Record Broken!

A cool showery day in the heart of the Black Mountains with show-goers scurrying for shelter from the heaviest downpours. The fell race field of 54 included seven local youngsters who persuaded the organiser they could get round in one piece, and indeed Solar Buckler did that so well, he finished in fourth place!

At the front, Dan Sandford from the Forest of Dean club ran strongly to head Mynydd Du's Tom Mollekin by 52 seconds, with Pont y Pwl's Jonathan Like in third.

Women's record holder Helen Brown of Mynydd Du chased hard but young Sophie Horrocks of Rossendale Harriers came in a minute ahead to break Helen's record by just one second, with Ruth Pickvance in bronze position.

The organiser, and indeed the runners, are grateful to Joc Dodd, Jane Bayliss, Rob Brown, Geoff Bayliss and Syd Wheeler for marshalling out on the hill in the rain, while Syd also scuttled back down to help record the finishers.
Dick Finch

Registration/HQ has moved this year and will be in Electric Mountain rather than The Heights. Registration will be open from 9am. All other details as previously advertised.

For the first time, the fell race was held alongside the Llanfrynach Village Fete, facilitated by a slightly different start and finish location to previous years. This was welcomed by the majority of runners as it shortened the formerly hideous road section at the end of the race, and provided ready access to burgers, hot dogs, bacon baps, and splendid cakes.

The race attracted an international field (with runners from both England and Wales). The men’s prize was won by Jim Webb of Team Bath AC with a commanding lead of nearly six minutes. The battle for second place was a much closer run thing with home club favourite Richie Johnson of Mynydd Du coming in just 15 seconds ahead of a fast descending Sam Ryhall of Pontypridd Roadents.

Meanwhile, Helen Marshall of Aberystwyth AC maintained a lead of around 90 seconds over Dee Jolly of Sarn Helen from the summit to the finish to claim the lady’s prize, with Hayley Evans of Buckley Runners just another 27 seconds back.

A new category record was set by David Vaudin of Team Bath AC in a time of 1:31:36, taking over two and a half minutes off the previous M60 best.

After the race those competitors with energy still left to burn were able to participate in a variety of exciting agricultural games. The Mynydd Du team were sadly lacking their 600 kg Welsh Champion (Ian Whistance of Grosmont) and performed poorly in the tug-of-war. However, a special mention should be made of Evan Ryan, who despite losing nearly a pint of blood from his nipples during the race managed to win the gate hanging contest in some style.

A superb race again, but the author hopes for a great deal more rain, mist and mud in future editions.

James

The North Wales Fell Running Series graced Clawddnewydd on Saturday 29th July For the annual 10km Push Up The Pincyn race. 46 of the region's finest fell runners set off in good cool running weather. There was a faller within the first mile from the start when Neil Dalleywater (Clwydian Range Runners) had negotiated the big bale but within yards badly twisted his ankle. 14 hours of waiting in A&E later it's confirmed he's broken his ankle. Get well Neil.

The remainder of the pack negotiated some really boggy sections after torrential rain the previous night. This didn't deter many from giving some truly brilliant performances especially on the now very slippy climb to the Pincyn summit in the heart of Clocaenog forest.

But there was no catching eventual winner Matthew Roberts (CVFR) who managed to maintained a 2 minute lead over ever fresh Colin Donnelly (Cambuslang). Close on their heels was 18 y.o. Billy Swift (Mercia) for a well deserved 3rd.

4th in and therefore 1st lady was Miranda Grant (Eryri) who tussled to the wire with club mate Emlyn Owen, but he did get 1st vet 40 for his efforts.

More great efforts included Menai Baugh (Denbigh Harriers) who looked suitably surprised to get 1st O50. Dick Evans had a worthwhile journey up from Cardiff AAC to take V70 from regular winner John Morris (Buckley). Coming in behind tho' was 1st local lad Oliver Bean, taking 2 minutes off last year's effort. But best result was for the very last runner Celia Free (U/A) who still managed to secure 3rd F40!

