Moel Siabod 2014 Race Report

Once again we were blessed with a glorious sunny day for the third year in a row. Clearly Capel Curig's reputation for rain needs to be reappraised. Great turnout of 111 runners were rewarded with no mandatory kit requirement, thanks to Ross Powell for his guidance, clearly the correct decision as skies continued to clear.

Last years winner Felipe Jones of Aberystwyth A/C led the way up the initial forest track but had slipped to second behind Eryri's Math Roberts by the time they reached the summit halfway point, this in approximately just 32 minutes. Things were to turn around on the descent though with reports of Felipe jumping Gazelle like (Marshalls words not mine) it was his familiar stride which first came into view at the Finish line.
Felipe's winning time was 47:53 & secured him a third victory in the last 4 years.

In a comfortable 2nd place was Math Roberts in 48:40 followed by a remarkable run by John Spill in 50:59. John is just 16 years old & looks like being a star of the future. Martin Cliffe, winner in 2012 & runner up last year came in 4th in 52:47 making it 3 in the top 4 for Eryri. Onto the Women's category, Andrea Rowlands held a slight lead on Jackie Lee (both Eryri) at the summit. As they made up overall places on the descent it was Jackie who prevailed to come home 1st in 56:12. She is now unbeatable in this years British Championships. Andrea secured second spot in 57:49 continuing her remarkable comeback after giving birth just a year ago. In 3rd with a time of 61:06 was Caitlin Rice of Glossopdale Harriers.

Finishers headed for a cooling dip in the Afon Llugwy, then off to the Capel Curig Festival field where Gaby's Goulash & Sandwiches from the Tyn y Coed awaited them. At the prize giving Ross received warm applause before he announced the Category winners, MU.18 John Spill, MU40 Felipe Jones, MO40 Martin Cliffe, MO50 Dafydd Roberts, MO60 Alan French, MO70 John Morris, FU40 Jackie Lee, FO40 Andrea Rowlands, FO50 Emma Collins & FO60 Maggie Oliver. First Local was Leo Scheltinga in 58:04, 20th overall, winning the Mike Cousins Memorial Shield. We also had two competitors in the Junior Race, Mike Spill winning the U12's & Gethin Davies the U14's.

To cap a wonderful day a team of Male Fell Runners took on the locals in a tug of war. Amazingly despite their efforts in the race itself they came from behind, largely due to their 'appointing' a manic coach who I will not name & shame here, to prevail 2:1 victors to great cheers & laughter all around.

As ever may I thank all the Marshalls as well as Team Dolly for their radio support. Paul Hodges