondham AC, all were expected to do well in their age groups and well in the field overall.

First home for Wymondham and running a very well paced race throughout was Gerry Watson.

Next came experienced cross-country runner Kim Reader, who after good pacing and closely following Gerry throughout the race came in to take third overall in the ladies' race, and completing the trio was veteran Louis Cooper, showing his strength by running his second lap quicker than the first.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Lotto Ironman event takes place on Langkawi, a popular island resort destination in Malaysia.

It's tough not because of the course, which consists of a very warm swim, a rolling bike and a relatively flat run course. It's tough because it can get really hot, especially during the run.

How hot? In 2001 temperatures that reached 43 degrees Celsius (which is very close to 110 degrees Fahrenheit for anyone who thinks in those terms).

Russell Clarke, a member of Wymondham AC and Tri-Anglia, travelled to Malaysia to take part in this incredible human achievement triathlon.

Russell, who trains with both clubs and has previously joined the elite of the triathlon world in the ironman series, excelled once again in the three disciplines - the swim came first 3.8km, next the cycle leg 180km and finally a full marathon 42km. Total time 11hrs 55minutes.

Russell's finishing position was 157 out of the 466 finishers.