Jez Brown leading the field out at the start

Jez Brown coming around the final bend towards the finish

Nicola Davies coming up the final hill

After a day of torrential rain on Friday and a not very good forecast for the Saturday I was pleased to be able to mark out the course in the dry. 48 runners took part in the race to the summit of Gyrn Moelfre and back to the Community Centre. Leading the way was Jez Brown from Buckley Runners in 43:07 followed by four Oswestry Olympians with Simon Barkley and Peter Jones taking the podium positions. The first lady home was Nicola Davies of Maldwyn Harriers in a time of 54:06. followed home by Eleanor Robinson of West Cheshire Athletics Club and Charlotte Hunter and unaffiliated runner. The rain stayed away for the duration and the Community Centre had a good turn out for the local fayre. I would like to the thank the locals and club members who marshalled or booked in runners, undertook the timing and recording and generally helped to make a great event.

The picture below shows the winner receiving the John Rowlands Memorial trophy from Oswestry Olympians chairman Alec White with race organiser Ray Pickett on the left.

Ray Pickett       Race organiser for Oswestry Olympians

write up by The Grubbaloid’s (Race Organiser’s) not very glamorous, under-paid assistant

Dire warnings of donner und blitzen, monsoonal downpours and plague of frogs didn’t quite materialise for the annual jaunt up Waun Fach. The 59 steely competitors laughed in the face of a couple of fleeting rain showers and just got on with the job in hand – slogging up and down a big hill – with some along bits too.

At the pointy end, Dominic Jones from Mercia took the lead in a super-quick time of 47 minutes and 35 seconds, mirroring to the second, the course record set by Matt Stott from MDC in 2014. Hugh Aggleton from MDC (returning from injury) steamed up Castell Dinas to finish a trifling 16 seconds behind. Jim Webb from Team Bath was a couple of minutes behind the leaders in 49.57.

Super speedy Welsh International, Anna Bartlett from Baston Hill Salad Dodgers was first female in 57.13 – clearly not dodging enough salad. Her club-mate Ollie Parry was 6th overall, so the club name must indeed be ironic. Helen Brown, having had a 3 hour warm up (having arrived at 11, thinking the race started at 12 instead of 2pm), vented her frustration in fine form by taking the second spot in 58.06. I had witnessed a good battle between her and Helen Marshall from Aberystwyth AC up to Waun Fach, but Helen Brown’s legendary descending skills bagged her an extra couple of minutes on her rival, and Helen Marshall took the 3rd spot. BUT – clearly it’s all about 4th place…

1st Male Vet 40 and 4th overall (such a good position to finish in, 4th…) was Paul Murrin from Chepstow Harriers, fresh from his victory on a mountain bike at the recent event in Chepstow Park Woods. 1st Male Vet 50 was Peter Sowerby, and 1st Male Vet 60 was David Smout from Mynydd Du. Les Williams was 1st Male Vet 70.

Female Vet 40 prize winner (behind Anna and Helen who are in that age that category) was Lisa Jeffrey from Chepstow Harriers – knocking off over 4 minutes from her time last year – and she claims she can’t descend for toffee… 1st Female Vet 50 was some old bugg*r (who also came 4th don’t you know). There were no Vet 60 ladies.

Andy wanted me to specifically mention that his renown generosity extended, not only to giving prizes, but also to providing one strawberry to each competitor – yes, that’s right one strawberry per competitor. Those transgressing (taking more than one) were taken outside the riding stables and seen off by a Colt revolver. Rona has since fessed up to taking two. I’m not fessing up to consuming half the punnet.
Andy also wanted me to mention that the Waun Fach fell race is a classic horseshoe route, that has a delightful descent along the Dragon’s back, which feels so good to canter down, just like running through a meadow of poppies in soft focus. But, we know all that – so back to the interesting stuff, like who else pinched all the strawberries and are gonna get it. Oh, he did also provide some home-made cakes of the highest quality, carefully concealed in Tescos everyday value packets. He provided water too – and not even from the tap – actual bottles of water – presumably left over from the Severn Bridge half marathon. This will teach him to get someone else to write his reports.

