Mixed weather conditions, but good visibility prevailed for this year’s Gladstone 9 race, which had 59 finishers (& Ellie’s Diabetic Assistance Dog, Elsi) all of whom seemed to have enjoyed the route, the views & the post-race flapjacks -including Elsi who raided supplies when she thought no-one was watching!

Five Eryri men finished in the top ten, with Matt Fortes winning in a new record time of 1.15.17, Ambleside’s Hugh O’Donnell second in 1.17.39 & Chris Near third/first local/first M40 in 1.17.56. Buckley’s Simon Edwards was fourth/second MV40, John Parkinson fifth /third MV40 with Eryri’s Chairman Craig Jones finishing sixth in 1.19.25. Pete Gardner was first M50, Wilmslow’s Tony Hulme first M60, & Eryri’s Emyr Davies first M70.

There were also four Eryri ladies in the top six female positions, but Shropshire Shufflers’ Val Swingler finished first/first O40/ninth overall in a time of 1.28.59, 6 seconds faster than last year. Andrea Rowlands was second - we’ll forgive her for being a few minutes outside her record, which still stands, since she gave birth to her first baby only 6 weeks ago! Becky Law was third, Altrincham’s Anne-Marie Jones fourth/first F60 in a splendid time of 1.40.58, Wilmslow’s Jane Saunders fifth/second F40, Megan Hughes sixth & Ellie Salisbury first F50.

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 particularly pleased that James McQueen felt fit enough to marshal at probably the most remote part of the course – we decided to make the most of him while we could – no doubt he’ll be back racing next year! We also appreciate the fact that Al Tye of www.fellrunningpictures.co.uk & Pete Douglas provide their invaluable photographic services every year.

We were very grateful for the generous sponsorship from Fletcher & Poole Estate Agents, & support from Bernards Gallery Craig y Don, enabling 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 remaining prizes. We also owe a huge vote of thanks to the staff of the Gladstone pub for their hospitality & cooperation, & for providing a meal voucher for the first local’s prize.

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