This year’s race was contested in changeable weather, with competitors having to endure a mixture of sun, rain, and a brief but painful hail storm on the route up and along the Dolgarrog Power Station pipe. It was a good turnout, with a total of 80 competitors, with the furthest trecking from as far afield as Bolton. The course, which takes in the shockingly steep incline and steps which ascend from Dolgarrog to top of the mountain and back through woodland, was in good condition good for racing, although the descent was tricky in a few places due to the wet rocks.
The ladies record which has stood since 2008 (Anna Frost) fell to a visitor to the area, in the form of 2010 English Fell Champion Lauren Jeska of Todmorden Harriers. The 37 year old Jeska was actually 3rd overall, comfortably thrashing several of the quality local mountain men not used to having ladies in front of them! Having moved recently to Machynlleth we may see a lot more of her in North Wales Fellraces. Previous race winner on a number of occasions, Welsh vest Andrea Rowlands was second lady over the line, although she never threatened Jeska. The men’s winner was Martin Cliffe of Eryri Harriers, with a clear lead over the 2nd placed Fred Maier of BangorUniversity. Cliffe was also the first veteran male, whilst Maier was also the first in the under 23 category.
Michael Belshaw of Eryri led the Vet 50 contest by 3 minutes, whilst Ellie Salisbury was first lady 50. The well supported and hotly contested male vet 60 prize went to Eryri Mike Blake by some distance. He was most surprised at the prizegiving as he thought he was second!
Thanks to Team Dolly for once again supporting the race with marshals. All race profits go to Dolgarrog Community Centre.
Craig Jones.