He also wanted me to mention the sadistic ‘knoll’ to finish – but I’m sure those that aren’t still in therapy don’t want to be reminded about that.

Big big big thanks to our stalwart marshals for standing atop the col/summits, with a devil-may-care attitude to what horrors the weather would throw at you. Thanks for your cheery support – and hopefully you were offered at least two strawberries back at race HQ for your troubles. Dimitri was col marshal and I do believe he experienced some inclement conditions. However, Sue and Gerry somehow managed to avoid getting wet at all – they must have been very good in a previous life. Thanks also to Rob Brown for parking cars, John Darby for sweeping, and Lisa for Registration duties. I’ve also been asked to thank myself. I believe this is for co-registration duties, filling out the labels, entering them on the results board, doing the prize giving, entering and publishing the results on Facebook after cooking Andy’s dinner…., so a bl**dy big thank you to me. I’m still waiting for my promised second punnet of strawberries.

Apologies for the curious incident of the appearing and disappearing provisional results on the WFRA Facebook page. This is down to combined incompetence of both Andy and I to make any sense of Excel. Next year the results are going on parchment.

Thank you all for coming – the end.

On Wednesday night an impressive 115 runners turned up to battle it out on the hills behind Llanferres at the Druid race. The route saw them climb out of the village behind the Druid pub before enjoying a leisurely trek across fields to Foel Fenlli. This steep sided iron age hill fort now provides runners and walkers with the opportunity to take in the fantastic views the Clwydian Range has to offer without the hustle and bustle sometimes found on its neighbour Moel Famau.

The weather couldn’t have been better for running and we were blessed with sunshine all evening.

First back in a superb time of 34.43 was Stephen Corbishley from Rossendale Harriers, well done Stephen. Second place, and 1st V40, went to Adan Gordon from Helsby in a time of 36.05. Not far behind in third place was Tony Wood in 36.30.

Male V50 was won by Ed Gamble from Cheshire Hill racers in 37.11. V60 went to Neil Hindle from WFRA in a time of 46.16, & 1st V70 went to John Morris from Buckley runners in 50.46.

There were some equally impressive times from the ladies with Buckley runners Hayley Evans crossing the finish line first in a time of 40.57. Hayley was followed by Laura Hughes from Helsby running club in 43.15, Laura was also the first V40 so well done. Third place went to Ceri Belshaw from Denbigh Harriers who was less than 30s behind Laura in 43.44.

There was only one other age group winner for the ladies with Karen Forster being the first V50 across the line in 44.03.

Thanks go to Sam and the team at the Druid Inn Pub for allowing us to use their facilities and provide us with liquid refreshments. The race couldn’t have taken place without the marshals who turn out to all of our races. We didn’t expect this turnout and so a large chunk of the proceeds will soon go to a local good cause.

We look forward to seeing you on the hills again soon. Gareth

Report and Results

Ed Davies winning MV60 at the finish

For once we were able to put up the registration tent without getting blown over. In fact a perfect day was unfolding for almost everyone at the Pen y Fan Race.

In the junior race, Jimi Eldridge set a new course record in 7:33, with second-placed Holly Love also finishing inside the old mark of 07:48. Juniors turned at "the boulder" before the stile this year, to avoid getting tangled up in the queues for the stile, but that would only account for a few seconds - so well done both. And Jimi reaches the age where he can enter the Senior race next year.

It was pretty warm and close for the seniors, though partial cloud cover provided some respite from a baking sun, and conditions underfoot were perfect.

Dan Doherty of Mynydd Du led strongly to the summit and for most of the descent, but a slightly wayward line across the squidgy bit allowed Michael Corrales to nick it in a time of 36:23. Dan finished 9 seconds behind, with last year's winner Sam Bevan in 3rd place in a time of 37:35.

Helen Brown (née Fines) of Mynydd Du, possibly stoked up from her encounter with "the Velothon" on the way to the race, won the ladies race for a remarkable eighth time in 45:16, ahead of Gemma Moore and Hayley Evans.

