LUDLOW runner Heulwen Gilbert says she feels proud to be crowned the individual women’s champion in the Herefordshire Cross Country League after blitzing through the opposition.

The 19-year-old, who represents Ludlow Runners, sealed the title at the final event in Presteigne with a time of 37.07 – 42 seconds ahead of Wye Valley Runners’ Laura Tootell.

Her success means she became the first woman outside of Herefordshire to win the series.

The Presteigne race was held over a demanding course, but Gilbert took control it from the start .

She soon built a decisive lead and was able to relax to coast to her fourth successive win.

The Ludlow star only entered the series at the second round stage in Croft, but after winning that stage, she did not look back.

“I feel proud to have won the league and to have be representing Ludlow runners,” said Gilbert.

“When I did the first race at Croft, I was quite shocked to have won and then I decided I wanted to do the rest of the races to see if I could grab the overall victory.

“As time went on I started to believe that I could win overall.”

Gilbert, who studied at Wigmore High School and Ludlow College, competed in some races last season, but felt she was more fitter this time round to mount a challenge.

“I am doing cycling which keeps me fit and I’m doing more training,” said Gilbert.

“I train three or four times a week for cycling and that has helped.”

Gilbert is in her first year at the University of Birmingham studying sport and exercise science.

Since starting there, she has taken part in a few races, but admits she prefers cycling.

“I am in a local league in Stourport and you have to get 12 points to get up to the next category.

“I have got 11 and the last one was on Saturday.

“But the results haven’t been put up yet, so I don’t know how well I’ve done.”

It is not only Heulwen that is doing well in the Gilbert family.

Her twin sister Eilish also competed in the Herefordshire Cross Country League and finished second behind Heulwen in the junior women section.

Heulwen said she likes competing against her sister.

“I enjoy going to races together and its a nice thing to do together when I’m back from university for the weekend,” said Heulwen.

“I think my family was happy to see me win and they were glad I did the races as it meant I could come home and see them for the weekend.”

Both Heulwen and Eilish were awarded medals for finishing in the top three in their age group.

The Gilberts helped Ludlow Runners finish third in the team category in the final race, with the honours going to Croft Ambrey.

But Croft Ambrey could not take home the league title for a second successive year after being pipped by Wye Valley Runners by just a point, with Ludlow Runners finishing third.

Croft Ambrey also took home the team honours in the men's section at Presteigne, but the league title went to Hereford Couriers.

Maldwyn Harriers, in their debut season, were second, with Croft Ambrey settling for third.