MOUNTAIN RUNNING NEWS Ras yr Aran Sat 22nd March Llanuwchllyn Results

There was a record turnout for the Aran Race from Llanuwchllyn, near Bala on Saturday 22nd March. This race was the first counter in the 2008 Welsh Fell Runners Association North Wales Series as well as being the final counter in the Meirionnydd Winter Series.

Weather conditions were sunny intervals and hail showers. The course had to be shortened due to high winds and sheet ice and snow on the summits.
The race was won by Tim Davies of Mercia in a time of 58 minutes and 16 seconds. Richard Roberts of Eryri was 2nd in 58.17 and Mike Fanning of Borrowdale 3rd (also 1st over 40) in 59.51. The over 50 category was won by Graham McAra of Cheshire in 1.10.30 and first over 60 was Don Williams of Eryri in 1.16.06. The over 70 category was won by Peter Norman of Wrexham in 1.47.37

The ladies race was won convincingly by Helen Fines of Calder Valley in a time of 1.06.22. Anna Bartlett of Shrewsbury was 2nd in 1.13.52 and Andrea Roberts of Eryri 3rd in 1.14.58. First over 40 was Ali Thomas of Eryri in 1.23.12 and the over 60 category was won by Maggie Oliver of Eryri in 1.40.43.

The winner of the Meirionnydd Winter Series was Steve Gilliland of Bro Dysynni. The ladies winner was Sarah Ridgway of Eryri. Both received half a lamb courtesy of 'Organic Aran Lamb'

The Welsh Fell Runners Association Open / Welsh Championships commence next Saturday (March 29th) with the Pen Cerrig Calch race in south Wales. Full report