Last year Gary Gunner smashed the MV70 record and we thought the new mark would stand for years. Not so! John Morris of Buckley Runners took another 47 seconds off it to finish in 56:15. We've still never had a female over 70 finisher at Pen y Fan, so that particular record stands wide open.

The men's team prize was won by Mercia - the young Starling boys and the slightly more mature Ed Davies proving an unbeatable combination. Mynydd Du won the ladies team prize by a wide margin, Helen Brown backed up by Rhian Probert and Rona Davies, who also won FV40 and FV50 respectively.

One runner experienced severe heatstroke, collapsing at the finish and requiring hospital treatment overnight. We've now heard he's been discharged ok, and is almost ready for his beer and cakes. It was impressive to see fellow runners working together to help, with GP, mountain rescue, and military experience all emerging, race winner Michael Corrales fetching the casualty back to registration in his 4-wheel drive, and Natalie Taylor taking him onwards to hospital. Thanks to everyone who helped out - it could happen to any of us.

The usual big thanks marshals and helpers: Mike and Tony Law at the summit, Helen Flower at the stile and for home-baking, Sally Law on registration and cake making, and John Chidlow for timing.

Thanks also to race sponsors Brecon Brewing and Pete Bland Sports, whose contributions of beer, numbers and prizes were appreciated as always.

Crispin and Naomi

The morning was warm, clear and fine, with a touch of breeze. At 2pm, 37 competitors lined up, and Spiderman sounded the hooter for the start. Off the runners went, out through the car park and on to the road through the village of Rowen, before 300m later, turning rights and the start of the ascent, first on tarmac up to the youth hostel, before levelling out a bit up along the old roman road to Cae Coch, and then after climbing the stile, up the grassy bank and then the rocks to Tal y Fan summit. The runners then benefited from the recent sunny weather, as the usually boggy bit was not too boggy, allowing for quick runs across the moors to the Penmaenmawr stone circle.

Along the North Wales coastal path for a stretch before another right turn, and an uphill section (avoided by those running with heads down, who went left past the Old Llangelynin Church and down to the scout camp) back towards Rowen youth hostel, (except for those who failed to turn left over the wall and did a detour back to Cae Coch before realising their navigational error), and it was then downhill all the way to the finish back at the Carnival. Gavin Roberts, Paul Jones, Matt Lewis and Emlyn Owen had a close run race at the front of the field, with Gavin pulling away after the bridge (CP5).

A big thanks to all our marshals and helpers, Mike Blake for sweeping up at the back and keeping the tail enders on the right track. Next year we may put up a few more arrows for the navigationally challenged.

Helen and Doug Blair       Race Organisers

After several days of gloomy weather it was great to see the short good weather window arrive just in time, the skies clearing in the early morning hours to give brilliant blue skies & excellent visibility.

56 runners gathered at the start line, no kit check but please take what you'll need & they were off towards Moel Siabod. By now the wind had increased & clouds were beginning to gather, this could be a close call.

Some 20 minutes in Mike Blake, marshalling at the top style, radio'd in, Lloyd Taggart's got a hell of a lead, must be 2 to 3 minutes at least! The race was set as Mike again radio'd a similar message during Lloyd's subsequent descent, he would go on to win in 52:09 (also Ist M. O.40) beating Sam Orton (54:33) into 2nd by two & a half minutes. Indeed Lloyd was bathing in the Afon Llugwy before Sam ran across the bridge to the finish. Dylan Griffiths came in third in 56:09 (also 1st M. U40).

The leading woman was Eryri's Sarah Harley who finished in 1:06:44 (1st F. U.40) nearly a minute ahead of Gemma Moore, 1:07:28. Megan Hughes was third in 1:09:01 to also be first woman O.40 as well as first local (man or woman).

In the Male O.50's there was stiff opposition with the first three being 7th, 8th & 9th in the race placings, it was to be Rob Downs (1:01:26) who triumphed over Russel Owens by just 11 seconds with James Downs in third.

