A counter in the inov-8/WFRA Open Welsh Champs and the WFRA North Wales Series (sponsored by Cotswold Outdoor)

7.6km / 4.7m; 533m / 1749ft

 
Pics by Dave Pinnington

38 runners contested the 1st Llangynhafal Loop organised by Brian Evans in January 2000; among them were Graham Spencer, Mike Blake, Danny Jenkins, Ross Powell, Peter Norman and Tim Cahill, all of whom turned up to competed in the 14th Loop. Brian organised the race for seven years and I have been doing it for another seven so it's time to hand over to someone else!

This time round there were 140 starters led by Mercia's Tim Davies, hotly pursued by Shaun Godsman of Calder Valley over from Lancashire for the weekend.The lead changed hands but Tim's speed eventually brought him in over half a minute ahead. the fact that this year the race was a championship counter (Welsh Athletics as well as the WFRA!) brought runners from all over Wales including third placed Pete Ryder from Brychieniog, lady's winner (and new record holder) Lauren Jeska from Aberystwyth plus 15 competitors from local club Denbigh Harriers.

Many thanks for Mary on entries, Duncan telling people where to go, Yiannis who swept everybody the right way, Sue, Dave, Rob, Gareth, Karen, Jenny and Huw who marshalled and Tony, Bob, Jon, Kay and Vicky at the finish plus Rod who helped with the results board. Hope I've not left anyone out!

Martin Cortvriend