Mixed weather conditions, but good visibility prevailed for this year’s Gladstone 9 race, which had 56 finishers, all of whom seemed to have enjoyed the route, the views & the post-race flapjacks. The rather hot & humid conditions at the start were probably responsible for no records having been broken, but there were, none the less, some impressive finishing times.

Four Eryri men finished in the top five positions, with Iwan Morton finishing in a time of 1.19.19, James McQueen (also 1st O40) was second, Paul Jones was third & Arwel Lewis (also first O50) was fifth. NWRR’s Mark Davies was fourth. Martin Cortvriend of Denbigh Harriers won the O60 category.

There were also four Eryri ladies in the top five female positions, but Shropshire Shuffler’s Val Swingler (also first O40 & 10th overall) finished first in a time of 1.29.05. Andrea Rowlands was second, Clare Dallimore third, Louise Emery-Jones fourth & Jenny Williamson fifth. Eryri’s Ellie Salisbury was first O50, closely followed by her Diabetic Assistance dog, Elsi, who won the canine category!!

Our sincere thanks go to Team Dolly, who provided invaluable radio communication between checkpoints, and all the many marshals and helpers, without whom we would not have been able to safely organise the race. We were very grateful for the generous sponsorship from Fletcher Poole Estate Agents & Benard’s Gallery, which enabled us to present framed photos of local mountain views as prizes for the winning male & female, & to Tony Hulme at Running Bear, who, as always, provided us with a good deal on kit for the rest of the prizes. We also owe a huge vote of thanks to the staff of Gladstone pub for their hospitality and cooperation.

We are pleased to be able to report that Ogwen Mountain Rescue & Diabetes UK will benefit from our profit.
Ellie Salisbury, Maggie Oliver & Alex Fletcher

PS We are very impressed to note that Michael Belshaw (who finished 6th overall) & David Owen (3rd O60) both finished in good positions in yesterday’s Brecon Beacons Race. A long category race followed by a medium category race back to back – I hope they had lots of flapjacks!!!