Male O.60 had a clear winner in Iwan Edgar in an excellent 1:06:55 some 7 minutes ahead of his nearest contender Nic Bradley.

Onto the other women categories despite her protests at the prize ceremony Ellie Salisbury did indeed win the O. 50's in 1:23:50 so well done Ellie & once again Maggie Oliver won the O.60's in 1:34:33. At least I won't be typing that next year as she'll be in the O. 70's, sure I'll be excused for letting that cat out of the bag!

We did just sneak it with the weather as a heavy shower let itself loose on the later finishers by which time they were all off the higher slopes, we had been lucky for yet another year.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the 9 Marshalls who helped, thank you guys & of course to Dorina & Marion at registration & Gaby for her Goulash reward which greeted the runners at the finish.

Finally thanks to the organiser's of the Capel Curig show & last but not least the runners themselves.

New date is Saturday August 5th. Start time is the same, 2pm. Full details on the website. website.

After several days of gloomy weather it was great to see the short good weather window arrive just in time, the skies clearing in the early morning hours to give brilliant blue skies & excellent visibility.

56 runners gathered at the start line, no kit check but please take what you'll need & they were off towards Moel Siabod. By now the wind had increased & clouds were beginning to gather, this could be a close call.

Some 20 minutes in Mike Blake, marshalling at the top style, radio'd in, Lloyd Taggart's got a hell of a lead, must be 2 to 3 minutes at least! The race was set as Mike again radio'd a similar message during Lloyd's subsequent descent, he would go on to win in 52:09 (also Ist M. O.40) beating Sam Orton (54:33) into 2nd by two & a half minutes. Indeed Lloyd was bathing in the Afon Llugwy before Sam ran across the bridge to the finish. Dylan Griffiths came in third in 56:09 (also 1st M. U40).

The leading woman was Eryri's Sarah Harley who finished in 1:06:44 (1st F. U.40) nearly a minute ahead of Gemma Moore, 1:07:28. Megan Hughes was third in 1:09:01 to also be first woman O.40 as well as first local (man or woman).

In the Male O.50's there was stiff opposition with the first three being 7th, 8th & 9th in the race placings, it was to be Rob Downs (1:01:26) who triumphed over Russel Owens by just 11 seconds with James Downs in third.

Male O.60 had a clear winner in Iwan Edgar in an excellent 1:06:55 some 7 minutes ahead of his nearest contender Nik Bradley.

Onto the other women categories despite her protests at the prize ceremony Ellie Salisbury did indeed win the O. 50's in 1:23:50 so well done Ellie & once again Maggie Oliver won the O.60's in 1:34:33. At least I won't be typing that next year as she'll be in the O. 70's, sure I'll be excused for letting that cat out of the bag!

We did just sneak it with the weather as a heavy shower let itself loose on the later finishers by which time they were all off the higher slopes, we had been lucky for yet another year.

Of course none of this would have been possible without the 9 Marshalls who helped, thank you guys & of course to Dorina & Marion at registration & Gaby for her Goulash reward which greeted the runners at the finish.

Finally thanks to the organiser's of the Capel Curig show & last but not least the runners themselves.

Hottest day yet for the twelfth and last Darrens Dash Hill Race, Longtown

Temperatures in Longtown village were pushing 26 degrees celsius by the start time of 2 pm. Undeterred, 72 adults, 53 children and one dog (with its owner) turned up to tackle a range of race distances. For the adults the ridge promised a gentle cooling breeze but you had to get up there first, the Olchon brook provided a great cooling dip for canine and human alike before and after the race.

