The cool conditions proved ideal for the runners and many were pleased with personal best performances.

But the walkers caught the worst of the weather, however many were still smiling as as the water dripped off boots and waterproofs at the finish.

Almost 300 people took part in the event – 169 runners and 119 walkers.
A spokeswoman for organisers Wooler Running Club said: "There were good competitive performances in both the walk and the run, however the only record broken this year was the amount of tea bags used.

"The kitchen lassies were kept busy with the teapots all afternoon. Sadly the rain stopped everyone from spilling out onto the lawn, though most seemed to cope with the cosy conditions inside."

In the run, Iain Twaddle, of North Shields Poly, stormed round the route, taking the marshals at Langlee Crags by surprise with his early arrival.

He crossed the line in a time of 2hrs 45mins 6seconds, tears joining the rain and sweat on his face as he realised he had followed in his father's footsteps with a victory in the Chevy Chase.

David Kirkland, of Alnwick Harriers, took second place in 3:01:50 sportingly congratulating Iain before drawing breath.

Alastair Horsefield, of Gosforth Punters, loped in to match his last year's third position in a time of 3:05:53.

Once again, the veterans ran well with Garry Owens V50 NFR taking fourth place and Peter Rooney V40, from South Shields, in fifth.

Peter Whewell, of North York Moors AC, won the V60. The team trophy was hotly contested between Saltwell Harriers and NFR with Gary Owens, John Duff and Geoff Scott winning for NFR by five points.

First local prize went to Wooler Running Club favourite Harry Porteous.
Despite concerns about route finding, Rachel Vincent, of Tynedale, never faltered and finished in a time of 3:19:22, ninth overall and first woman home.

Veronique Oldham, of Norham, was second and first V40 with a time of 3:32:30. Katherine Davis, of NFR, was third in a time of 3:45:18. Diana Jelley, of North Shields Poly, took the V50 prize. Alison Wright from Wooler Running Club was first local lady.

Len Glen-Davison, of Breamish Wanderers, drove himself hard round the 20-mile walking route to cross the line in first place, he was also first V50. In second place was Glen Cartner in 4:56:06 who was also a V40, he was closely followed by Darren Eccleston of Alnwick Harriers in 4:56:29.

Previous Chevy winner Jim Scott, of Norham, won the V60 trophy. The first local home was Tim Matthewson, of Breamish Wanderers, knocking over 30 minutes off last year's time.

The ladies cup was this year shared as Angela Huddleston V50 and Fiona Mckenzie V40 amicably finished together in 4:53:09, nine seconds over the record, this also placed them second overall.

In third place was Joyce Guthrie in 5:10:50. Kathleen Dallinson, of NFR, took the V60 trophy despite a last-minute change from the run to the walk. Angela Huddleston was the first local woman. The team trophy this year was again won by a women's team, The Cheviot Angels – Angela Huddleston, Fiona McKenzie and Joyce Guthrie with 15 points.

The Geordie Douglas Memorial Trophy is presented to the oldest and boldest competitor and was won by Norman Dodd, who at 73 strolled round in 6:50:01.

The Alan Gardener Trophy, which celebrates the spirit of the Chevy was presented to Gordon Reaveley, LDWA a longstanding Chevy Chaser.

A special prize of a Jim Kearney photographic panorama of the Cheviots was presented to Jim and Alison Blair who have been coming to the Chevy for the past 30 years – Jim to stride in the hills, Alison to slave in the kitchen.

The organisers thanked the 60 volunteers who carried out such duties as marshalling in the hills and serving refreshments, landowners, first aid help, communciations and sponsors.