THE Groggy Doggy Cross-Country race took place over Outney Common on Boxing Day, with an event record of over 150 competitors lined up at the start.Organised by the Bungay Black Dog Running Club, the event was a fairly relaxed and very jolly affair held on a sunny but chilly day.

THE Groggy Doggy Cross- Country Race took place over Outney Common on Boxing Day, with an event record of over 150 competitors lined up at the start.

Organised by the Bungay Black Dog Running Club, the event was a fairly relaxed and very jolly affair held on a sunny but chilly day.

Competitors ranged from serious contenders for the much-coveted prizes to those who came dressed as elves just out to burn off their Christmas puds!

There were also dogs of all shapes and sizes lined up with their owners, barking with the excitement and anticipation of it all and clearly ready to drag their handlers over the ups and downs of the common - not to mention through the water and mud that came with it.

The runners were all set off on their way by John Groom, Bungay Town Reeve, who had kindly agreed to start the race, but by his own admission had come feeling rather over-dressed for the occasion.

The course proved to be tough with plenty of mud and water to negotiate.

A total of 147 competitors completed the run and despite the conditions, most came in with a smile on their face and mud just about everywhere else.

The fact that some runners got immersed up to their necks in icy cold water due to falling off the submerged bridges, resulting from the risen water levels from melted snow in the River Waveney, is also worth a mention - especially as they kept going!

One such runner was Tim Topper of Norfolk Gazelles with his dog, Poppy. They were first to cross the finish line in a very respectable time of 15:44.

For the juniors, congratulations go to Kieran McMorran of Bungay Black Dogs who was first male overall to cross the finish line in a super time of 17 minutes 26 seconds.

Claire Caiger of Ipswich Harriers was first female overall in a time of 18:09 - well done to them both.

In the adult race, congratulations go to Craig Hopkins of Swansea Harriers first male to cross the finish line in 29:14 and to Nickki Neil of Belgrave Harriers first female, in a time of 37:03 - well done to them also.

John Warnes, Bungay Town Mayor, kindly attended and offered his support to the runners and presented the prizes.

The club wishes to extend its thanks to everyone who helped to make the race a great success but especially John Groom, John Warnes, Waveney Trucks and the Outney Common owners.

This race is just one of several organised by the Bungay Black Dogs.

For details of the club's other races, click on www.bungayblackdogrunningclub.co.uk