As ever the race could only happen with the generosity and good will of local farmers and sponsors. A particular thank you to Jean Price, Rob and Julie Bevan, Richard and Doris Prosser and Gerald and Mary Morris who allowed us to have access to their land for the event, moved stock and opened gates to let the event run smoothly. Our main event sponsors were Dorinda Watkins from Celtic Vale (who provided water bottles for all the runners and sponsored the event trophies) and Richard and Arlene Clare from Lower Turnant Farm who generously sponsored the event t-shirts. Lots of other individuals and companies sponsored raffle or event prizes including Hopes of Longtown, Mailes the Butchers, Bartonsham Farm Dairies and Yeomans Coaches. A highlight for many runners are the superb tea and cakes made by members of the school and pre-school community and their families. This year was no exception. Once again Longtown Mountain Rescue Team provided their invaluable Mountain Safety cover for the event.

Prior to the start we used the ‘hook’ of National Togetherness day to remember Joe Cox and all the other people whose lives had been torn apart by the acts of the extremists. We also remembered running colleagues who has passed away.

After a warm up lap of the event field the Darrens Dash route took runners steeply up through Cayo Farm and to the Rhiw before entering Wales and being rewarded with magnificent views of Llanthony Abbey, Pen y Gadair Fawr and the Vale of Ewyas. There wasn’t much time for enjoying the views however as the 552m trig point on Hatterrall Ridge was soon reached and then it was all downhill, reversing the ascent route from the Rhiw. Newcomer to the race Sam Mayglothling of Wye Valley Runners ran a confident race from the start and crossed the finish line in a time of 46 mins 20s, just over a minute clear of last year’s winner Dan Sandford of FODAC (47:48). Third in was Leyton Fleet (also of FODAC) who crossed the line in 48.31. In the ladies event Rona Davies (Mynydd Ddu) won in a time of 62:04. She was chased in by Debbie Stenner of FODAC (62:31) and Julie Caseley of Malvern Joggers (64:23). Congratulations to Toby Pearson of Walterstone who came 4th in 49:47 and won the first local’s prize.

In the Castle Canter children’s races, 53 children took part. Many children from Longtown were joined by children from the Forest of Dean, Malvern and Cross Ash. All were awarded medals and were given ice lollies as they crossed the line.

Rona Davies from Mynydd Ddu club won the Ladies Race in a time of 62:04 echoed the view of many runners when she said:

“Thanks so much for putting on an excellent race. First time for me. Really enjoyed the whole event. Tea and cake very much appreciated. Oh and that ice lolly at the end was amazing and revived me after a somewhat hot race. …….. Big thanks to all the marshals and helpers.”

Upwards of £1000 was raised to split three ways between Longtown Mountain Rescue Team, Longtown PTFA and Longtown Pre-School.

Thank you to all those of you who have supported the event over the years – much appreciated.       Mike Fawcett       Event organiser

Wednesday’s conditions were not the best for a fell race, with temperatures reaching 27.5oC on the car thermometer on the way to the race HQ. The forecast for the evening was hot with a chance of showers, and that wasn’t wrong. The thunder rumbled across the Bryn Alyn peaks during registration, eventually finishing with a heavy downpour 15 mins before the start.

The hot and humid conditions however did not put the 79 runners off this year’s challenge of ‘the Beast’, with the hot and humid conditions resuming just before the start horn.

First back for the men’s race was Lowrence Eccles from Penny Lane Striders in an impressive time of 38.40. Second placed was Jez Brown in 39.06, also taking the V40 win, in a time of 39.06. Third male on the night was Rossendale Harriers runner Steven Corbishley in 39.22.

The male V50 price went to Paul Shannon from Tattenhall runners in 48.36 , V60 was Robert Wood from Liverpool Penbrook in 50.44and Buckley’s very own John Morris took the V70 win in a time of 55.26. In the ladies race Laura B Hughes from Helsby finished in first place, also taking V40 win, in a time of 50.30. Then, only 6 seconds later, Susan Fairie from Chester Tri finished in a time of 50.56. Third place was taken by Karon Forster of Spectrum Striders in 51.20,with Karon also taking top spot in V50.

Buckley runners maintained their position for most turned out club, taking the prestigious prize of a sack of potatoes.

Thanks to the Miners Arms, all the helpers and marshals that without races like this would not be able to take place, and the continued support from NEWSAR and WFRA.

I hope to see you all soon out on the fells, happy running, Dan.

