This was a new race in the WFRA calendar conceived by Gary Davies following a request by the WFRA Committee for more winter fell running races in South Wales. Gary trains regularly on the hills of Cardiff and started exploring potential new races on The Garth, Craig yr Allt or Caerphilly Common. Following successful discussions with the landowners of Craig yr Allt, Gary decided to organise a race there.

The weather forecast promised a dry race but the hills north of Cardiff seemed to experience a freak weather system during the race. The 83 starters were forced to endure heavy rain, intermittent sleet and a bitingly cold wind during the 6.2km 370m ascent race which summitted the hill twice. It was dry immediately before and after the race!

The race started at the foot of the access road to Rockwood Riding Centre (from Blackbrook Road) and took the most direct route to the summit before traversing off the path towards the north. The runners then had to run a long muddy flat section, then make another ascent to the ridge before descending towards the Taff Trail via the technical descent near the zig zags by the mast. The subsequent Taff Trail section enabled the road runners to stretch their legs however this was followed by a long ascent to the summit before a short descent to the finish near the northern edge of the Common Land boundary.

Chris Jones (MDC) and Peter Ryder (Brycheiniog) had a great duel at the front of the pack with Chris pipping Peter to the finish line by 5 seconds in a time of 29m 30s. Thomas Burden (Ind) finished in third in a time of 32m 58s. In the ladies category, Alice Bedwell (MDC) ran a fantastic race to finish in 1st place closely followed by Evita Gonzalez Szamocki (Westbury Harriers) in a time of 38m 42s. Niki Morgan (Chepstow Harriers) finished in 3rd.

MV40 Winner - Richard Johnson (Mynydd Du)
FV40 Winner - Niki Morgan (Chepstow Harriers)

MV50 - Peter Sowerby (Brecon AC)
FV50 - Alice Bedwell (MDC)

MV60 - Steve Littlewood (Hereford Couriers)

Gary would like to thank all the volunteers and marshalls who endured the cold and wet conditions, particularly the Lucas', Dallimores, Dick Finch, John Chidlow, Mike Richards and my wife Dawn. Apparently, it was the worst conditions they'd endured since Mynydd Troed in April 2012!

Runners and volunteers subsequently warmed up in the new canteen and coffee shop at Mountain View Ranch who kindly let us use their parking facilities for the large field of competitors. Gary would also like to thank the landowners Tony and Alison Dascombe who granted permission for using their land for the race.
Thanks      Gary Davies