MEMBERS of Amazing Feet Running club took part in the UK Athletics Challenge at Sennelleys Park, Birmingham, which was the first race in the 2005/6 cross country season.

Unlike other races in the league, all divisions take part in the opening event, creating a field of more than 700.

For the first time since joining Birmingham and District League, four years ago, the club fielded two teams in Division Four, and finished eighth of 15 clubs.

Captain Shaw Pye led the way with 17th place in 43 minutes 29 seconds, followed by Craig Lewis (42nd 45032), Martin Howles (46th, 46-14), Simon Jarosinksi (64th, 48-7) in his first race for the club John Amos (69th, 48-52), Mark Pearman (72nd, 49-4).

The second set of athletes finished fifth of six teams in the B team competition: Nic Hyde (89th 51-2), David Pye (96th, 51-35), Neil Cutler (119th, 54-17), Simon Gregg (131st, 56-32), Roger Canavan (136th, 57-49), Lindsay Pulley (149th, one hour 4-15).

The club's ladies also began their league season at the same venue, with Sarah Armstrong, Rachel Ward, captain Sarah Lewis and Kirstie Dunn taking part.

Richard Baker competes in the first of six races in Centurion Running Club's winter Grand Priz, a five-mile race around parkland. The event took place in pouring rain and strong winds on Sunday, but Baker finished the course in 43-22.