The fifth running of the Craig yr Allt Winter Fell Race was greeted with threats of heavy rain. Whilst registration was a little damp, the race was greeted with only a cloudy dry sky and a temperature of 5 degrees Centigrade. 92 participants signed up for the race; many familiar faces but also several new faces that were keen to give fell running a go. This was the perfect race for them. Like in previous years, the organiser had signed the 6.3km course to enable those that cannot read a map to participate.

The race organiser and other volunteers spent approximately 8 man hours leading up to the race day, cutting back the dense vegetation which had advanced onto the race route to enable this race to go ahead. The mild winters in recent years is causing race organisers another challenge!

Despite the most slippery course conditions in the five-year history of the race, Peter Ryder (Clwb Rhedwyr Brycheiniog) won the race in 30m 00s which was only 50s slower than his course record set in 2015 when it was dry; a fantastic effort. Daniel Bodman (Aberdare) was over a minute behind (31m 03s) and Andrew Tuckey (Bridgend AC) finished third in 31m 16s.

Helen Brown (Mynydd Du) was the first lady, followed by Katie Ironside (nee Roby) and Niki Morgan (Mynydd Du).
The male team prize (top 3) was awarded to Mynydd Du (Chris Chambers, Rhys Pippard & Paul Tucker) and the ladies team prize (top 3) was also awarded to Mynydd Du (Helen Brown, Niki Morgan, Rhian Probert).

It was also great to see the first junior participant in the history of the race; Rhys Owen Lloyd was 17 and won the Male Under 18 category. Please encourage over 16s to enter the race in the future.

Category winners included:
MU18 – Rhys Owen Lloyd, Roberttown Road Runners M40 – Andrew Tuckey, Bridgend AC (Prize to 2nd – Jonathan Williams)
M50 – Jeff Wherlock, Lliswerry Runners
M60 - John Aggleton, MDC
M70 – Les Williams, Rhedwyr Eryri

FU23 – Megan Tucker
F40 – Helen Brown, Mynydd Du (Prize to 2nd – Rhian Probert, Mynydd Du)
F50 – Niki Morgan, Mynydd Du (Prize to 2nd – Ruth Pickvance, Mynydd Du)

The race organisers would like to thank all the marshalls, volunteers, landowner and Mountain View Ranch for their time and generosity.       Gary & Dawn Davies