| Pen Y Fan Saturday 13th July Results
The hottest day of the year attracted 111 runners to Pen y Fan, the first half of the Brecon Fans Races. Morgan Barnes won the junior race with Lois
Flower not far behind, and curlie wurlies were enjoyed by all.
In the main race, Harold Wyber from Springfield Striders (Chelmsford!) was first to the summit in 24:32, with Hugh Aggleton a
few paces behind, but expert negotiation of the tricky section from the summit onto the steep slope saw Hugh nick the lead,
holding on to finish 23 seconds ahead in 34:13.
Felipe Jones set the fastest decent of the day with 08:32, but this was not quite enough to catch Harold and he had to settle
for third. A wobbly finish from Martin Shaw, suffering badly in the heat, secured 4th overall and 1st V40. Paul Jeggo from
Springfield Striders improved on last year’s time to win the V50 category, and newcomer Mike Warrick from Rhayader AC was
1st V60 with the third fastest ever time for the category.
In the ladies race Niki Morgan of Chepstow secured a clear win with club mate Vanessa Lawson in second, Andrea Frost from
Macclesfield Harriers taking 1st V40. Teresa Butchers from Tiverton won the v60 category, just failing to get under the
hour as she had hoped, but still finishing halfway up the ladies field.
With many strong teams in the race, we initially awarded the men’s team prize to Springfield Striders… but once we’d hooked
Rich Johnson up to the right club we found the winners were actually Mynydd Du, with Martin Shaw (4th), Rich Johnson (7th)
and Sam Rhyall (15th). The ladies team was never in any doubt, Chepstow Harriers taking the honours with Niki Morgan (24th),
Vanessa Lawson (40th), Helen Duffield (90th).
Thanks to the marshals who had a hot time on the hills, plus all those who helped and baked to make the day a success. |
