Clear blue skies greeted the 71 runners who turned up for the 33rd running of the (in)famous South Wales 3 Peaks fell race, which this year was the second counter in the W.F.R.A South Wales Race Series. Despite the relatively benign weather conditions, there was still plenty of compacted snow on the higher slopes, especially on the never ending climb up the face of the Blorenge and past the masts – this accounted for the generally slower times.

Whilst crampons would have been helpful on the climb up the Blorenge, a number of runners would also have benefited from use of a wet suit, as there were tales of deceptively deep pools of water on the tracks immediately above Blaenafon, resulting in a few competitors taking an unexpected and unwelcome ice bath.

Once the race started ‘proper’ – on the bridleway before the open fell below Crug Mawr, Hugh Aggleton, MDC took the lead and held it consistently throughout the race to finish in a commendable 2:15, somewhat 7 minutes slower than his previous PB. Hugh was using this race as his last serious effort before the London Marathon later this month.

In second place, with a time of 2:20 was race stalwart and first M40, Mark Palmer, Mynydd Du (who along with Ben Gibbison and Sean Taylor won the men’s team prize), closely followed by Simon Barnby in third, a newbie to this race, but certainly a name to look out for in future.

Turning to the ladies, the race was won by Liza Barry of CLC Striders in a time of 2.52 with Louise Barker, Aberystwyth and Katy Roby, MDC close behind. Mynydd Du’s Emma Bayliss, Sam Toop and Sharon Woods won the female team prize.

Age cat. prizes went to Adrian Woods, Gary Gunner, Lou Summers and Sharon Woods.

Thanks as always to Chris and Dimitri for organising this wonderful ‘daddy’ of all South Walian fell races and of course to the marshals, helpers and supporters and the ever trustworthy John Chidlow.
Andy Blackmore.