Please note car parking is no longer located at the village hall car park but at a new location even closer to the start line. Please follow the parking signs in the village of Longtown. Post race showers will be available at the Outdoor centre. 60 pre-entries have been received but plenty of entry on the day spaces are still available.

The relatively small turnout for this new race, organised jointly by Eryri Harriers and Cybi Striders, didn’t stop us from having a fantastic day. The weather may have lowered the numbers but it certainly didn’t lower the mood of the 19 hard-core runners or the dedicated marshals and helpers. Heavy overnight rain meant the rocky course was mostly water-logged and very slippery in sections. This didn’t prevent the lead runners from setting a blistering pace out of the country park, along the coastal path and up into the rocks of the mountain. After a bit of jostling for position early on, the lead runners stayed close to eachother all the way round. Michael Corrales of North Wales Road Runners was the eventual winner, just pulling away from Gavin Roberts of Gog Tri to cross the finish line in a time of 53.16, with Gavin coming in less than 30 seconds later in 53.40. Third was Craig Jones of Eryri in 59.08, maintaining good current form to claim the V40 category too. Dylan Huws of Eryri took the V50 category finishing 9th overall in 1.04.39. First lady over the line was North Wales Road Runners’ Gemma Moore in 12th place in a time of 1.10.33. And Eryri stalwart, Ellie Salisbury, claimed the ladies V50 category in 1.24.20.

A huge thank you to Wil Stewart of the Breakwater Country Park for his support, all the Cybi Striders gang for their invaluable help with the planning and organisation, and all the marshals for braving the elements. See you all next year.

I have had a call from the lady that runs the Miners Arms as Maeshafan.

Due to an electrical problem the pub will be shut for repairs for 7 days. As we don’t have race HQ we have decided to postpone the race by two weeks.

The new date is Wednesday 21st June, start time 7:15 pm.

Sorry for any inconvenience caused and we hope to see you on the 21st, ready to tackle the Beast.        Happy Running        Dan.

A bank holiday weekend, and a boiling hot Friday was followed by a night of thunder and a cool, damp Saturday race day. Visibility was often poor on the hill tops, and unsurprisingly a few mistakes were made, not least by the leaders.

After 16k of hard running and three big climbs and drops, the race was decided by a sprint round the final bend in sight of Cwmdu village hall - Builth's Robin Woods pipping MDC's Sam Gregory by a hair's breadth. Buckley's Jez Brown took third. Women's winner, Helen Brown, came to Cwmdu with no intention of running, but was persuaded to sign on by the Mynydd Du sisters. Buckley's Hayley Evans and Rhian Probert (Mynydd Du) were close behind. Age cat leaders were Alice Bedwell, Joc Dodd, Peter Dyer, Mark Palmer, John Aggleton, Gary Gunner.

The men's winner chose Air Ambulance as the charity to receive his half of the takings, while the women's winner chose a dog rescue charity. Grateful thanks are due to marshals Kay Lucas, Martin Lucas, Rob Brown, John Darby; to Niki Morgan on registration, Andy Creber for car parking, Paul Dodd for timekeeping/results, and Gill Stott for catering duties.

Although no race records were broken, the race entry of 59 equalled those of the previous two years: maybe some sort of record?       Thanks       Dick

Again many thanks to the Golden Lion Inn for a warm welcome and for allowing me to run the race from their Inn and of course a big thank you to all who helped on the day because without you these events would not happen. This year I changed the course slightly at the end to make life easier for the results team, which meant the last climb was not as high and the run off to the finish was not as steep. Comments on the day about the race were much appreciated and I hope you all enjoyed your run. First home was – Richard Roberts 37.30 and 1st female home was Ceri Belshaw in 50.36 Proceeds from race will be donated to charity.

The race was held one calendar month earlier in the year than the inaugural race in 2016 due to the encroaching vegetation onto the trails.

