Well – what happened to the glorious weather which normally graces this race? We had rain, wind, mist, poor visibility – so it was just how I like it! Despite the inclement weather, 38 gallant runners started & finished the race (as of course did Elsi, the best Diabetic Assistance Dog in the world!). The feedback has all been excellent, with many comments about the interesting navigation across the ‘bog of doom’, the fantastic marshals, the post-race flapjacks & the amazing prizes. There was also great enthusiasm for Racetek, Fabian4’s partnership company, which provided the timing service. The results were on the computer screen at HQ as soon as the runners had passed over the line, as well as on the web for all to see. No hand writing names & times on sheets of A4 paper or even filling in spread sheets this year – long may it last!

The race was won by Calder Valley’s Math Roberts, in a time of 1:20:10, with NWRR’s Mark Davies , also first MV40, close on his heels in 1:20:26, & Mercia’s Steve Cale third in 1:21:07. There were four Eryri finishers in the top ten, with MV40 Johnny Moore finishing in sixth place in 1:24:20, second MV50 Russel Owen eighth in 1:26:29, James McQueen ninth in 1:29:29 & Gary Porter-Jones tenth in 1:29:52. Last year’s winner, Dark Peak’s John Hunt, was back on form after his injuries on the Peris to finish a in a fantastic fourth position, & first MV50 in 1:21:52. Fifth was Buckley Runners’ Simon Edwards, also second MV40, in 1:23:27. It’s interesting that like last year, there were only 6 senior men in the first twenty finishers. Where are all the ‘youngsters’?!

The first lady across the line was Pensby Runners’ Lisa Grantham, also first FV40 & sixteenth overall, in a great time of 1:36:14. The next two ladies to finish were Buckley’s Hayley Evans in 1:36:34 & Eryri Orienteers’ Delyth Darlington in 1:45:39 The first FV50 was yours truly, but there again, the race does take place in my fantastic ‘back garden’……! First local was Nic Brook of Penmaenmawr, fifteenth overall, in 1:36:03.

My sincere thanks go to my co-organisers, Maggie Oliver & Alex Fletcher, & to all the many marshals and helpers, who braved the weather & without whom we would not have been able to safely organise the race. It’s fantastic that Geoff Glegg, one of the co-founders of the original race, still turns out most years to help us. We are very grateful for the generous sponsorship & support provided by X-Ray Minerals, which enabled us to issue fantastic fossils as prizes. We also owe a huge vote of thanks to the staff of the Gladstone pub for their hospitality & cooperation, & for providing a meal voucher as a prize for the first local runner.

A small financial contribution will be given to the WFRA, & to Eryri Harriers, & I’m pleased to announce that we will be able to donate £100 to Siabod Café’s Reach out for Nepal Earthquake Appeal www.moelsiabodcafe.co.uk/nepal-charity-information .      Ellie Salisbury