Friday night saw the final round of the Dash in the Dark series return to the forest trails of Coed Llandegla. The biggest field so far in the series warmed up for what eventually turned out to be the most tricky and coldest of conditions so far in the series. In the days leading up to the race, the forest had its fair share of fresh snow, but with the final inspection of the route late on Friday morning, the go ahead was given for the massive field of 191 runners to set off into the deep dark forest. The runners did set of slightly later than planned, delayed only due to some late course alterations to ensure that all runners safely returned for their well earned hot soup and tea.

First home in the ladies field was Kirsty Steddon of Chester Tri in a time of 33:13, Helen Davies from Wrexham Tri came home in second place ladies with 33.20 and Sarah Rhyder from Wrexham Tri third with a time of 33.58. Sarah also defended her overall lead in the series and won the best female overall.

In the mens category, and for his first time competing in this years series, Stephen Skates, u/a, came over the line with a blistering time of 25.30. The course record holder, Karl Steinegger from Ambleside AC, came in for a second place time of 25.44, closely followed by Thomas Hiles, u/a, coming in third with 26.39 on the clock. Karl’s consistent efforts over all 3 of the races in the series saw him take both best male overall and also maintain his 6.Km off road course record at 25.15.

Nine runners competed for Clwydian Range Runners with Paul Stinton 30:35, Neil Coppack 32:48, Chris Wilcox 34:29 ( 1st male 60 ), Dave Stephens 36:37,Rebecca Roberts 37:29 Eifion Matthias 37:45, Wayne Thomas 47:40, Susan Ridings 49:10 and Karol Howard 57:52.

Many thanks goes to all the race marshals and helpers for their help and support over the race series and to those runners that gave up their race on the night to marshal due to the high numbers that entered on Friday.

A massive thanks goes to One Planet Adventure for hosting the series.

Full results can be found on the website clwydianrangerunners.com
Keep an eye out for future events with a summer race planned for the summer solstice.