61 competitors started the 6.2km long race (with over 300m ascent) at the foot of the Rockwood Riding Centre access road on the warm but cool Tuesday evening awaiting the Race Director's briefing. The route climbed to the top of Craig yr Allt on its eastern flanks before descending down an indistinct trod to the north. The participants then contoured the northern hillside before ascending a re-entrant, running along the ridge and down to the Taff Trail through trails, paths, fields and woodland. Following a short section on the Taff Trail, the participants crossed a stream, ascended a very steep field used by 4x4s and then descended into the Nant y Brynau valley. The next kilometre ascended the valley floor through woodland before climbing the steep northern valley side and finish in the Mountain View Ranch.

Ben Mitchell (MDC) outclassed the rest of the field and smashed the course record set by Peter Ryder by 2m 41s. He also finished the race 3m 42s ahead of second place Matt Stott (MDC) in a time of 27m 09s. Thomas Burden finished third 24 seconds behind Matt.

Helen Brown (Mynydd Du) set a new female record of 35m 50s (faster by over 2 minutes) by beating the previous record holder Clare Dallimore (MDC) who herself ran over a minute faster than the course record she set in 2016. Anna Lewis finished a brilliant third – she was surprised and delighted to receive a prize at the prize giving ceremony!

Age category winners:
MU23 – William White (MDC) 34:46
M40 – Chris Medcalf (San Domenico) 35:14
M50 – David Place 37:04

FU23 – Hannah Knight 45:38
F40 – Helen Brown (Mynydd Du) 35:50
F50 - Alice Bedwell (MDC) 39:45 (over 2 mins faster than last year!)

MDC won both the Male and Female Team Prizes.

The Race Director would also like to the landowners for enabling the use of their land - both public footpaths and private sections. A big thanks to the marshalls, helpers, sweeper and photographers too: Dawn Davies, Gill Stott, Martin & Kay Lucas, Jane & John Aggleton, Keri & Pauline James, Phill Thomas, Richard Cronin, Martyn Driscoll and Marcus Pinker.

The Race Director would like to remind all that the race is suitable for the younger generation over the age of 14. Why not drag some along to the 2018 Summer Event?       Regards        Gary

SORRY CANCELLED

A stunning day thanks to all the marshals and helpers, possibly South Wales toughest race! See you all next year       Emma

After yesterday's rain had gone the sun was shining on moel wnion and even with other local road races in the area as well as the Yorkshire 3 Peaks on the same weekend if was great to welcome 64 runners to Ysgol Llanllechid for the race. A great day seemed to be had by all (well I enjoyed myself) and some amazing performances were on display across the categories. Congratulations to Chris Richards (Bangor Uni) and Becki Law (Eryri) (1st M & F), Sam Orton and Ruth Metcalfe ( Both Eryri V40s), Russell Owen (Eryri) and Ali Thomas (v50s), Derek Weaver (Eryri - v60) and John Morris ( Buckely - v70).

Chris tore up the course (quite literally given the state of his legs when he crossed the line) closely followed by Callum Davidson (also Bangor). These guys were running seriously quickly in their first wnion race, no surprise when you hear that they are ex-England juniors and current U20 runners going for GB vests, and reckon they can go quicker next year now they know the faster lines (if they don't face plant)! In the womens race, Becki Law seemed to be demonstrating the benefits of a winter at altitude by flying down the cart track to win ahead of Gemma Moore and Ann-Marie Jones.

Thanks to the long list of people who helped up on the hill and to everyone at the school. The race is run with the school as a fundraising event, with lots of people from the local community giving up their time to help with children’s races or help in the kitchen as well as marshal the main race. The prizes also came from the area, with the Bethesda Pottery shop making bespoke mugs and goblets. Once again, it was a great day for the local community, with everyone already looking forward to next year!

Photos from the race (from Steve Jeffreys) can be found on the link from the race facebook page at www.facebook.com/rasmoelwnion or at Steve’s pages directly Steve's Pages       Thanks Ross Roberts (race organiser)

Registration for the race will close at 12:50 as it is a 10 minute walk to the start from the Golden Lion Inn.

Please allow time to register and get to the start.