Fifty-one athletes from various clubs across North Wales and beyond lined up for the 6th annual running of the Pipe Dream Fellrace at Dolgarrog. With clear skies, cool air and firm ground, the conditions were as good as perfect, although at a distance of 5 miles and 1700 feet of ascent and descent covering rough and technical terrain, this is a tough hill run for anyone.

Coming off the back of an excellent win at Moel Y Ci a fortnight earlier, Menai Track & Field runner Tim Lloyd showed his strong current form by forging a clear lead from the rest of the field as they climbed the first mile beside the large water pipes rising steeply from the village.

Despite a strong run by second placed Matthew Fortes of Eryri Harriers, he led throughout the race to take the win in 37 minutes and 25 seconds. Neal Hockley followed up a minute later in third slot. Being over 40years, Lloyd was also the veteran winner, comfortably beating vet clubmates Craig Jones and Paul Jenkinson, finishing 4th and 5th overall respectively.

The ladies’ turnout was low this year, but that didn’t stop a solid performance from previous three times race winner Andrea Rowlands of Eryri in 41.19. However the result wasn’t exactly guaranteed as she was beaten to the summit by Eryri newcomer Tammy Lewis-Jones, who despite many years experience as a runner, was taking part in her first fellrace. The downhill experience of Andrea shone through as she overtook and opened up almost a minute gap by the end.

Eryri’s Ellie Salisbury followed up in third, also taking the 1st veteran slot, with Melanie Williams of the Mysteruns of Abergele in 2nd.

Other results - Vet 50, Arwel Lewis, Eryri, way out in front of second V50 Ross Powell. Barrie Wells of NWRRC in third.
Vet 60 – Don Williams, Mike Blake, Francis Uhlman.
Ron Hird the only Vet 70 showed he can still tackle a tough course and finish strong.

The race was sponsored by RWEnpower at Dolgarrog Power Station. All proceeds from the race to go to the Dolgarrog Community Centre.