CYNGHRAIR MYNYDD GAEAF DE CYMRU

SOUTH WALES WINTER HILL SERIES

2006-2007

RACE 4: TOR Y FOEL: 13^TH JANUARY 2007

REPORT

Let’s face it, January in the Brecon Beacons is never going to give balmy sunshine, but the wind, rain and low cloud that swept across the Talybont valley were severe even by the wild standards set by previous races in the South Wales Winter Hill Series. Nevertheless, 51 hardy souls/total nutters turned out to fight for the valuable league points.

The race consists of a flat-out dash from the centre of the Talybont reservoir dam to the top of Tor y Foel and back, via some muddy fields, felled forest and open mountain. Conditions were such that our intrepid summit marshall, Kay, was blown over on the top, and decided wisely to turn the runners back about 50 feet below the summit. Nobody complained.

Local hero Mark Palmer showed us how it should be run with an inaugural (short course) record of 19.17, with Helen Fines first lady in 23.21 in 10^th place overall. Everyone else finished safely, with various layers of mud and blood, and post race entertainment consisted of a mass break-in of Gary's car to retrieve his keys – good job Mark P's a fireman!

OGB